Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is the rain and snow that runs off rooftops, roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces that are impervious, or cannot absorb water. This stormwater runoff affects water quality when it runs into yards and roads, collecting harmful pollutants such as motor oil, fertilizer, pet waste, and other items. This is known as a nonpoint source of pollution. Non-point source pollution is a contributing factor to many urban stormwater quality issues. Our stormwater is discharged into our creeks, streams, lakes, rivers, etc. The City of Berea is dedicated to keeping our water as clean as possible. Through regulation, inspection, and education, the city can lessen the impact on our watershed.
Understanding The MS4 Program
The Kentucky Division of Water regulates stormwater through the enforcement of the Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Their goal is to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed or dumped into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). Berea is a Phase II MS4 and is among many other areas in the state that are required to be compliant with stormwater regulations. The City of Berea is covered by a general permit issued by the state. Berea is required to develop and implement a stormwater management program to reduce the contamination of stormwater runoff and prohibit illicit discharges. This program consists of several requirements, referred to as the six minimum control measures and are as follows:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Participation and Involvement
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Runoff Control
- Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
Stormwater Design Manual
Permanent Treatment Practices (PTP) Fact Sheets
- PTP 3.4.1 – Sand Filter
- PTP 3.4.2 – Open Channel Systems
- PTP 3.4.3 – Wet Ponds
- PTP 3.4.4 – Constructed Wetlands
- PTP 3.4.5 – Infiltration Systems
- PTP 3.4.6 – Water Quality Units
- PTP 3.4.7 – Grease Management
- PTP 3.4.8 – Dry Detention
- PTP 3.4.9 – Oil Grease Water Seperator
- PTP 3.4.10 – Bioretention Systems
Erosion Prevention Practices (EPP) Fact Sheets
- EPP 4.2.1 – Construction Road Stabilization
- EPP 4.2.2 – Tire Washing
- EPP 4.2.3 – Construction Entrance
- EPP 4.2.4 – Buffer Zones
- EPP 4.2.5 – Temporary Seeding
- EPP 4.2.6 – Permanent Seeding
- EPP 4.2.7 – Sodding
- EPP 4.2.8 – Surface Roughening
- EPP 4.2.9 – Top Soiling
- EPP 4.2.10 – Mulching
- EPP 4.2.11 – Netting & Mats
- EPP 4.2.12 – Geotextiles
- EPP 4.2.13 – Terracing
Sediment Management Practices (SMP) Fact Sheets
- SMP 4.3.1 – Silt Fence
- SMP 4.3.2 – Rock Filters
- SMP 4.3.3 – Sediment Traps
- SMP 4.3.4 – Sediment Basins
- SMP 4.3.5 – Diversions
- SMP 4.3.6 – Filter Strips
- SMP 4.3.7 – Inlet Protection
- SMP 4.3.8 – Slope Drains
Appendix A
Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
Stormwater Resources
- Stormwater Complaint Form
- Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) Application
- Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) Self-Site Inspection Details & Checklist
- Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) Fact Sheet
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Review Checklist
- Land Management and Development Ordinance – Appendix E
- Site Development Plan Review Checklist
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Plan
- Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP)
- Stormwater Ordinance
- Silt Fence Field Guide
- Construction Entrance Erosion Control Guide
- MS4 Informational Brochure