What Is the MS4 Program?
A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is the public drainage system that collects and conveys stormwater through:
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Street gutters and inlets
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Underground storm pipes
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Roadside ditches and channels
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Detention and drainage infrastructure
To comply with state and federal regulations, the City’s stormwater program addresses six core areas:
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Public Education & Outreach
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Public Participation
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Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
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Construction Site Runoff Control
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Post-Construction Stormwater Management
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Pollution Prevention for Municipal Operations
These measures reduce pollutants before they reach local waterways.
Permits & Development Requirements
Construction and land disturbance activities can significantly impact stormwater quality.
Land Disturbance Permit
Required prior to grading or soil disturbance within the City.
State Stormwater Requirements
Construction sites disturbing one acre or more (or part of a larger common plan of development) must comply with the Kentucky stormwater general permit (KYR10) and implement erosion prevention and sediment control Best Management Practices (BMPs).
The City’s Stormwater Design Manual provides guidance on required BMPs and post-construction stormwater management standards.
Early coordination with the GIS Department is strongly encouraged prior to beginning site work.
Report a Stormwater Concern
Residents and businesses may report:
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Suspected illicit discharges
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Illegal dumping into storm drains
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Sediment runoff from construction sites
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Drainage concerns involving public infrastructure
Submit a Stormwater Complaint Form
All reports are reviewed and investigated in accordance with MS4 program requirements.
Stormwater FAQs
What is an illicit discharge?
Any discharge into the storm system that is not composed entirely of stormwater (with limited exceptions). Examples include dumping chemicals, wash water, or automotive fluids into storm drains.
Why is stormwater regulated?
Runoff can carry sediment, oil, fertilizers, trash, and other pollutants into local waterways. Regulation helps protect water quality and reduce environmental impacts.
Does the City maintain drainage on private property?
The City maintains public stormwater infrastructure. Drainage issues located entirely on private property are typically the responsibility of the property owner unless connected to public systems.
When do I need a permit?
A Land Disturbance Permit is generally required before grading or excavation within City limits. Larger projects may also require state stormwater permit coverage.
Contact the GIS Department before beginning earth disturbance activities.
How You Can Help
Simple actions make a difference:
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Do not dump materials into storm drains
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Properly dispose of oil, paint, and chemicals
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Clean up pet waste
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Minimize fertilizer use
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Maintain erosion controls on construction sites
Only rain should enter the storm drain.
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 Separator
- 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