Stormwater & MS4 Program
Stormwater is rainwater and snowmelt that flows over roofs, streets, parking lots, and other hard surfaces. Unlike sanitary wastewater, stormwater is not treated before entering local streams and waterways.
The City of Berea operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under a Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (KPDES) permit. The City’s stormwater program is designed to reduce pollutants in runoff, protect water quality, and support responsible development practices.
What Is the MS4 Program?
A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is the public drainage system that collects and conveys stormwater through:
- Street gutters and inlets
- Underground storm pipes
- Roadside ditches and channels
- Detention and drainage infrastructure
To comply with state and federal regulations, the City’s stormwater program addresses six core areas:
- Public Education & Outreach
- Public Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Stormwater Management
- Pollution Prevention for Municipal Operations
These measures help reduce pollutants before they reach local waterways.
Permits & Development Requirements
Construction and land disturbance activities can significantly impact stormwater quality.
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:
- Suspected illicit discharges
- Illegal dumping into storm drains
- Sediment runoff from construction sites
- Drainage concerns involving public infrastructure
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, except for limited allowable 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:
- Do not dump materials into storm drains
- Properly dispose of oil, paint, and chemicals
- Clean up pet waste
- Minimize fertilizer use
- Maintain erosion controls on construction sites
Only rain should enter the storm drain.
Stormwater Design Manual & Resources
The City provides additional stormwater guidance, educational materials, and technical resources to support stormwater management, pollution prevention, development review, and regulatory compliance.
Resources available include:
Design & Technical Guidance
- Stormwater Design Manual
- Permanent Treatment Practice (PTP) Fact Sheets
- Erosion Prevention Practice (EPP) Fact Sheets
- Sediment Management Practice (SMP) Fact Sheets
- Detention Pond Design Checklist
- Detention Pond Post Construction Checklist
- Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
Public Education & Outreach
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Flyer
- Only Rain Down the Drain Flyer
- Pet Waste and Water Quality Flyer
- Stormwater Program Brochure
Construction & Permitting
These materials support development review, stormwater compliance, public education, and best management practice selection. Additional guidance and technical resources may be provided upon request.