MS4 Permits

Stormwater runoff is a significant source of water pollution in Minnesota and the Rice Creek Watershed District. One of the ways federal, state, and local governments address stormwater runoff pollution is with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit program, or simply called MS4.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)

MS4’s are:

Required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Administered locally by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Specifically designed to reduce and prevent sediment and other pollutants from entering stormwater systems, lakes, streams, and other waterways.

RCWD participates in the MS4 permit program in two ways:

As a MS4 permit holder
As a resource for local MS4 permit holders

RCWD’s MS4 Permit

RCWD is considered a non-traditional MS4, because its MS4 permit covers the public drainage systems in urbanized areas. Traditional MS4 permit holders usually own or operate stormwater sewer systems which include municipal streets, storm drains, curbs, and gutters. Many RCWD communities are traditional MS4s.

RCWD’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP)

Part of its MS4 permit, RCWD develops, implements, and enforces a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). The SWPPP describes activities and practices that RCWD takes to reduce and prevent stormwater pollution. The public is able to make comments and hear RCWD present information on its MS4 permit during the annual public meeting held.

MS4 Educational and Outreach Resources for MS4 Communities within RCWD

The MS4 requires an education and outreach aspect. RCWD prioritizes supporting partners in their efforts to manage stormwater runoff by providing a number of resources to help improve stormwater management.

Resources Include:

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency MS4 Digital Document Library with guidance documents and example materials to assist MS4s.
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies. These studies are required for water bodies that are classified as impaired by the State when they do not meet State Water Quality Standards. RCWD’s focus is on nutrient impairments. However, there are times when the District may support partner organizations’ efforts to address other types of impairments.
To aid communities and stakeholders in determining if progress is being made towards water quality goals. The District also collects data through its water quality monitoring program, Water Quality page.
MPCA Smart Salting Training and Workshops
MPCA Turf Maintenance Training and Workshops
Use of RCWD’s utility inserts, brochures, displays, hands-on activities, newsletter articles, outreach toolkits, and other materials. More information on “Get Involved” page
Access to resources and workshops from our partners at Blue Thumb, MN Adopt a Drain program, Watershed Partners, Minnesota Water Stewards, East Metro Water Resources Collaborative, and other organizations.

Reporting Illicit Discharge

Illicit discharge is considered any discharge into the stormwater system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. This can include sediment, grass clippings, leaf piles, oil, gasoline, chemicals (paint, antifreeze, and pesticides), concrete washout, and trash.

Report spills of any substance under your control immediately

Call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798 or 651-649-5451 (available 24 hours)

Click here for Minnesota Duty Officer Program Information

RCWD regulates illicit discharge when it’s within our public drainage system in urban areas.

Contact RCWD if an illicit discharge is seen or suspected in the public ditch system. Direct phone 763-398-3070.

Cities also regulate illicit discharge in their stormwater systems. A city should be contacted directly when illicit discharge is suspected in or near a city stormwater system.