Municipal Separate Storm Water Sewer Systems

Rebecca S. Parkhill, guest writer

What is an MS4 Permit?

Municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is defined as a conveyance or system of conveyances otherwise known as a municipal separate storm sewer system, including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, manmade channels, or storm drains. Discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) are regulated under the Virginia Stormwater Management Act, the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit regulations, and the Clean Water Act as point source discharges.

The College’s storm water discharges are regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality via a MS4 (Small Municipal Separate Storm Water Sewer Systems) Permit. As part of the permit responsibilities, PVCC must submit an MS4 Annual Report to the Department of Environmental Quality to show that we are meeting our established BMP’s (Best Management Practices).

PVCC’s MS4 plan and annual report are submitted in accordance with 9VAC25-890-30 and 9VAC25-890-40 as part of the registration statement for permit coverage to discharge stormwater to surface waters of the Commonwealth of Virginia consistent with the VAR04 General Permit, effective July 1, 2013.

Why do I care about MS4?

Did you know that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish and that nearly every seabird in the world has eaten plastic, according to The Washington Post.

The goal of PVCC’s Stormwater Management Program is to ensure that stormwater generated on the College’s campus does not adversely affect surface or groundwater on campus or downstream. Moore’s Creek runs through PVCC to the Rivanna River, eventually reaching the Chesapeake Bay.

Any illicit discharge activity on campus, such as a motor oil spills or plastics and trash left on campus grounds, will impact these important waterways.

Just Google plastics in the ocean. What you find should disturb you.