Measurable Goals Guidance for Phase II Small MS4s

OVERVIEW

According to the Stormwater Phase II Rule, small MS4 owners/operators must reduce pollutants in stormwater to the maximum extent practicable (MEP) to protect water quality. The regulations specify that compliance with the MEP requirement can be attained by developing a stormwater management plan that addresses the six minimum control measures described in the stormwater regulations. These six minimum measures are described in detail in a series of fact sheets developed by EPA. One component of the stormwater management program is to select measurable goals to evaluate the effectiveness of individual control measures and the stormwater management program as a whole.

This guidance¹ is designed to assist small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) operators to comply with the measurable goals stormwater permitting requirements. The guidance presents an approach for MS4 operators to develop measurable goals as part of their stormwater management plan.

Measurable goals allow permitting authorities to assess the effectiveness of stormwater controls (know as best management practices or BMPs). These BMPs and measurable goals should be key components of a MS4's stormwater management program.

WHAT CAN I FIND UNDER THIS TOPIC?

This guidance is divided into five main parts:

Part 1 provides background on the stormwater regulations and describes the regulatory context for developing measurable goals.

Part 2 outlines a process for MS4 operators to develop measurable goals to evaluate the removal of pollutants to the MEP and describes the relationship to other EPA requirements. This part includes a step-by-step guidance on how to design and select measurable goals.

Part 3 presents a number of examples of BMPs for each of the minimum control measures with corresponding measurable goals that will assure reduction of pollutants to the MEP.

Part 4 describes guidance on how to develop a stormwater management program that includes appropriate BMPs and measurable goals. This part also includes suggestions on how to conduct a self-audit and develop an action plan for implementation of the requirements set forth in the Phase II Stormwater Rule.

Finally, Part 5 describes environmental indicators that can be used to document the effectiveness of both individual control measures and the stormwater program as a whole.

Additional information on the requirements of the Stormwater Phase II Rule can be found in a series of fact sheets and a compliance assistance guide [PDF - 1,430 KB - 97 pp] developed by EPA.

¹The discussion in this document is intended solely as guidance. The statutory provisions and EPA regulations described in this document contain legally binding requirements. This document is not a regulation itself, nor does not it change or substitute for those provisions and regulations. Thus, it does not impose legally binding requirements on EPA, States, or the regulated community. This guidance does not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations upon any member of the public. While EPA has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the discussion in this guidance, the obligations of the regulated community are determined by statutes, regulations, or other legally binding requirements. In the event of a conflict between the discussion in this document and any statute or regulation, this document would not be controlling. The general description provided here may not apply to a particular situation based upon the circumstances. Interested parties are free to raise questions and objections about the substance of this guidance and the appropriateness of the application of this guidance to a particular situation. EPA and other decisionmakers retain the discretion to adopt approaches on a case-by-case basis that differ from those described in this guidance where appropriate. This is a living document and may be revised periodically without public notice. EPA welcomes public input on this document at any time.

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Last updated on October 30, 2007 11:23 AM
URL:http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/measurablegoals/index.cfm