Skip to main content

GEC Blog

MS4: Understanding Rules the Rain

Evaluating Your Stormwater Plan for Best Practices for Permit Improvements

Concrete flatwork for stormwater remediation

January 16th, 2020

We have no intention of trying to play God when the clouds release epic downpours of rainwater. Nor are we encouraging anyone to rebuild Noah’s Ark. We rest easy, however, knowing that our clients are well prepared with compliant stormwater management plans. We work with local governments and their municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) to ensure your stormwater management plans are in compliance.

Stormwater remediation is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater into streets, lawns and other sites, which may include the effort to provide potable water systems and improve the quality of collected water. Our stormwater remediation systems are engineered to include best management practices (BMPs) according to MS4 permit requirements which address:

  1. Discharge Detection and Eliminations
  2. Industrial & Commercial Facility Impacts
  3. Construction Site Runoff Control
  4. Education & Outreach
  5. Public Involvement & Participation
  6. Post-Construction Site Runoff & Retrofit Programs
  7. Pollution Prevention for Municipal Operations
  8. Stormwater Management Facilities

All of this criteria is defined in our site evaluation and design development phase in which we 1) collect site information; 2) develop a site plan design; 3) describe the construction activity; and 4) prepare a pollution prevention site map. From there we move into the assessment phase in which we 1) measure the site area, 2) determine the drainage areas, and 3) calculate the runoff coefficient which is an estimate of the fraction of total rainfall that will appear as runoff. As plans are develop our goals are always to protect the environment, the client, and the public.

From there we move to our control selection or plan design phase in which we 1) review and incorporate MS4s 2) select erosion and sediment controls such as stabilization through weeding and/or mulching; 3) select storm water management controls such as retention/detention ponds, infiltration or vegetation swales; 4) indicate the location of controls on the site map; 5) prepare an inspection and maintenance plan; prepare a description of controls; and follow-up with 6) a sequence of major activities ie. Installations, disturbance and stabilization activities.

Next is the certification and notification phase which involves certifying the PPP and submitting a NOI (notice of intent). Once the plan is approved for compliance, we start the construction and implementation phase which is also included in the SWPPP. This phase involves implementing controls, inspecting and maintaining controls, creating and maintaining records of activity, updating the plan as necessary, reporting releases of portable quantities, and providing the plan location and access.

Finally, to close out the plan is the final stabilization and termination phase in which final stabilization has been completed and a NOT (Notice of Termination) has been completed and submitted to EPA.

Stormwater remediation is another of the specialized services Green Energy Contracting provides. The ultimate goal of every soil management plan we build is providing a viable solution that avoids and eliminate potential problems all while protecting the environment from soil erosion and sediment disturbance, protecting the client from unwanted litigation charges, and protecting the public at large. This is how we are working bigger, better, and smarter at Green Energy Contracting, LLC.

Concrete pour for flatwork on a stormwater remediation project
Green Energy Contracting, LLC
1305 Highway 90 West, Holt, FL 32564.
(850) 537-4043 | GEContracting.com |

Media Contact: Rosanna Mollett; Phillips Capital; (850) 460-2601;

Contact Us