Vermont Stormwater Permits

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General Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)

In November 1999 the EPA issued new federal stormwater regulations for the census defined metropolitan areas of less than 100,000 people called the Phase II Stormwater Rule. In Vermont eight municipalities with municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) are required to come into compliance with this rule. These communities are Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Milton, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston, and Winooski. Three publicly owned 'non-traditional' separate storm sewer systems were also designated. These systems are owned or operated by the University of Vermont, Burlington International Airport and the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The regulations apply to areas served by each MS4 that are located either within the Census Bureau urban census designated area or watersheds that are principally impaired by stormwater. Click here (jpg, 108 KB) to see a map of the areas.

Designated MS4's must submit to ANR by March 2003 a permit application showing how they intend to achieve compliance for six minimum measures. This permit has a life span of five years and is administered as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The Phase II Stormwater Rule was developed through a process of national stakeholder participation and represents a cost-effective approach toward addressing the problems caused by urban and suburban stormwater runoff to the nation's waters. There are six minimum measures required of each designated municipality under the Rule. These measures are: (1) Public Education and Outreach, (2) Public Participation/Involvement, (3) Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, (4) Construction Site Runoff Control, (5) Post-Construction Runoff Control and, (6) Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping.

The designated MS4 municipalities and the nontraditional MS4's have developed a regional stormwater education program (RSEP) for Chittenden County. More information about RSEP can be found at: www.smartwaterways.org/index.html

The designated MS4 municipalities and the nontraditional MS4's meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission in South Burlington.

Copies of the public notice, draft permit, and draft fact sheet can be obtained by downloading the documents below or by calling (802) 241-4320.