Stormwater

What is MS4?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management administers a stormwater program that specifically targets local cities, towns, universities, colleges, correctional facilities, hospitals, conservancy districts, homeowner’s associations and military bases located within urbanized areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.  These designated entities or MS4s are required to develop a local storm water program. Valparaiso University operates under a general MS4 permit.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rainwater or melted snow run-off that flows throughout our property, the water becomes contaminated with various debris that it picks up along the way. Once it has reached a river, lakes, or streams it may affect the water quality and aquatic environment.

Why is this necessary?

MS4 is a federally mandated program to improve water quality. The state and federal requires our community to comply with this rule.  When it rains or when snow melts, stormwater flows through pipes and ditches and drains untreated into lakes, rivers, and streams, carrying pollutants with it.

What does the MS4 Program do?

The program implements stormwater quality practices to reduce storm water pollution and work to meet state and federal regulations.

Outline for MS4 Permit Compliance and Program Implementation

• MCM 1 & 2 – Public Education, Outreach, Participation, & Involvement
• MCM 3 – Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• MCM 4 – Construction Site Storm Water Run-off Control
• MCM 5 – Post Construction Site Storm Water Run-off Control MCM 6 – Good Housekeeping Pollution Prevention

Please address MS4 Program Questions to:
MS4 Coordinator – Aleshia Perkins
Aleshia.Perkins@valpo.edu
Phone: 219.464.5646

Helpful Links:

• Northwest Indiana Stormwater Advisory Group (NISWAG)
• Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)
• City of Valparaiso Construction Stormwater Ordinance