MS4 Program (1998 to 2002)

The USEPA 104(b)(3) grant final report was completed in 1999. Based upon findings from the grant process, the stream monitoring program was significantly redesigned and wet weather sampling was also included. This re-designed program was implemented in the second MS4 permit. The Beargrass Creek watershed and the Chenoweth Run sub-watershed of the Floyds Fork watershed were identified as excellent candidates for further study. These watersheds were selected because they presented significant land use issues, had long term reliable water quality monitoring data, calibrated HSPF models, and major municipal and citizen-based stakeholder groups.

The second MS4 permit was issued to MSD for the period of May 2000 till period May 2004. It was a four-year permit to coincide with the Salt River Basin cycle. Elements of second application included the following:

• Illicit Discharge Program
• Construction Site Runoff Controls
• Post Construction Controls
• Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention
• Public Education/Outreach Program
• Monitoring
• Reporting

Annual reporting is a requirement of the MS4, CSO and SSO programs. Up until 1999, MSD developed three separate such reports on an annual basis. As the programs evolved and the focus on watershed management became more prevalent, MSD began assessing ways to provide a more meaningful and coordinated overview of the three regulatory programs. The specific need was to be able to access information on a watershed basis. MSD entered into discussions with KDOW to develop a new reporting format that would incorporate the then existing programmatic reporting with the similar information on a watershed basis. Each of the programs had different reporting periods and required modification for a consolidated report submittal date. It was agreed that the proposed report would have a reporting period consistent with the MSD Fiscal Year, July through June, with a submittal date of December 31. In 1999, MSD and eight co-permittees committed to combine the reporting on the three regulatory programs. This combined reporting called WATERS (Watershed Approach To Environmentally Responsible Stewardship) allowed the regulatory agency to view activities both from a programmatic approach and from a watershed approach.

Related Links

Prior to 1988 MS4 Program Efforts
1988 to 1997 MS4 Program Efforts
2002 to July 2003 Holistic Watershed Approach

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