Summary

U.S. EPA published this new rule as final on 12/08/1999. Its effective date is 02/07/2000. The rule is the same Phase II discussed in 1990 when Phase I was issued. Phase I covered specific industrial storm water discharges, large municipal storm water discharges and construction sites over 5 acres. This rule essentially covers small municipal and other public storm water discharges and construction sites from one to five acres in size. Both rules require the development of storm water plans and best management practices (BMPs) to reduce the impacts of storm water discharges.

Who's Covered?

Public bodies that:

Have municipal separate storm sewers, including roads with drainage systems and municipal streets, that are not combined sewers and are not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works - the so-called MS4s
Are located in any area within a designated US Census Bureau "Urbanized Area" or UA. A listing in the Federal Register notice (12/08/1999) identifies the communities who are likely to be subject to the rule if they own any MS4s.

Most federal and state facilities are covered by the rule.

What will have to be done?

Public Education & Outreach
Public Participation/involvement
Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
Construction Site Runoff Control
Post-Construction Runoff Control
Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

Schedule of Events

12/08/2002
Permitting Authority Designates Small MS4s (with watershed plan)

03/10/2003
Date when industrial facilities owned by small MS4s must obtain permits

12/08/2003
Permitting Authority Designates Small MS4s (without watershed plan)