Building (or Rebuilding) an Effective Construction and Post-Construction Program

There may be several instances when it becomes necessary to build, or rebuild, an effective Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) construction and/or post-construction program. When a municipality is initially designated as a regulated entity, there is much work to be done. When new staff members are hired or new state permits are issued, it may seem like starting over. When the same violations and enforcement actions are constantly noted during inspections, it may seem as though portions of the program are not effective, or the message isn’t getting through. This session will provide examples of materials and methods utilized to increase the effectiveness of the overall construction and post-construction programs. Examples discussed will originate from communities with various populations, staffing levels, and budgets and will further include an overview of findings from regulatory program audits.

Full Abstract: There may be several instances when it becomes necessary to build, or rebuild, an effective Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) construction and/or post-construction program. When a municipality is initially designated as a regulated entity, there is much work to be done. When new staff members are hired or new state permits are issued, it may seem like starting over. When the same violations and enforcement actions are constantly noted during inspections, it may seem as though portions of the program are not effective, or the message isn’t getting through. This session will provide examples of materials and methods utilized to increase the effectiveness of the overall construction and post-construction programs. Examples discussed will originate from communities with various populations, staffing levels, and budgets and will further include an overview of findings from regulatory program audits.
The session is primarily intended for those newer to the MS4 regulations or those who may have recently begun working with a different MS4. However, those more experienced with stormwater regulations but wishing to evaluate or revise existing programs may also leave with new ideas and tools. Examples from the presenter will include compliance requirements and program components focusing on Ordinance and Technical Standards, Standard Operating Procedures, forms and documentation, and staff training. Additional inputs will include insight on points of potential confusion experienced and noted by developers and builders with projects in several regulated municipalities. Information presented will be based on the federal permit language with state specific examples provided. Attendee questions and personal examples will also be welcomed as an important part of the overall discussion.