Regional Stormwater MS4 Program

Stormwater is one of the leading pollution sources to local streams and is therefore a regulatory and quality-of-life priority for all local municipalities that are connected by our watershed.

The Regional Stormwater MS4 Program

The Regional Stormwater MS4 Program works by each MS4 pooling funds into a common account and working together (under the guidance of our Alliance’s expert technical and education staff) in order to deliver a diverse outreach program that meets the needs of targeted audiences. Fees to participate in the program are based upon the population of the MS4 or the combined population of co-permitted MS4s. The program has received high praise and recognition from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for the quality of its product and the thoroughness of its reporting. Our current membership and participating MS4s work as a team to accomplish shared goals and meet and exceed regulatory expectations under Rule 13, particularly as they related to Minimum Control Measures (MCM) 1 (Public Education and Outreach) and MCM 2 (Public Participation and Involvement) and outreach and training elements of MCM 4 (Construction Site Storm Water) and MCM 5 (Post-construction Storm Water Run-Off Control). Our nationally-recognized, fast-growing Clear Choices Clean Water public education and involvement campaign and its associated media promotions are cornerstone to the program, as are our Trained Individual Contractor Training and our Homeowner/Landscapers Training Seminar. Common messages across municipal lines are uniting our region and raising the collective awareness of stormwater impacts.

Why Cooperation is Important

The scale of the water quality and quantity problems in Central Indiana requires coordinated regional action and the engagement of thousands of citizens. Every community shares the same common sources of pollution and the critical need for cooperation in regard to managing water supplies. Common messages create bigger impact and allow us to engage many partners in the same call-to-action efforts. By developing and implementing a common stormwater outreach and engagement program under the Alliance, we are able to leveraged financial and communication resources across communities, as well as seek grants unique to non-profit organizations and leverage the reach of significant non-municipal partners like museums, universities, state parks, etc. We also help coordinate bulk buys of outreach materials at lower prices, team up on incentive programs, and share physical training resources such as our table-top storm drain model.

Schedule

The Program’s budget and activities are developed and delivered on a calendar year basis. It is possible for new MS4s to join mid-year at a pro-rated fee. For more information about the current year’s activities, annual fees, and/or joining the program, please contact us at info@thewhiteriveralliance.org.

FAQs