Stormwater Permit

Stormwater is rain and snowmelt that runs off the land and impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots and rooftops. Stormwater picks up oil, dirt, salt, fertilizer, pesticide, auto fluid and other chemicals en route to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). The MS4 system is a conveyance network of aboveground ditches, curb lines and underground pipes that are completely separate from the sanitary sewer system. This system leads to our local waterways. All stormwater that enters and leaves the MS4 is untreated. This means that all chemicals and pollutants stormwater picks up are eventually released into Michigan's lakes, streams and rivers.

To reduce pollution to waters of the state, road agencies (including RCOC), municipalities and businesses in the urbanized area develop guidelines for their organization to reduce pollution and submit their procedures in a stormwater permit every five years to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (MDEGLE). The MDEGLE stormwater permit requires the permittee to address potential pollution in six categories: public education, public involvement, illicit discharge elimination program, construction stormwater runoff control, post-construction stormwater runoff control, pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices. RCOC has developed stormwater management practices to prevent contamination generated on our facilities and roadways from entering the MS4 system.

For more information about the stormwater permit and RCOC compliance strategies, see the Public Education page.