Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program

What is a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System?

A municipal separate storm sewer system, or MS4, is a system of pipes and drains owned by a municipality or other public entity that carries stormwater to local rivers, lakes or streams. It is not part of a combined sewer system, which carries both sewage and stormwater. When it rains, water flows over streets, sidewalks and yards picking up dirt and other pollutants. The storm sewer system collects this water and sends it straight to nearby waterways without cleaning it.

The City of South Bend’s stormwater management program works to keep local waterways clean by reducing the pollution that stormwater picks up and carries into storm sewer systems.

Common pollutants include:

• Improperly discarded trash
• Dirt or other debris from construction sites
• Oil and grease from roads
• Pesticides from lawns
• Pet waste

When these pollutants are carried into nearby rivers or streams, they can harm the water. This can make the water less suitable for recreation, contaminate drinking water resources and damage the habitats of fish and wildlife.

If you see a possible violation, report it online or call 311.

Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP)

Municipalities that manage stormwater need to create a plan called a Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP). This plan helps reduce pollution in stormwater, which can harm water quality, human health and the environment.

Part C of the SWQMP is a document that outlines priorities, goals, and actions the City will take to improve water quality. It must cover six main areas called Minimum Control Measures (MCM). Each MCM must explain what will be done, when it will happen and how to measure success. These goals should lead to real improvements in the environment.

The six Minimum Control Measures are basic rules for managing stormwater. They can be adjusted to fit the area’s needs. Each program should be designed to address each control measure of the area with a clear timeline and plan for action.

Minimum Control Measures (MCM)

The six minimum control measures include:

MCM 1: Public Education and Outreach

The goal of this MCM is to inform people, like residents and workers, how stormwater runoff can harm water quality. It also educates them on ways that they can help keep stormwater clean and reduce pollution.

MCM 2: Public Participation and Involvement

The City offers residents opportunities to participate and provide input about the stormwater management program. When residents and businesses participate, they are more likely to actively help carry out the program, share their local knowledge and expertise, and connect the program with other local organizations and community groups.

The City works with community organizations, like the Michiana Stormwater Partnership, University of Notre Dame, Engineers Without Borders and Women in STEM Network, to raise awareness and get residents more involved. 

If your organization would like to participate with the City on an MS4 education initiative, send us a note at MS4@southbendin.gov.

Michiana Stormwater Partnership

The Michiana Stormwater Partnership (MSP) is an educational group made of local entities from the Michiana area.

MSP’s mission is to raise community awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship for rivers and streams. The group provides information, resources and opportunities to help residents and organizations create and strengthen their own initiatives.

MSP Partners:

MCM 3: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

The goal of MCM 3 is to identify and eliminate illicit discharges and illegal connections to the municipal storm sewer system. The City’s MS4 Program has developed an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Plan that outlines the methods for detecting, addressing and eliminating illicit discharges, including illegal dumping into the storm sewer system.

Illicit Discharge

An illicit discharge is defined by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) as any discharge into a storm system that is not entirely composed of stormwater, except naturally occurring materials like leaves or tree limbs. Dumping or disposing of anything other than stormwater in storm drains is illegal!

Examples of illicit discharges include:

• Disposal of hazardous waste such as paint or paint thinners
• Vehicle fluids like used motor oils or antifreeze
• Trash, yard or pet waste or trash in a drainage ditch
• Dirt, mud, or other debris tracked out from a construction site

Solution – Alternative Disposal Methods:

• Oil-based paints should be disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste facility. Dried water-based paints can be disposed of in regular trash, while latex paint is accepted at collection sites.
• Motor oil and automotive fluids can be recycled at local auto parts stores or at the Household Hazardous Waste facility.
• The City offers weekly yard waste pickup. More information can be found at southbendin.gov/solidwaste.

Illegal Connection

An illegal connection involves any unlawful connection that allows the non-stormwater discharges into the storm drain system or directly into the river.

Examples of possible illegal connections include:

• Floor drains connected to the storm sewer system
• Wash water from laundromats or commercial car washes entering the storm sewer system
• Washing machine pipes connected to storm drains
• Sewer lines linked to storm drains or discharging directly into the river or other water bodies

Solution – Alternative Disposal Methods

• Floor drains and washing machines should be properly connected to the sanitary sewer line. Call 311 for more information.
• Many commercial car washes recycle water, using it multiple times before draining into the sanitary sewer.

Ordinance

The City of South Bend’s ordinance for illicit discharge detection and elimination (Chapter 17, Article 11 of South Bend, IN Code of Ordinances) addresses illicit discharges and illegal connections to the storm sewer system. When an illicit discharge is detected, it is eliminated and documented as part of the MS4 Program.

Report Pollution

The City’s MS4 program has an online form, Report a Stormwater Quality Concern, to address public complaints about illegal dumping, illicit discharges, improper erosion control practices and other activities that can negatively impact stormwater quality.

• For emergency spills that are hazardous, call 311.
• To report illicit discharges or illegal connections, fill out the Report a Stormwater Quality Concern form or call 311.
• For construction site issues, such as erosion or sediment control problems, fill out the Report a Stormwater Quality Concern form or call 311.
• For leaking sanitary sewer lines and other sanitary sewer related issues, call 311

For general inquiries or if you are unsure who to contact, email MS4@southbendin.gov or call 311.

MCM 4: Construction Site Stormwater Runoff

This MCM ensures that developers and others responsible for construction activities disturbing one acre or more of land implement appropriate plans to prevent sediment and other pollutants from running off construction sites. The City’s Ordinance Chapter 17, Article 12 and IDEM’s Construction Stormwater General Permit outline the requirements for this MCM under the MS4 Program.

Erosion & Sediment Control Plan/Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

Land disturbing activities in the city must comply with the City’s Erosion Control Ordinance and IDEM’s Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP). This includes the approval of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, commonly known as a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

To begin the review process for a SWPPP, submit a complete plan to the Engineering Division along with an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Application.

When preparing a SWPPP, refer to IDEM’s SWPPP Development Guidance Document. Additional stormwater permitting resources include:

• Construction Plan Submittal and Review
• Construction/Land Disturbance Permitting
• Step-by-Step Process for Compliance with the CSGP

Along with the SWPPP, a Notice of Intent (NOI) must be filed with IDEM. To complete the NOI submittal process, submit the SWPPP Technical Review and Comment Form, which will be provided by the City’s Engineering Division after the plan is reviewed and approved.

Additional resource links can be found in the Construction Corner.

MCM 5: Post-Construction Stormwater Runoff

This MCM ensures that long-term best management practices (BMPs) and control measures are designed and implemented to minimize or eliminate polluted stormwater runoff from newly developed or redeveloped areas once construction is complete.

The City’s Ordinance Chapter 17, Article 13 outlines the requirements for this MCM within MS4 Program. The ordinance requires the implementation and ongoing maintenance of specific stormwater control measures for development within the city.

The City has a variety of stormwater BMPs for post-construction runoff management, such as rain gardens, bioswales, infiltration basins and pervious pavement. The City also encourages residents to incorporate post-construction stormwater management practices on their properties, including rain gardens, rain barrels, pervious pavement and tree plantings.

MCM 6: Municipal Operation Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping

The goal of this MCM is to reduce the exposure of potential pollutants to stormwater during municipal operations and at city-owned facilities, such as road salting and pesticide application. The City incorporates a variety of pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices to reduce the impact of city activities on local waterways.

Key practices include:

• Maintaining an inventory of city-owned and operated facilities with annual assessments conducted to evaluate risks.
• Implementing pollution prevention measures at all City facilities, including secondary storage containment, proper waste management and standard operating procedures for spill prevention and control.
• Conducting quarterly inspection of City facilities to identify and address potential stormwater pollutants.
• Providing annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Emergency Spill Response training for City employees.
• Reducing pesticide and fertilizer use through minimized applications.
• Performing periodic pavement sweeping at City facilities to remove debris.
• Operating five street sweepers to keep streets clean across the city. On average, residential streets are swept twice a year, while main and secondary streets are swept up to four times annually. Street sweeping helps prevent debris and hazardous materials from entering storm drains and ultimately reaching our local waterways.
• Conducting visual inspection of all catch basins, outfalls and conveyance systems.
• Cleaning stormwater catch basins and intakes annually to remove debris and prevent it from reaching local waterways.

Stormwater Utility Fee

The stormwater utility fee was passed by the South Bend Common Council and went into effect on June 1, 2019. The fee establishes a dedicated funding source aimed at improving the City’s stormwater system. The fee only applies to properties within city limits.

What is a stormwater utility fee?
The fee generates revenue specifically for improving stormwater drainage, controlling flooding, improving water quality and implementing regulations.

How much is the fee?
The fee is a flat rate of $2.25 per month for residential properties and $7 per month for non-residential properties. It appears as “STORMWATER RES” on utility bills and is only charged on properties within city limits.

Why is the fee necessary?
South Bend’s stormwater infrastructure is aging. With most of it underground, it is often forgotten about. This fee provides a dedicated funding source to address flooding and aging infrastructure.

What is a storm sewer system?
The storm sewer system consists of sewers, storm inlets, catch basins, manholes, curbs, gutters, ditches, swales, retention and/or detention ponds or basins, dams, and flood control facilities designed for the collection, control, transport or discharge of stormwater.

Stormwater Resources