MS4 Program Overview
The Department of Public Works / Engineering is responsible for the administration of the City of Bristol’s Stormwater Management Program. Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) are regulated under the Virginia Stormwater Management Act and the Federal EPA Clean Water Act. The City of Bristol is a Phase II (small) MS4 operator permitted under the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP). Our permit requires us to work to reduce pollutants leaving our storm sewer system as much as possible.
We work to improve and protect the health and safety of the residents and the natural environment by constructing, maintaining, and monitoring the City's stormwater infrastructure. We also address stormwater quality and quantity concerns while striving to meet or exceed federal and state stormwater regulations. Our stormwater program is driven by the City's MS4 permit with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Minimum Control Measures
The VSMP MS4 General Permit requires that small MS4s develop, implement and enforce a program that includes six Minimum Control Measures.
- Public education and outreach on stormwater impacts
- Public involvement and participation
- Illicit discharge detection and elimination
- Construction site stormwater runoff control
- Post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment
- Pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal operations
Best Management Practices
To meet these requirements, the City has developed a stormwater program plan with proposed Best Management Practices (BMPs). The goal of this plan is to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on rivers and streams. The City's stormwater program plan and annual report describe the BMPs the City plans to implement to meet the requirements of the MS4 general permit.
Regulations
The Department of Public Works / Engineering is responsible for the administration of the City of Bristol's Stormwater Management program. Public Works / Engineering maintains the City's VSMP MS4 General Permit, ensuring compliance with State and Federal stormwater regulations. In compliance with the VSMP regulations found at 4VAC50-60-1240, the City’s permit documents have been made available.
Contact Bristol Virginia's Stormwater Management