Stormwater Non Point Discharge System (NPDES) in Richland County
In addition to requirements Richland County landowners follow for earthmoving activities through the Richland County Stormwater and Erosion Control Program, communities that have 1000 or more people per square mile must follow the Stormwater Non Point Discharge System (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) (NPDES) General Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) to further effectively manage water pollution. The Richland County Commissioners are mandated by Ohio EPA to create and manage this added accountability for stormwater runoff. The NPDES (MS4) communities in Richland County are: City of Mansfield, City of Ontario, Village of Lexington, Madison Township, Mifflin Township, Springfield Township and Washington Township.
Stormwater runoff is generated when rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated. The primary method to control stormwater discharges is the use of best management practices (BMPs). In addition, most stormwater discharges are considered point sources and require coverage under an NPDES/MS4 permit.
Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. Authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program for MS4 controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES/MS4 permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. In most cases, the NPDES/MS4 permit program is administered Ohio EPA. Since its introduction in 1972, the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to our Nation’s water quality. These regulations require designated communities to develop and implement a storm water management plan. This is accomplished by implementing six minimum control measures.
- Public Education — BMPs for MS4s to inform individuals and households about ways to reduce stormwater pollution.
- Public Involvement — BMPs for MS4s to involve the public in the development, implementation, and review of an MS4’s stormwater management program.
- Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination — BMPs for identifying and eliminating illicit discharges and spills to storm drain systems. Learn more about how to test for an IDDE.
- Construction — BMPs for MS4s and construction site operators to address stormwater runoff from active construction sites.
- Post-construction — BMPs for MS4s, developers, and property owners to address stormwater runoff after construction activities have completed.
- Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping — BMPs for MS4s to address stormwater runoff from their own facilities and activities.
If there is a land disturbance within the NPDES/MS4 area it may require engineered plans. Please contact us as part of your planning process to find out. Our office can provide detailed steps of how a land use change can be made while still complying and how to work with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) directly.
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District assists communities with a variety of public education, outreach, involvement and participation programs to help meet the requirements of the local MS4 management plan. These programs include electronic newsletters, social media platforms, website updates and workshops.
2025 Stormwater Theme: Keep Dirt Where it Belongs
2025 marks the final year of our current five-year National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit term. We’ll submit our 2024 accomplishments in our Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) annual report and apply for the 2026-2030 NPDES MS4 permit. With a new year comes a fresh start for our six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) giving us the opportunity to tackle them all over again!
2025 also brings a new MS4 theme: Keep Dirt Where It Belongs. While this may seem like a simple concept, achieving it on an active construction site can be quite challenging. Erosion is a natural process, but construction activities can accelerate it. Although erosion cannot be entirely stopped, we can take steps to minimize its impacts and prevent man-made soil disturbance. One effective way to minimize erosion is by simply covering exposed soil. Planting native plants is ideal for erosion control as their deep roots anchor soil in place. Kentucky bluegrass is also commonly used in Ohio to stabilize a site after construction activities.
When colder months make seeding difficult, temporary stabilization techniques are crucial. The most common winter stabilization technique is mulching. Mulch not only covers bare soil, but it also promotes the germination of seeds in the growing season by holding moisture. This is why you often see straw thrown over grass seed! In Richland County, idle soil is to be temporarily or permanently stabilized after 14 days. Refer to the photo below for seasonal recommendations to stabilize soil effectively. For more details see Chapter 7 of the Rainwater and Land Development Manual. By implementing stabilization strategies, we can preserve soil integrity and support sustainable construction practices. Let’s keep dirt where it belongs!
While some erosion is natural, we want to reduce man-made erosion caused by construction activities and other earth disturbances. Once erosion starts, the topsoil is the first to go – and it takes several hundred years to form just one inch of it. Losing that nutrient rich layer not only reduces the soil’s ability to retain moisture (which can lead to flooding), but also negatively impacts crop yields. According to the World Wildlife Fund “half of the topsoil on the planet has been lost in the last 150 years”. For many Ohio farmers, losing more topsoil is not an option and best management practices to prevent further erosion become essential.
When soil is washed away through erosion, it is often washed into the nearest waterbody during rain events. As water travels over land as runoff, it picks up whatever is in its path -including soil. The soil in the stormwater runoff can bind with chemicals and other materials, transporting them to local streams. Once soil enters a stream, the water can become discolored and murky, harming the aquatic organisms that rely on clean, clear water. It also makes it harder for animals to hunt, find shelter and breathe as turbidity (cloudiness of the water) blocks sunlight and reduces oxygen levels.
While erosion might not seem like a pressing issue, it has far reaching consequences for both humans and wildlife. Even a small amount of displaced dirt can harm the health of our waterways. It’s our responsibility to stabilize bare soil and prevent pollution – after all, we don’t want to see another dust bowl!
Learn more about loss of topsoil: https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/soil-erosion-and-degradation Learn more about turbid water: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/turbidity-and-water
This spring gave us plenty of reminders why this year’s MS4 message matters. During stormwater inspections, Sam and I noticed a significant amount of erosion. So much so that we spent a good part of the spring fielding phone calls about seeding, stabilization and erosion control methods. Rainfall can cause soil to move in several different ways. Understanding the different types of erosion can help us take the proper steps to protect our landscapes. Below are the four types of erosion we commonly observe: Splash, sheet, rill and gully.
- Splash: Soil displaced by the impact of a falling raindrop. According to National Geographic the impact of a falling raindrop can scatter soil particles as far as 2 feet.
- Sheet: Displacement of soil in thin layers by the forces of rain and stream flow. Erosion caused by runoff.
- Rill: Displacement of soil by water running through little streamlets or headcuts.
- Gully: Displacement of soil along drainage lines (large channels) by surface water runoff. Usually begin as rills.
All four types of erosion can quickly get out of hand if sites aren’t stabilized in a timely manner. The best way to prevent erosion is to seed and mulch bare soil as soon as possible. Early stabilization not only keeps you in compliance with the Stormwater and Sediment Control Regulations of Richland County but also protects our waterways. Thank you for doing your part to keep dirt in its place!
Learn more about the MS4 program in Richland County by contacting the MS4 Technician.
We sell rain barrels and have them in stock. You may purchase one online or let us know and we will make arrangements with you to pick one up.