Water is the most essential component of life. That’s why keeping it clean is so important.
Stormwater runoff flows over impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and developed areas, collecting pollutants that can impact rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program regulates discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, and industrial facilities.
Due to population density requirements and proximity to urban areas, many municipalities in Maine must comply with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) MS4 General Permit. State and federally owned facilities, as well as transportation departments located within regulated MS4 communities, may also be subject to permit requirements.
Regulated entities must implement and document a variety of stormwater compliance activities, including:
- Public education and outreach
- Public involvement and participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
- Construction site runoff control
- Post-construction stormwater management
- Pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices
MS4s consist of a regulated entity’s surface and subsurface stormwater conveyance infrastructure, including:
- Catch basins
- Storm drains
- Pipes and culverts
- Open ditches
Other stormwater management infrastructure and BMPs
As part of the IDDE program, regulated communities and facilities must maintain stormwater infrastructure maps. SEE develops and maintains Geographic Information Systems (GIS) datasets that support MS4 compliance, stormwater infrastructure management, and long-term program implementation.
GIS tools support:
- Mapping of outfalls, receiving waters, and stormwater infrastructure
- Inspection and maintenance tracking
- IDDE investigations and documentation
- Regulatory reporting and inspection recordkeeping
- Ongoing system evaluation and management
These systems provide centralized, spatially referenced data to support efficient and compliant stormwater program management.
SEE has decades of combined experience helping municipalities and state or federally owned facilities meet federal NPDES and Maine MS4 permit requirements. We assist clients with stormwater program development, employee training, compliance documentation, stormwater management plan implementation, and ongoing compliance support.
SEE currently assists more regulated MS4 communities in Maine than any other consulting firm. Our successful approach to MS4 compliance has been validated through multiple MDEP audits, giving clients confidence that their programs are organized, defensible, and aligned with regulatory expectations. We help clients meet compliance requirements, reduce the risk of violations and unnecessary fines, and support long-term protection of Maine’s water resources.