Pollutants from residential and industrial runoff impact our waters, putting public health and natural ecosystems at risk. So, how does this relate to the Region 8 MS4 permit, and what can we do as community members to address these issues? Here is a rundown.
What is an MS4?
Municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) are publicly-owned conveyances such as roads, catch basins, and storm drains that are meant to collect stormwater. MS4s significantly impact water quality, making the permits that regulate them critical to communities in Orange County.
The Region 8 MS4 Permit
The Region 8 MS4 Permit is issued under the Clean Water Act and the California Water Code to regulate how pollutants are discharged from MS4s throughout Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. This permit impacts the water quality in the Santa Ana River Watershed, one of the largest watersheds in Southern California.
Our Concerns
With this new permit, we are concerned that the monitoring program is inadequate and illegal. The proposed permit’s monitoring system does not comply with Water Quality Standards (WQS) and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), which are crucial to promoting clean water in our communities.
How Has the Permit Been Developed?
The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (the Water Board) has developed this MS4 permit through a series of revisions, stakeholder involvement, staff presentations, and minimal public engagement. In 2023, the Water Board held 22 private meetings with dischargers who would benefit from a weaker permit and only one public workshop. Additionally, the Water Board held three outreach meetings for underserved communities with a low turnout due to a lack of personalized outreach strategies.
Our Involvement
Our internal and external clean water protection experts have spent hours analyzing the draft permit and its potential impacts. We have a long-standing relationship with the Water Board and have voiced our concerns directly to the permit-makers in numerous private and public correspondences.
What Can I Do to Help?
To learn and get more involved, you can donate to OC Coastkeeper’s advocacy work, helping to fund and inspire more projects to improve water quality. You can also use social media platforms to spread awareness about MS4s and attend public meetings to voice your opinion. Below are resources to learn more about the history and implementation of MS4 programs across California.
