DEPARTMENT HEAD / MANAGER

• Alex Dudchock
  County Manager
• Robert Kelley
  Environmental Manager

ON SITE KEY CONTACTS:

• Chad Scroggins
  Environmental Supervisor
• Mindy Nash
  Administrative Assistant
• Roena Bearden
  Operations Clerk

What is a MS4 Storm Water Program?

The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is required under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); a federal program designed to eliminate storm water pollutant discharges to receiving waters of the United States. In 1987, the EPA was required under Section 402 (p) of the Clean Water Act (N40CFR Part 112.26) to establish final regulations governing storm water discharge permit application requirements.  The NPDES program is permitted through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the permit requirements are issued and inspected by ADEM.  In 1996, the first 5-year permit (NPDES Permit No. ALS000003) was issued to Shelby County and its eight additional co-permittees. In October 2001, the second term 5-year Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit was issued and administratively extended through order of ADEM. The Shelby County MS4 has a cooperative program involving nine co-permittees that include Shelby County, the City of Alabaster, the City of Helena, the Town of Indian Springs Village, the City of Moody, the City of Pelham, the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-State Parks Division, and the State of Alabama Department of Transportation.  Shelby County acts as lead permittee for the Shelby County MS4 permit.  The goal is to reduce Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution which occurs from rain run-off from various sites.

What does the MS4 Permit require?

The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requires six basic elements to be implemented and include the following:

• Roadway Program
• Public Education and Outreach
• Spill Prevention and Response
• Pesticide, Herbicide, and Fertilizer Application Program
• Construction Site Run-Off Program
• Industrial / High Risk Program

An Annual Report is provided to ADEM of the activities performed in the MS4 region.  The 2009 Annual Report will be posted here in December 2009.

What can you do?

There are several things that you can do to reduce Non-Point Source pollution from around your home and yard.

• Report pollution.  If you see a construction site that has run-off, a road that has litter, or any type of spill, call Shelby County Environmental Services at 205-669-3737.
• Don't litter. Litter and debris can wash into the streams and tributaries eventually polluting the Cahaba River or Coosa River systems.
• Properly dispose of yard waste. Yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings that wash into drains and streams will biodegrade.  As the bacteria decompose these organic materials, they utilize the oxygen in the water and cause a strain on the aquatic life in the stream
• Be responsible when washing your car. Take your car to a car wash facility or wash it in your yard over the grass.  Don't wash your car on the concrete or asphalt driveway as the water will run into the storm drain increasing the amount of detergents that enter the stream.
• Reduce pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.  Follow manufacturers recommendations for dosage and don't overspray onto concrete or pavement. Don't apply just before a rain - the majority will run off into the drain or stream and will not help your lawn.
• Prevent oil from entering the storm drains or streams.  Take your vehicle to an oil change facility or properly dispose of oil products if you do it yourself. Fix oil leaks on your vehicle.  Always remember if it hits the pavement, it will run into the stream the next time it rains.
• Put down a storm drain marker.  Look in your neighborhood for storm water inlets along the street.  If they do not have a storm drain marker, please call Shelby County Environmental Services.  We will either install one or provide a connumity group with a packet that includes storm drain markers, adhesive, instructions, and educational information.  This is a great opportunity to educate children about how to reduce non-point source pollution.

Additional Information:

Kids Corner

Take Action For Clean Water (video)**

Pet Information Poster (pdf file)*

Automobile Information Poster (pdf file)*

Lawn Fertilizer Poster  (pdf file)*

Car Wash Poster (pdf file)*

After The Storm (printable flyer - pdf file)*

Alabama Clean Water Partnership (link)

Alabama Department of Environmental Mangement (ADEM) (link)

*  If you have trouble viewing the pdf files, you may download the lastest version of Adobe Reader free.

** If you have trouble viewing the video you may download the latest version of Windows Media Player free.