Stormwater & MS4 Program
Stormwater is rainwater and snowmelt that flows over roofs, streets, parking lots, and other hard surfaces. Unlike sanitary wastewater, stormwater is not treated before entering local streams and waterways.
The City of Berea operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under a Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (KPDES) permit. The City’s stormwater program is designed to reduce pollutants in runoff, protect water quality, and support responsible development practices.
What is the MS4 Program?
A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is the public drainage system that collects and conveys stormwater through:
- Street gutters and inlets
- Underground storm pipes
- Roadside ditches and channels
- Detention and drainage infrastructure
To comply with state and federal regulations, the City’s stormwater program addresses six core areas:
- Public Education & Outreach
- Public Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Stormwater Management
- Pollution Prevention for Municipal Operations
These measures help reduce pollutants before they reach local waterways.
State Stormwater Requirements
Construction sites disturbing one acre or more, or part of a larger common plan of development, must comply with the Kentucky Stormwater General Permit (KYR10) and implement erosion prevention and sediment control Best Management Practices (BMPs).
The City’s Stormwater Design Manual provides guidance on required BMPs and post-construction stormwater management standards.
Early coordination with the GIS Department is strongly encouraged prior to beginning site work.
Reporting & Applications
Stormwater Complaint Form
Report illicit discharges, drainage concerns, erosion issues, or suspected stormwater violations for City review.
Land Disturbance Permit Application
Apply before grading, clearing, excavating, disturbing over 1 acre of land, or placing more than 100 cubic yards of fill.
Stormwater FAQs
A Land Disturbance Permit is generally required before grading or excavation within City limits. Larger projects may also require state stormwater permit coverage. Contact the GIS Department before beginning earth disturbance activities.
The City maintains public stormwater infrastructure. Drainage issues located entirely on private property are typically the responsibility of the property owner unless connected to public systems.
Runoff can carry sediment, oil, fertilizers, trash, and other pollutants into local waterways. Regulation helps protect water quality and reduce environmental impacts.
Any discharge into the storm system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except for limited allowable exceptions. Examples include dumping chemicals, wash water, or automotive fluids into storm drains.
Simple actions make a difference:
- Do not dump materials into storm drains
- Properly dispose of oil, paint, and chemicals
- Clean up pet waste
- Minimize fertilizer use
- Maintain erosion controls on construction sites
Only rain should enter the storm drain.
Stormwater Design Manual & Resources
The City provides additional stormwater guidance, educational materials, and technical resources to support stormwater management, pollution prevention, development review, and regulatory compliance. These materials support development review, stormwater compliance, public education, and best management practice selection. Additional guidance and technical resources may be provided upon request.
Resources available include: