AL, LA, MS and FL Stormwater:

Stormwater in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) is responsible for administering the state's stormwater program.

The LDEQ has established the Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES), which administers NPDES permits to construction sites larger then one acre, many industrial sites, and all designated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4’s).

Louisiana’s stormwater program mirrors the requirements established by Phase II of the federal NPDES program. Numerical stormwater treatment requirements are not in place at the state level, but Louisiana requires that stormwater be treated to the maximum extent practicable (MEP).

It should be noted that a number of Louisiana’s large municipalities also have stormwater programs in place, and additional treatment requirements are possible at the local level.When a project takes place in the watershed of an impaired water body, it is also possible that compliance with an established Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) could be required. Eventually, all impaired water bodies will be subject to TMDL requirements.

To ensure compliance with all applicable stormwater regulations, it is recommended that you contact the municipality where the project is to take place, or...: contact Quest Consultants today to review your needs.

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Stormwater in Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for administering the state’s stormwater management program. Mississippi’s stormwater program is closely modeled after the federal NPDES program, which requires stormwater, is treated to the maximum extent practicable. Numeric treatment requirements specific to stormwater have not been established at the state level, but water quality parameters will be established on a site-by-site basis when the risk of contamination is present.

Mississippi published a draft stormwater guidance manual for MS4’s in 2002, but a final draft of the document is still not available as of this writing.

Mississippi DEQ establishes permitting requirements for construction sites disturbing more than one acre, industrial sites, and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). All MS4s should currently be permitted, or in the permit process. Each permitted MS4 is responsible for establishing a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). Be advised that there may be additional permitting requirements at the county and municipal level, especially in the coastal regions.

Contact Quest Consultants today to review your needs.

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Stormwater in Florida

Under the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FLDEP) is responsible for administering the state's stormwater management plan. FLDEP has delegated authority to four of the five regional Water Management Districts (WMDs) to regulate stormwater discharges. Under the Environmental Reorganization Act of 1993, regulation of state dredge and fill, stormwater quality and stormwater quantity were combined into the Environmental Resource Permitting Program (ERP). The FLDEP and WMDs share implementation of this program depending upon the type of activity that is permitted.

Regulations for water quality and quantity have been adopted largely to address the specific needs particular to the geographic and hydrologic conditions found in each WMD’s jurisdiction.

The WMDs have exercised their independent authority for establishing rules (Florida Administrative Code or F.A.C.), while FLDEP also has promulgated state law for the northwest district.

In addition to state rules, each WMD and the DEP have adopted either a design manual or handbook that describes the various BMPs and criteria for addressing water quality and quantity issues.

Florida’s stormwater rules apply almost exclusively to new development, while redevelopment and retrofit projects are largely permitted on a case-by-case basis. Proposed projects must meet the criteria specified in state law and the necessary permits must be obtained. Overall stormwater management, presumptive criteria, and best management practices are dictated by individual WMD’s Environmental Resource Permit or ERP rules.

The performance standard for erosion and sediment control during construction is to retain sediment onsite, with a backstop that no discharge shall violate the state’s water quality standard for turbidity. The stormwater treatment performance standard requires removal of at least 80% of the average annual pollutant load for stormwater discharges to Class III (recreational) waters.

A 95% removal level was set for stormwater discharges to sensitive waters such as potable supply waters (Class I), shellfish harvesting waters (Class II), and Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs).

In addition, the WMDs have established performance standards to minimize flooding by limiting the post development stormwater peak discharge rate and, in some cases such as closed basins, the stormwater volume. Design storm frequencies, as well as return intervals are specified by the WMDs.

Should you have any questions on the regulations, contact

Quest Consultants today at: 888-730-4646

E-mail: Quest@QuestInc2.com