Stormwater Program

The surest way to improve water quality in Minnesota is to better manage stormwater. Unmanaged stormwater can have devastating consequences on the quality of lakes, streams and rivers we enjoy. Stormwater often contains oil, chemicals, excess phosphorous, toxic metals, litter, and disease-causing organisms. In addition, stormwater frequently overwhelms streams and rivers, scours streambanks and river bottoms and hurts or eliminates fish and other aquatic organisms.

To better manage stormwater across the state, the MPCA administers the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act in addition to its own State Disposal System requirements. At the MPCA, the Stormwater Program includes three general stormwater permits: the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit, the Construction Stormwater Permit and the Industrial Stormwater Permit. Each program administers a general permit (and in some cases, individual permits) that incorporates federal and state requirements for Minnesota stormwater management.

ATTENTION: Updated on March 23, 2009

Municipal Stormwater Financial Assistance: Additional funding is now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. To accommodate the objectives of the ARRA, a public notice has been issued with deadlines for application.

• Federal ARRA Funds Public Notice

The ARRA was passed on February 17, 2009, and provides special funding to stimulate the American economy. Some of this money has been allocated for financial assistance for wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water  improvement projects. Information and application materials for municipal stormwater are now available on theWastewater and Stormwater Financial Assistance page.

Permit Applications

• Construction Stormwater (online)
• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
• Multi Sector Industrial Stormwater
  • Industrial Stormwater No Exposure Certification

Guidance Documents

• Construction Stormwater
• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
• Multi-Sector Industrial Stormwater Permit
• Minnesota Stormwater Manual

Monitoring, Research & Development

• Impervious Cover Maps
• Best Management Practice Assessment
• Low Impact Development

Policy and Rulemaking

• Stormwater Program Rulemaking
• Nondegradation Rulemaking
• Stormwater and Impaired Waters

Updates

• Subscribe to the Stormwater News E-mail List
• Subscribe to receive Industrial Stormwater Program Updates

Who to Call for Assistance

• Construction Stormwater Staff Contacts
• Industrial Stormwater Staff Contacts
• Municipal Stormwater Staff Contacts