Current permit
The MPCA issued the most recent municipal stormwater general permit (MNR040000) on Nov. 16, 2020.
Upcoming: 2025 reissuance
Part 1 permit application due May 20
Permittees covered under the 2020 MS4 general permit must submit the Part 1 permit application (with $400 application fee) by May 20, 2025. Download form and follow the instructions.
Part 2 permit application requirements and process
After the next MS4 general permit is reissued (tentatively planned for late 2025), the MPCA will provide Part 2 permit application forms. MS4 permittees must provide descriptions of:
- current stormwater pollution prevention program (SWPPP).
- progress toward meeting permit requirements in the six minimum control measures.
- best management practices to address total maximum daily load waste load allocations.
- names or position titles responsible for implementing each component of the SWPPP.
Once an MS4 permittee completes the part 2 permit application, they must submit it to the MPCA for preliminary review. If the application is incomplete, MPCA staff will notify the MS4 permittee of the deficiencies in writing. If MPCA staff determine the application is complete, the application will go on public notice for 30 days. Once the MS4 permittee has addressed any applicable public comments or hearing requests, the MPCA will make a final determination and issue coverage under the new permit. The MS4 permittee has 12 months from the date coverage is extended to meet the new permit requirements.
Reissuance overview
The MPCA plans to provide three opportunities for stakeholders to provide input throughout the MS4 General Permit reissuance process. Each opportunity will be available for at least 30-days:
Provide written feedback based on the 2020 permit. During this period, stakeholders are encouraged to provide written input on the current 2020 MS4 General Permit. This may include suggested changes or areas of the permit where improvements could be made, including where additional details or guidance are desired. The MPCA will review all written comments prior and may incorporate suggested changes into the new draft permit prior to the informal pre-public notice draft permit. The MPCA will not provide responses to written comments received during this period.
Take action now: E-mail ms4permit.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line: 2020 MS4 General permit feedback. In your email, please include your name, organization (if applicable), and your comment. In your comment, please be as specific as possible, including reference to permit item number(s) and suggestions on how the permit could be improved. The MPCA is accepting written feedback based on the 2020 permit until May 31, 2025.
- Informal pre-public notice. During this period, stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and provide written input on a preliminary version of the new draft MS4 General Permit. The MPCA will review all written comments and may make changes to the draft permit prior to formal public notice period. The MPCA will not provide responses to written comments during the informal pre-public notice.
- Formal public notice. During this period, stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and provide written input on the new draft MS4 General Permit. The MPCA will provide responses to written comments received during the formal public notice. More information about this public participation process is available here.
The MPCA’s goal is to reissue the permit by its expiration date of Nov. 16, 2025. If the new permit is not issued by the expiration date, the permit will be administratively continued, and permittees may legally discharge stormwater under the expired permit until the new permit is issued.
Planned changes
The following concepts are planned to be incorporated into the next draft MS4 General Permit.
- Clear, specific, and measurable requirements. Changes will likely include reorganizing the location of specific permit language, defining frequencies (e.g., education, training activities), adding or revising permit definitions, and more to further meet the EPA remand rule.
- Prohibition of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. Reducing sources and mitigating impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is an MPCA priority. One source of PFAS pollution to the environment is from the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. The MPCA plans to include permit language that prohibits the use of these foams to align with Minn. Stat. 325F.072. The new draft permit may include additional requirements to address PFAS pollution.
- Water quality trading. The MPCA plans to include language that will provide a voluntary option that will allow for permittees to propose a water quality trading project (e.g., streambank restoration) to help meet an applicable total maximum daily load (TMDL) wasteload allocation(s). Water quality trading is a new concept in the MS4 permit but has been successfully implemented through several wastewater permits in Minnesota.
MS4 mapping tool
Find regulated MS4s, outstanding resource value waters, drinking water supplies, and impaired waters. Click on map elements for more information.
References and resources
Water permit basics
This series of four short videos explains the basics of water permits and the important roles of select stakeholders in Minnesota.