Managing Your MS4 Permit Obligations

Depending on the size of your community, you could be facing a complex process to maintain compliance with municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit requirements. Our diverse team has the experience and full-service capabilities to help you achieve and maintain compliance, file annual reports, and develop the necessary stormwater management plans.

MS4 permits are typically issued by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Failure to comply with MS4 requirements, which derive from the Clean Water Act, can result in large fines. Although the permits are issued on a five-year cycle, they include annual implementation tasks and processes you must complete. In a time of resource and staffing constraints, trust our professionals to help you stay on top of your MS4 obligations.

Our Comprehensive Assistance

• Develop or update stormwater management plans.
• Develop and compile an annual report.
• Prepare education, outreach and training materials.
• Assist with engagement and training.
• Complete field outfall reconnaissance inspections and documentation.
• Develop or update temporary erosion and sediment control manuals, specifications, requirements and/or processes.
• Develop or update post-construction stormwater management manuals, requirements and/or processes.
• Facilitate meetings with permitting agencies.
• Assist with audit and/or inspection preparation.
• Provide mock audit support.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Brenda Macke, PE

MS4 Program Manager

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• Led MS4 compliance tasks and associated documentation tracking for communities and DOTs in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.
• Specializes in working across agency groups to identify MS4-relevant tasks and processes to leverage for permit compliance.
• Managed multiple local, regional and DOT development of Post-Construction Stormwater Standards and supported implementation needs.

Kylie Clark, AICP

MS4 Assistant Program Manager

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• Specializes in stormwater management plan development and annual report documentation.
• Assists with defining post-construction stormwater management criteria, implementation and documentation for local, regional and state agencies.
• Has developed pollution prevention and good housekeeping manuals for regulated facilities.
• Translates technical information into digestible content for public education, outreach and involvement.

Brooke Givens

Outreach & Involvement Specialist

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• Leads communication efforts to inform various audiences on how they can improve stormwater quality.
• Implements engagement strategies to increase public involvement and participation in stormwater management programs.
• Develops educational materials and training content for all participants of a stormwater management program.

Jennie Rinas

Outreach & Involvement Specialist

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• Helps MS4 permitees communicate their vision and secure support for their programs through various engagement services, social media campaigns and public meetings.
• Develops and manages social media content, with proven success in growing clients' social media presence across multiple platforms.

Madison Gibler, PE

Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination and Post-Construction Management Specialist

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• Leads IDDE planning, inspection and investigation activities.
• Develops checklists and written protocols for investigating suspected illicit discharges.
• Has coordinated data collection efforts to locate and map outfalls.
• Experienced in post-construction stormwater management planning, design, construction and maintenance.

Andy Sauer, PE

Post-Construction Management Leader

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• Leader in developing innovative stormwater management criteria that meets MS4 requirements.
• Oversees the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure projects from planning and design through construction and operation.
• Supports inspection and maintenance programs for stormwater systems, ensuring long-term functionality and compliance with MS4 permit regulations.

Kait Hanson, PE

Construction Site Runoff Specialist

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• Trained as EPA Construction General Permit Site Inspector; has used this training and practical experience to assist communities in developing erosion and sediment control plan review checklists, inspection checklists, and training of agency staff on requirements.
• Versed in design phase needs and construction permitting of erosion and sediment control.

Rebecca Warnken, PE

Construction Site Runoff & Pollution Prevention Specialist

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• Has developed written protocols for erosion and sediment control plan review that help agencies achieve consistency in review and project tracking.
• Inspects facilities for good housekeeping practices that protect stormwater quality.
• Experienced in hazard mitigation design and spill proevention, control and countermeasure plans.

Adam Reichert

MS4 Drone Inspector

• Pilots drones to conduct construction site inspections and facility inspections on large sites.
• Prepares documentation from drone footage to keep a consistent record of site conditions.

Brant Vermeer

MS4 Drone Inspector

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• Specializes in design associated with roadways, including both municipal and DOT.
• Has used drones for inspection needs associated with MS4 permits, including erosion and sediment control, stream and/or outfalls, and facilities.

John O’Donnell

Construction Site Runoff & Pollution Prevention Specialist

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• Uses strong background in stormwater and green infrastructure, remote sensing, geospatial analysis and GIS to advise municipal and industrial clients.
• Develops stormwater pollution prevention plans for new construction projects and existing industrial facilities.
• Has conducted spill prevention, control, and countermeasure plan site visits and environmental compliance audits for facilities in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

Michelle Mayfield

MS4 Compliance Specialist

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• Established compliance strategies, practices and protocols for state DOT MS4 programs, including development of guidance manuals and document management protocols.
• Developed stormwater management plans; designed and stood up digital compliance task tracking and reporting mechanisms.
• Performed internal compliance audits for municipal and state DOT MS4 programs and supported regulatory audits and post-audit negotiations.

Additional Insights

Projects

MS4 Compliance Support & Stormwater Analysis

Our team assisted with and coordinated municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) compliance for the City of Grandview, Missouri, including continued updates of the city’s stormwater management program plan with practical and feasible best management practices (BMPs).

Blog

The Role of Effective MS4 Erosion and Sediment Control Strategies

Burns & McDonnell

Managing runoff and adhering to erosion and sediment control measures not only protects the environment but also prevents harm to construction projects.

Webinar

It's Not Easy Being Green: Incorporating Green Infrastructure in Development Codes

Many municipalities require green infrastructure in new and redevelopment projects, and if they aren’t requiring this yet, they likely will in the next few years.

Blog

Using Drones for Stormwater MS4 Compliance

Burns & McDonnell

Drone technology plays a critical role in environmental management and compliance by providing an innovative and safe solution to long-standing stormwater monitoring challenges.

Projects

MS4 Compliance Assistance

Our team worked with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to develop an updated stormwater management plan to meet new MS4 requirements. Part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation (IKE) Program, the effort included identifying existing and new activities to earn points per the new MS4 permit and compiling measurable goal documentation for KDOT’s annual reports in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Presentation

IECA Annual Conference

Balancing Roadways With Vegetated Systems: Seeking Resilient Stormwater Management in a Linear Environment to Meet MS4 Requirements

Blog

Understanding the MS4 Permit

Burns & McDonnell

Being proactive about your MS4 permit will help you avoid fines, save time and stay within your permit budget.

Blog

A Planner’s Essential Role in MS4 Compliance

Burns & McDonnell

For a holistic solution benefitting public health, safety and welfare, cities can gain from the perspective of a planner who specializes in stormwater management.

News Release

Burns & McDonnell Projects Supporting Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Stormwater Control Measures Win ACEC Awards

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas has awarded Burns & McDonnell two engineering excellence awards. Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Stormwater Control Measure Manual: In 2019, KDOT was issued a new Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requiring the agency to implement a stormwater management program that includes six minimum control measures.

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Brenda Macke, PE

Project Manager

+1 (816) 533-4524

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