Stormwater pollution can kill plants and animals that live in water and have an enormous effect on humans. Did you know…

• Sediment in the water reduces light penetration and affects photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to use light as their source of energy.
• When green waste decays in water it uses up oxygen, taking vital oxygen away from plants, fish and other aquatic animals.
• Soil makes waterways cloudy and can suffocate fish by clogging their gills.
• Litter clogs waterways and causes toxicity as it breaks down. It affects the health of birds, fish, animals, and plants that live in the waterways.
• Bacteria pose a health risk to humans. It can be dangerous to swim immediately after it rains.
• Ugly pollution destroys the visual amenity of our waterways.
• Pollutants that get picked up and carried away by stormwater include lawn fertilizers and pesticides, soil, pet and wildlife wastes, engine oil and other chemicals from streets and parking lots. All of these pollutants make their way into the water we depend on for drinking and cooking and for recreational activities, such as fishing.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rainfall or melted snow that runs off impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. Impervious, or hard, surfaces prevent the stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground, where the soil would filter out pollutants. As it flows, stormwater picks up pollutants from these surfaces. Common pollutants include vehicle exhaust products, brake and tire dust, oil and grease, sediment, salt, fertilizers and pesticides, pet waste, and litter. Because stormwater is untreated, these pollutants enter our waterways.

How does stormwater affect me and my family?

Polluted stormwater runoff is a leading cause of impairment to almost 40% of water bodies in the United States that do not meet water quality standards. When left uncontrolled, this water pollution can result in the destruction of habitats for fish, wildlife, and aquatic life; a loss in aesthetic value; and threats to public health because of contaminated food, drinking water, and recreational waterways.

What is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and how is it related to stormwater?

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) Stormwater Program is a comprehensive water pollution reduction program that addresses stormwater discharges that impair the quality of our nation's waters. Stormwater-regulated entities must obtain coverage under an NPDES stormwater permit and implement stormwater management programs to effectively manage and reduce the discharge of pollutants into local water bodies. Best management practices (BMPs) are methods (structural and nonstructural) developed to lessen the impact of stormwater on the environment.

What are NPDES Phase I and Phase II?

Phase I, established in 1990, regulated stormwater discharges for three types of activities: ten (10) categories of industrial facilities, construction activities that disturb five (5) or more acres of land, and municipal systems that serve populations of 100,000 people or more.

Phase II, which became law in 1999, requires smaller communities and operators of construction activities that disturb one (1) to five (5) acres of land to reduce the discharge of pollutants, protect water quality, and satisfy the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

How does MDOT’s permit relate to Phase II regulations?

Phase II regulations require that permittees follow the following six minimum stormwater control measures:

1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Participation and Involvement
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
4. Construction Site Runoff Control
5. Post-Construction Runoff Control
6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

How is MDOT addressing stormwater on their roadways and facilities?

MDOT has been addressing stormwater pollution through the Department's sediment and erosion control program. MDOT established the Stormwater Program to address other pollutants and sources associated with stormwater runoff. MDOT uses structural and nonstructural best management practices (BMPs) to manage and reduce pollutants carried in stormwater.

When did MDOT develop a Stormwater Plan?

MDOT developed a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in October, 1992, which was subsequently approved by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). This document serves as the standard for controlling storm water runoff from MDOT construction sites that disturb more than 5 acres.

How can the public help to reduce stormwater pollution?

• Keep grass clippings and trash out of the street and gutters.
• Reduce fertilizer and pesticide use.
• Recycle used motor oil. Most automotive stores collect waste oil.
• Spread the word about protecting waterways to friends and neighbors.
• Clean up after your pet.
• Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors.

Coastal Area

Desoto County

Hattiesburg

Jackson/Metro Counties

Jackson Urban Area

State Wide Basins

State Wide Overview

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

EPA's Stormwater Web Site

Public involvement is critical to the success of the Stormwater Management Program. MDOT depends on you to be the eyes in the field as you travel the roads of Mississippi. By being on the lookout for potential stormwater problems, you can help us prevent stormwater pollution. Even tourists can have an impact on stormwater quality. For example, recreational vehicles and boats must dispose of their waste and sanitary wastewater at dumping stations. Here is a list of some common stormwater problems we need your help with. If you see any of these problems, please report them to the proper authority.

• Illicit Discharges: Unauthorized, nonstormwater discharges that can cause pollution to stormwater drainage.
• Litter: Nonhazardous litter that can flow to creeks and kill fish and wildlife habitats.
• Erosion: Roadside erosion that endangers people on the roadway or create sediment-laden stormwater.
• Flooding: Clogged ditches or flooding of roadways or right-of-way ditches can endanger people and often signal areas where the stormwater drainage system needs attention.
• Hazardous spills
• Recreational Vehicle Dumping: Contributes bacteria to stormwater runoff from the roadways.
• Marine Dumping: Contributes bacteria directly into lakes and rivers.

Become a part of the solution to reduce Stormwater Pollution!