MS4 

If you have questions about environmental regulations, please contact us as early as possible in the planning stage of your project. You can reach the Environmental Programs Manager at 757-365-1659 and the Environmental Inspector at 757-365-6275.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) as follows:

An MS4 is a conveyance or system of conveyances that is:

• Owned by a state, city, town, village, or other public entity that discharges to waters of the U.S.;
• Designed or used to collect or convey stormwater (including storm drains, pipes, ditches, etc.);
• Not a combined sewer; and
• Not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (sewage treatment plant).

The MS4 program includes large urbanized areas that are regulated under the Phase I program and smaller urbanized areas that are regulated under the Phase II program. Isle of Wight is a Phase II locality and qualified for this designation based on the urbanizing area in the Carrollton corridor.

The Phase II regulations require each qualifying locality to develop a Program Plan to meet six minimum control measures:

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

The localities in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area developed their MS4 Program Plans in a coordinated effort led by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. 

View the MS4 Program Plan, MS4 Registration Statement or the 2008-2009 Annual Report for Isle of Wight County.

Report illicit discharges in Isle of Wight County to . Illicit discharges include disposal of any non-stormwater into the storm drain.  Contact us at if you have questions or concerns about a discharge.