MS4 Permit Program

The municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is a network of drains, pipes and ditches that carry rain water away from impervious surfaces to outfall points at streams, creeks, rivers, lakes, bays, or oceans. The MS4 is owned and maintained by the Town and is separate from the sanitary sewer, which primarily conveys wastewater from buildings' internal plumbing. The Town of Dumfries MS4 is mostly a passive system in that it relies on gravity and the force of the water flowing through the pipes to carry water away from sidewalks, roads, and other impermeable surfaces. Stormwater management facilities, or SWMFs, help remove pollutants from rainwater runoff before it enters our waterways. SWMFs take many forms. Some common SWMFs are bioretention, dry swales, infiltration trenches, grass channels, permeable pavement and rain barrels. 

The Town of Dumfries’ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requires the Town to prevent the discharge of pollutants (often called "non-point source" pollutants) such as engine oil, fertilizer, pet waste and trash from the stormwater management system into waterways to the maximum extent practicable. The permit also prohibits non-stormwater discharges into the storm drainage system, such as from sanitary sewer connections or illegal dumping. It also requires storm event monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of stormwater controls being used in the county. Annual reports submitted to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality summarize the efforts of government agencies, non-profit agencies and private organizations in managing stormwater runoff and limiting non-point source pollution to the maximum extent practicable. 

The Town is required to create a Program Plan outlining the activities, efforts, policies and procedures for the program. Activities and collective efforts in support of the mission of effective stormwater control include:

• Sharing resources and information for the purposes of educating residents and developing strategies to promote good water quality improvement practices. The Town has identified three high priority issues:
  • High Priority 1: Pet Waste
  • High Priority 2: Auto Repair Shop Best Management Practices and Illicit Discharge Prevention
  • High Priority 3: Litter Awareness
• Conduction stream monitoring on Quantico Creek
• Implementing water quality and quantity control practices.
• Conducting inspection and maintenance programs for stormwater control systems and structures to ensure their effectiveness.
• Providing technical support to residents and developers.

• Providing feedback or comments on the MS4 Program Plan,
• Reporting and spill and/or illicit discharges to the MS4 or Quantico Creek,
• Reporting  un-permitted erosion & sediment control/land disturbing activities, or
• Inquiries or general information on Stormwater education and/or activities can contact the Public Works department at 703-221-3400 x119.