National Menu of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater-Post-Construction
Disclaimer: The BMP examples and references included on these fact sheets are not intended to be comprehensive. Additionally, the list of BMPs is not all-inclusive, and it does not preclude MS4s from using other technically sound practices.
As areas are developed, the amount of paved surfaces increase leading to an increase in stormwater volume and pollutants, which if uncontrolled can harm lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal areas. Stormwater managers are using techniques like planning their sites to reduce imperviousness and incorporating stormwater controls like green infrastructure to reduce stormwater pollutants.
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits specify minimum elements and require regulated MS4 owners/operators to develop, implement, and enforce a program to reduce pollutants in any stormwater into the small MS4 from certain post-construction activities. This primarily includes developing:
- Strategies to implement a combination of structural and non-structural BMPs,
- An ordinance to address post-construction runoff, and
- A program to ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of BMPs.
BMP Fact Sheets
The fact sheets describe practices that stormwater managers may consider as they develop their programs. These fact sheets generally provide applicability, implementation, and effectiveness information to help municipal stormwater operators develop their programs.
Municipal Program Elements
- BMP Inspection and Maintenance (See Construction BMPs, Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection and Maintenance (pdf) )
- Ordinances for Post-construction Runoff (pdf)
- Post-construction Plan Review (pdf)
- Zoning (pdf)
Innovative BMPs for Site Plans
- Alternative Turnarounds (pdf)
- Conservation Easements (pdf)
- Stormwater Management for Development Districts (pdf)
- Eliminating Curbs and Gutters (pdf)
- Green Parking (pdf)
- Green Roofs (pdf)
- Infrastructure Planning (pdf)
- Open Space Design (pdf)
- Protection of Natural Features (pdf)
- Redevelopment (pdf)
- Right-Sized Residential Streets (pdf) (formerly Narrow Residential Streets)
- Riparian/Forested Buffer (pdf)
- Site Design and Planning Strategies (pdf) (formerly Low Impact Development and Other Green Design Strategies)
- Street Design and Patterns (pdf)
- Urban Forestry (pdf)
Infiltration
- Grassed Swales (pdf)
- Infiltration Basin (pdf)
- Infiltration Trench (pdf)
- Permeable Pavements (pdf) (formerly Pervious Concrete Pavement and Porous Asphalt Pavement)
Filtration
Retention/Detention
Other
- Alum Injection (pdf)
- Stormwater Inlet Controls (pdf) (formerly Catch Basin Inserts)
Additional Resources
- Green Infrastructure - EPA's website includes many resources on green infrastructure practices that use vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments.
- Urban Management Measures Guidance - Helps municipalities and citizens in urban areas implement their Phase II stormwater permit programs, and states implement their nonpoint source control programs.
- Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices
- Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development
- Rainwater Harvesting Conservation Credit Codes - This technical guidance document describes rainwater harvesting practices that have the potential to supplement water supplies, manage stormwater and provide a number of additional environmental benefits.
- Federal Facilities:
- Stormwater Management at EPA - Describes a stormwater management demonstration project at EPA Headquarters.
- Stormwater Management for Federal Facilities under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act - Includes technical guidance and resources that federal facilities can use to reduce stormwater runoff from federal development and redevelopment projects to protect water resources.