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1. 1. What is an MS4 program?

An MS4 program is administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to regulate municipal sperate storm sewer systems (MS4) with the goal of reducing pollution in bodies of water. All stormwater infrastructure including piping, ditches, detention basins, and inlets are included as part of the storm sewer system. 

2. 2. Does the City of Republic have an MS4 program?

Yes. The City of Republic has had an MS4 program since 2017. The City is currently regulated by Phase II MS4 Permit MOR04C021.

3. 3. Who qualifies for an MS4 program?

There are several tiers of MS4 programs. Phase I permits cover large communities with populations of over 100,000 people. Phase II communities, like the City of Republic, are permitted if they have a population greater than 10,000 people and are located near an urban area with more than 50,000 people, such as the City of Springfield. 

4. 4. What is a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)?

A Stormwater Management Plan is a written document outlining the practices and procedures that are used to meet the requirements of an MS4 permit. This includes minimum control measures to reduce pollution and protect water quality.  

5. 5. What is a minimum control measure?

A minimum control measure, also referred to as an MCM, is any measure expected to result in the reduction of pollutants being discharged into bodies of water. Per the City of Republic’s MS4 permit, there are six minimum control measures that must be followed by the City. 

6. 6. What are the six minimum control measures?

The six minimum control measures are:

MCM #1: Public Education and Outreach of Stormwater Impacts

MCM #2: Public Involvement/Participation in Program Development

MCM #3: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)

MCM #4: Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

MCM #5: Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment

MCM #6: Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

7. 7. What is an illicit discharge?

An illicit discharge is any direct or indirect discharge to the municipal storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. NPDES regulated discharges and water resulting from firefighting activities are not considered illicit discharges.

8. 8. What are examples of illicit discharges?

Examples of illicit discharges include cross connections with the sanitary sewer, improper disposal of car oil or cooking grease, dumping paint or herbicides, or other related actions that result in pollutants in stormwater. 

9. 9. How do I report an illicit discharge?

To report a suspected illicit discharge, please contact the City of Republic at (417) 732-3450 or use the submit a concern function on the website.

10. 10. What are the potential dangers of an illicit discharge?

Illicit discharges pollute bodies of water including ponds, lakes, creeks, streams, and rivers. This can disrupt plant and animal life by depleting oxygen and destroying habitats. 

11. 11. How can I help protect water quality?

You can help protect water quality by property disposing of waste and materials. Reporting suspected illicit discharges also helps to protect the quality of water.

12. 12. Why are stormwater inlets being painted?

City staff are marking stormwater inlets with spray paint as part of an ongoing project under the City's Stormwater Management Plan. Inlets are being stenciled with, "No Dumping - Drains to Stream." This effort is being taken to discourage illegal dumping into the storm sewer and will be occurring all over town.