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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

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 can harm lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal areas.

The best way to mitigate stormwater impacts from new development is to use practices that treat, store, and infiltrate runoff onsite before it can affect water bodies downstream. Innovative site designs that reduce paved surfaces, or imperviousness, and other green infrastructure practices are excellent ways to reduce flows and improve water quality.

Phase II MS4s are required to address post-construction stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopments that disturb one or more acres. 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.

Key BMPs and Resources

MS4s addressing the post-construction minimum measure should focus on the following key BMPs to help them in developing a post-construction program. Information on green infrastructure and smart growth are key resources for MS4s.

EPA is updating the following fact sheets. You can request a copy or recommend any changes by filling out and submitting the form at the bottom of the NPDES Contact Us webpage.
 
  • Ordinances for Post-Construction Runoff
  • Post-Construction Plan Review
  • BMP Inspection and Maintenance
  • Low Impact Development (LID) and Other Green Designs

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BMP Fact Sheets

EPA is updating the following fact sheets. You can request a copy or recommend any changes by filling out and submitting the form at the bottom of the NPDES Contact Us webpage.

The fact sheets describe the BMPs and generally provide applicability, implementation, and effectiveness information to help municipal stormwater and construction site operators comply with the stormwater Phase II requirements.

Municipal Program Elements

  • BMP Inspection and Maintenance
  • Ordinances for Post-construction Runoff
  • Post-construction Plan Review
  • Zoning

Innovative BMPs for Site Plans

  • Alternative Turnarounds
  • Conservation Easements
  • Development Districts
  • Eliminating Curbs and Gutters
  • Green Parking
  • Green Roofs
  • Infrastructure Planning
  • Low Impact Development
  • (LID) and Other Green Design Strategies
  • Narrower Residential Streets
  • Open Space Design
  • Protection of Natural Features
  • Redevelopment
  • Riparian/Forested Buffer
  • Street Design and Patterns
  • Urban Forestry

Infiltration

  • Grassed Swales
  • Infiltration Basin
  • Infiltration Trench
  • Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement
  • Pervious Concrete Pavement
  • Porous Asphalt Pavement

Filtration

  • Bioretention (Rain Gardens)
  • Catch Basin Inserts
  • Sand and Organic Filters
  • Vegetated Filter Strip

Retention/Detention

  • Dry Detention Ponds
  • In-Line Storage
  • On-Lot Treatment
  • Stormwater Wetland
  • Wet Ponds

Other

  • Alum Injection
  • Manufactured Products for Stormwater Inlets

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Resources

EPA

Other

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