Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program
What our schools are doing to protect our waterways
About the Program
The objective of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is to reduce stormwater pollutants in the runoff by implementing certain programs and procedures. An MS4 is a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains). The program is part of the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) requirements and is regulated by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
DEQ requires FCPS to demonstrate that it is addressing the following six best management practices (BMPs) or minimum control measures (MCMs) in the implementation of the MS4 program:
1. Public education
2. Public involvement/participation
3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination
4. Construction site storm water runoff control
5. Post-construction storm water management in new development and redevelopment
6. Pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal operations
Rain Barrel Program
Find out how rain barrels benefit you and the environment.
Attend a Fairfax County Rain Barrel Workshop | View Rain Barrel Artwork in the Community
FCPS Schools and the Environment
Fairfax County students learn about the challenges facing our environment throughout their school years. In kindergarten, students observe and discuss how to protect the environment and conserve water and energy at home and at school. Elementary students investigate the earth’s natural resources and how to protect them, research the major Potomac River watershed and water resources, and examine public policy decisions related to the environment.
The emphasis on the environment is broadened for high school students in the geosystems curriculum, where students examine the interrelationship between the earth’s physical environment and the biosphere.
MS4 Program Report
2017-2018
External Links
The following web sites may provide additional information relating to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program.
- Clean Virginia Waterways
- Fairfax County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
- North American Association for Environmental Education
- Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
Contact Information
Lucy Dong
Senior Manager Infrastructure &
Environmental Engineering
703-764-2477
Holly Moran, Environmental Specialist
703-624-0337