Stormwater Permit

City of Ames NPDES MS-4 Stormwater Permit Requirements

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a permit to the City and the permit requires the City to prepare an annual report. See the reports below.

Public Works oversees the permit requirements. Below is a summary of these requirements.

Construction Site Runoff Control

  • Construction Site Erosion Control Ordinance: Municipal Code Chapter 5A
  • Review of SWPPPs for compliance with General Permit No. 2
  • Quarterly inspections of all construction sites within City limits for which NOIs have been issued by IDNR
  • Enforcement of non-compliance

Post Construction Stormwater Management

  • Post Construction Stormwater Management Ordinance: Municipal Code Chapter 5B
  • Conservation Subdivision Ordinance: Municipal Code Chapter 23
  • Review of stormwater plans
  • Inspection and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure
  • Watershed assessment plan

Public Education and Outreach

  • Educating different target audiences including children, citizens and businesses

Public Participation

  • Engaging local residents and groups in water quality issues, projects, and events
  • Encouraging citizens and businesses to implement stormwater practices through the cost share program

Good Housekeeping

  • Municipal programs that use best management practices to prevent pollution
  • Staff training on stormwater pollution prevention
  • Pollution prevention plans and spill prevention

Illicit Discharge

  • Prevent illegal discharge of pollutants into the storm sewer system
  • Illicit Discharge Ordinance: Municipal Code Chapter 28, Div. VIII 28.804
  • Hotline-Contact Information
  • Response, cleanup, and prevention
  • Education