Storm Water_Content Page_MS4 BMP

MS4 Best Management Practices Menu

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed the MS4 BMP menu to assist MS4 Permittees in complying with their MS4 Permit. The menu provides resources and examples that may help permittees choose appropriate stormwater strategies. However, as this menu is not intended to be comprehensive, it does not preclude MS4 Permittees from implementing other practices.

The MS4 BMP menu includes information and resources for the six minimum control measures (also referred to as the six stormwater management programs), Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and impaired waters requirements. Additionally, the MS4 BMP menu includes current DNR publications relevant to the MS4 permit, example MS4 compliance documents and tools to help prepare MS4 permittees for MS4 audits, or to help MS4 Permittees assess the effectiveness of its own programs. Please see the MS4 BMP menu directory with each topic categorized below.  

Disclaimer:  The MS4 BMP menu is intended solely as a reference tool and additional resource for MS4s, and does not contain any mandatory requirements except where requirements found in statute or administrative rule are referenced. It does not establish or affect legal rights or obligations, and is not finally determinative of any of the issues addressed. Any regulatory decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources in any matter addressed by this MS4 BMP menu will be made by applying the governing statutes and administrative rules to the relevant facts. The BMP examples and references included within this MS4 BMP menu 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. However, the BMPs or combination of practices chosen by a permittee must achieve the MS4 Permit Standard of Reducing Pollutants to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP).

MS4 BMP Menu Directory:

  • Stormwater Management Programs: The Six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) And MS4 Map: Learn about each of the six minimum control measures required by the MS4 Permit (I.e., Public Education and Outreach, Public Involvement and Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE), Construction Site Pollutant Control, Post-Construction Storm Water Management and Pollution Prevention. Each program provides information, resources and BMPs as a tool to help MS4 Permittees comply with MS4 Permit requirements.
  • Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and Impaired Waters: This page contains information, resources and BMPs on TMDL pollutants, including Total Suspended Solids, Total Phosphorus and Fecal Bacteria. It also contains information and resources on alternative TMDL compliance options, such as adaptive management and water quality trading.
  • Individual And General MS4 Permits: The difference between Individual and General MS4 permit coverage which also includes all of the State of Wisconsin's MS4 permits to view and download.
  • MS4 Audits: The U.S. EPA requires DNR staff to routinely conduct MS4 Audits to accomplish primary objectives.
  • Additional MS4 Resources: A variety of information and resources on funding, past regional MS4 Highlights, shared responsibility, and other frequently asked questions or MS4 topics.