Stormwater At-A-Glance

What is Stormwater?

Also called stormwater runoff, stormwater is when rain, snow, sleet, or hail fails to soak into the ground, and instead flows over surfaces such as roofs, streets, parking lots, and driveways. Stormwater runoff picks up bacteria from pet waste, fertilizer, sediment, oil, trash, and other pollutants and drains untreated into our waterways. This is one of the greatest threats to clean water in the United States.  

What is an MS4?

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census identifies urbanized areas. As of the most recent update, Frederick County has been classified as an urbanized area, which means it must meet MS4 stormwater requirements.

MS4 is shortened for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. To break it down, the word “Municipal” refers to a specific town, city, or local government. The 4’s --“Separate Storm Sewer System”– refer to network of curbs, gutters, ditches, storm drains, and pipes that collect rainwater and carry it to local streams and rivers—without treatment.

Frederick County has many waterways, including at least 25 named streams. Because stormwater flows to these streams untreated, the County is required to reduce pollution entering its stormwater drainage system to help protect water quality.

For more information on the County’s requirements, see the documents below:

MS4 General Permit 2025-2028: Issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), this permit outlines what the County must do to manage stormwater and reduce pollution.

VAR040154 Frederick County 2025 MS4 Coverage Letter: Confirms that Frederick County is authorized under the permit and identifies the specific requirements that apply to the County.

How Do I Learn More About the County’s Stormwater Program?

Frederick County’s Stormwater Program Plan and TMDL Action Plan describe how the County manages stormwater, reduces pollution, and protects local waterways. These documents explain how the County meets its state and federal requirements.

The public is encouraged to review these documents and provide input using the links below.
MS4 Program Plan:  Describes how the County meets state and federal stormwater requirements.

TMDL Action Plan and Annual Status Report: Outlines actions to reduce pollutants in impaired waterways and provides yearly updates on the County’s progress toward meeting those goals.

MS4 Annual Report: Provides a yearly summary of the County’s stormwater activities, including completed projects, program updates, and progress toward meeting permit requirements.

You can share comments or feedback on these plans using the “Comment Now” buttons below. Public input helps the County improve its stormwater program and better protect local waterways.

MS4 Program Plan- Comment Now TMDL Action Plan- Open For Comment in 2028

 

What is an Illicit Discharge?

Any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater.  

Examples of an illicit discharge include:

  1. Dumping motor oil, antifreeze, or gasoline down a street drain.
  2. Grass or yard clippings being blown or swept near or into a storm structure.
  3. Washing cars with soapy water on the driveway or having sanitary sewage pipes (from toilets or laundry) improperly connected to the storm system.
  4. Pouring paint, concrete washout, solvents, chemical cleaners, or pesticides into a storm sewer.
  5. Discharging chlorinated or chemically treated swimming pool/spa water a waterway or storm sewer system.

Examples of what is NOT considered an illicit discharge:

  1. Fire‐fighting activities
  2. Air condition condensate
  3. Water line flushing
  4. Footing or foundation drains
  5. Landscape/lawn irrigation
  6. Springs
  7. Diverted Stream Flows
  8. Water from sump pumps
  9. Discharges from potable water sources

What’s that smell? That doesn’t look normal!
Possible signs of an illicit discharge can include:

  1. Rainbow oil sheen
  2. Green, red, brown, blue-green, yellow or golden brown algae
  3. Floating trash or debris
  4. Musty, rotten eggs, pungent, metallic, gasoline, or sweet chemical-like odors
  5. Suds or thick foam
  6. Unusual color or cloudiness

 How Do I Report an Illicit Discharge?

Storm drains are meant to carry only rainwater. If you see anything else entering  the County’s stormwater drainage system – such as a ditch, stormdrain, or stream, please report it. Use the buttons below to choose the type of issue:

Illicit Discharge: Any non-rainwater flow, such as soapy water, oil, paint, or sewage getting in to the stormwater drainage system or stream.

Illegal Dumping or Spills: Trash, yard waste, or chemicals dumped on the ground or spilled where they can reach a storm drain or waterway.

Construction Site Runoff: Mud, sediment, or debris leaving a construction site and entering streets or storm drains.

Click a “Report Now” button below or call the Stormwater Hotline at (540) 722-8216. For emergencies, call 911.

Illicit Discharge-Report Now Illegal Dumping or Spills-Report Now Construction Site Runoff-Report Now

 

 

Don't Run Off!

Check out our NEW MS4 Program and Current Events

Secure Your Load Program
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Walk Your Human Program