Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit

The University of Virginia owns and maintains its own small municipal separate storm sewer system (small MS4). The MS4 consists of all interconnected storm sewer pipes on grounds. UVA's MS4 discharges into Meadow Creek, tributaries to Moores' Creek, and in some cases, into the City of Charlottesville's storm sewer system.

In order for the University to discharge its storm water into state surface waters, the University is required to have a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit. The VPDES permit requires the University to adhere to strict pollution control measures in order to minimize the amount of pollution entering state waterways. As part of UVA's program, the University is required to educate its students and staff about storm water impacts, detect and eliminate illicit discharges, control storm water runoff from construction sites during and after construction, and prevent pollution generated from the day-to-day operation of UVA facilities.

Related documents and more

• University Environmental Management Policy
• MS4 Standard Operating Procedures
• EPA Small MS4 Program Overview
• 2023-2028 UVA MS4 General Permit Coverage Letter
• 2023-2028 UVA MS4 General Permit
• 2023-2028 UVA MS4 Program Plan
• July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 UVA MS4 Annual Report
• July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 UVA MS4 Annual Report

TMDL Action Plans and Annual Reports can be found on the TMDL page.