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Stormwater & MS4 Program

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over surfaces such as streets, parking lots, rooftops, and other developed areas. As stormwater moves across these surfaces, it can collect pollutants such as oil, chemicals, trash, and sediment before entering local waterways.

Through the Village’s Stormwater Management Program, Public Works implements practices designed to reduce pollution, improve water quality, and protect local watersheds.

What Is the NPDES Stormwater Program?

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program was established through amendments to the Clean Water Act to reduce pollutants entering waters of the United States.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) administers the NPDES stormwater program within Illinois. The Village of Bolingbrook operates under IEPA stormwater permit requirements and implements stormwater management practices to protect local waterways.

Learn More:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Stormwater Program
https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency – Stormwater/MS4 Program
https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/water-quality-standards/storm-water.html

What Is the MS4 Program?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.

A storm sewer system is a network of storm drains, pipes, ditches, and other drainage structures used to collect and move stormwater runoff from streets, neighborhoods, and developed areas.

Unlike sanitary sewers, stormwater generally does not travel to a wastewater treatment facility. Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants into local waterways, which is why communities are required to implement stormwater management practices.

Village of Bolingbrook MS4 Program

Under Phase II of the federal stormwater regulations, municipalities operating an MS4 system must obtain an NPDES permit and implement six minimum control measures (MCMs).

The Village of Bolingbrook’s MS4 program operates under the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) General NPDES Permit requirements.

The six minimum control measures include:

1. Public Education & Outreach

Providing residents and businesses with information about preventing stormwater pollution.

2. Public Participation & Involvement

Encouraging community involvement in programs that protect local waterways.

3. Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

Identifying and addressing improper discharges into the storm sewer system.

Examples include:

  • Illegal dumping.
  • Chemical discharges.
  • Pollutants entering storm drains.

4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

Managing construction activities to reduce erosion, sediment runoff, and impacts to waterways.

5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management

Ensuring new development includes appropriate stormwater controls.

6. Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping

Reducing pollution from municipal operations through:

  • Proper material storage.
  • Equipment maintenance.
  • Spill prevention.
  • Street sweeping.
  • Responsible maintenance practices.

How Residents Can Help

Residents play an important role in protecting local waterways.

You can help by:

✔ Keeping leaves and debris out of storm drains.
✔ Properly disposing of chemicals, oil, and household waste.
✔ Picking up pet waste.
✔ Using fertilizers and pesticides responsibly.
✔ Reporting illegal dumping or pollution concerns.

Watershed Resources

The Village of Bolingbrook participates in regional watershed programs focused on protecting local waterways, improving water quality, and promoting responsible environmental practices.

Through partnerships with neighboring communities, environmental organizations, and regional agencies, the Village works to address water quality challenges and support long-term watershed protection efforts.

Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition

The Village participates in the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition, a regional partnership focused on protecting and improving the health of the DuPage River watershed.

The Coalition works collaboratively on environmental education, watershed planning, and projects that support cleaner waterways.

Learn More:
Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition

DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW)

The Village participates in the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, a regional partnership dedicated to improving water quality throughout the DuPage River and Salt Creek watersheds.

The Workgroup brings together municipalities, wastewater agencies, and environmental partners to develop and implement programs that protect local waterways.

Programs and initiatives include:

  • Water quality monitoring.
  • Watershed improvement projects.
  • Environmental education.
  • Wastewater and stormwater coordination.
  • Pollution reduction strategies.

Learn More:
DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup

Reports & Regulatory Documents

The Village maintains required stormwater reports and documents related to environmental compliance.

Available documents include:

  • IEPA Annual MS4 Reports.
  • NPDES permit information.
  • Stormwater program documents.
  • Watershed information.
  • Environmental compliance documents.

IEPA Annual Reports:
https://www.bolingbrook.gov/iepa_annual_reports

Report a Stormwater Concern

Residents can contact Public Works regarding:

  • Illegal dumping.
  • Polluted stormwater discharge.
  • Drainage concerns.
  • Storm drain issues.
  • Environmental concerns.

Please provide:

  • Name.
  • Address/location.
  • Phone number.
  • Description of concern.
  • Photos, if available.

Public Works Department

Phone:
(630) 226-8800

Email:
publicworks@bolingbrook.gov

Protecting Our Future

Stormwater management is a community effort. Through responsible operations, environmental programs, regional partnerships, and resident involvement, the Village continues working to protect local waterways and maintain a safe environment for future generations.