National
Stormwater Day 2024

November 15

On November 16, 1990,
the Federal Register announced the promulgation of the NPDES Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program making this a defining day for the stormwater sector. Since this time, thousands of communities, along with qualifying institutions and other entities, have developed MS4 programs and implemented stormwater control measures collectively to address urban runoff pollution.

Over these 33 years, the approach to addressing stormwater has evolved as have the programs established to manage urban runoff.

An increased understanding of the impacts of emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, PFAS and 6PPDq, and the role of urban runoff in the dynamics of these pollutants, is driving the awareness of stormwater pollution as a national issue. In 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) included stormwater a new infrastructure category of the first time in their Infrastructure Report Card, which also highlights the rising nature of stormwater pollution.

To recognize these shifts in the stormwater sector and the significance of the start of the MS4 program, the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance has established November 16 to be National Stormwater Day. This recognition celebrates not only this date, but also the many efforts around the country to increase the awareness of stormwater. States such as California, Wisconsin and Ohio have established stormwater awareness weeks while jurisdictions such as St. Cloud Florida and Omaha Nebraska have also joined in the overall effort to raise the profile of stormwater. These examples highlight the organic and nation-wide desire to raise the issue of stormwater management.

View Press Release

Please join us for a webinar hosted by NMSA on November 15 from 1-2:30pm ET to celebrate National Stormwater Day.

Resources to spread the word on National Stormwater Day has been developed.

National
Stormwater Day
Webinar

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET
Friday, November 15, 2024

Register Here

The 2024 National Stormwater Day webinar will bring together stormwater professionals to recognize leading stormwater champions, provide an overview of the newly established EPA Stormwater Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technologies (CESITs), share updates on the 2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card for Stormwater, and celebrate the Water Environment Federation (WEF) MS4 Award Winners.

This event is led by the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA) with participation from USEPA. 1.5 PDHs will be awarded for attending this webinar.

Speakers

Darren Olson

P.E., BC. WRE, M.ASCE, Vice President and Assistant Water Resources Department Head, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., ASCE Committee on America’s Infrastructure, Chair

Jamie Houle

Ph.D., Director, University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center, Vice Chair, WEF Stormwater Community, Vice Chair, NMSA

Jesse Maines

Chief, Stormwater Management Division, City of Alexandria, VA

Rachel Urban

Water Permits Division, Office of Wastewater Management, US EPA

Scott Taylor

AtkinsRealis, Chair, NMSA (Moderator)

Seth Brown

Ph.D., Executive Director, NMSA

2024
National Stormwater Day Stormwater Champion

John
Whitescarver
QEP, MS Civil Engineering

As a charter employee of the U.S. EPA (1970) John received the EPA Bronze medal for serving on the team that developed the NPDES Program, and a group award for developing the EPA's Industrial Effluent Guidelines. As acting Chief of the Municipal Permit Branch for 10 years he was a member of the EPA team that developed the NPDES program. John was a national expert in NPDES policy, a member of the EPA's Alumni Association, an EPA advisor, a consultant to industry, and an expert witness.

John’s passion for stormwater led him to start the National Stormwater Center (NSWC) dedicated to training stormwater inspectors across the nation. As Executive Director he led the development of a training program which currently hosts over 50+ inspector training events a year, including the Florida Stormwater Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspector Training (FSESCI).

John passed away in 2020, but his legacy in stormwater lives on through the continued activities and leadership of the NSWC.