STORM WATER RUNOFF CONTROL
Storm water runoff control is a water quality management approach that is applied to prevent the discharge of storm water pollutants. Storm water pollutants can originate from a variety of land uses and include, but are not limited to, sediment, oil, grease, bacteria, chemicals, and trash. Engineers, contractors, and owners can identify pollutant sources on their site/property and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to address the pollutant source and control the discharge of storm water pollutants.
What is a BMP?
A BMP refers to a structural control measure or a management activity implemented to prevent or control erosion, sediment, and other forms of storm water pollution. BMPs can be applied to every type of land use, such as residential, commercial, and industrial, and can also be implemented during the construction of a new development.
Examples of BMPs implemented during construction include, but are not limited to, erosion prevention and sediment control measures (EPSCs), concrete waste management, and preservation of stream buffers.
Examples of BMPs implemented post-construction include, but are not limited to, maintenance of storm water structures, pesticide and fertilizer management, and litter control.
Construction Site Runoff Control
The City of Memphis is required, by its NPDES Permit, to inspect construction sites to ensure BMP’s are implemented and maintained in order to prevent the discharge of pollutants.
The City has established ordinances to control storm water pollution and enforce violations to the extent of issuing civil penalties.
If you have been issued and wish to dispute a Civil Penalty Assessment, click here for documents regarding the process of appealing your Civil Penalty.
To avoid enforcement actions, guidance documents and manuals pertaining to storm water management are available by clicking the links below. For additional guidance and requirements, please refer to the City of Memphis Storm Water Ordinances.
EFFECTIVE 2024: Storm Water Management Manual Volume 3: BMP Manual
EFFECTIVE 1/1/2025: Reference Storm Water Management Manual Volume 3 here.
Post-Construction Runoff Control
The City of Memphis is required, by its NPDES Permit, to inspect private storm water management controls to ensure they are maintained to the extent necessary to achieve the designed function and prevent water quality impacts.
Private storm water management controls shall be maintained in accordance with the City’s Storm Water Ordinances and the Storm Water Management Manual (SWMM) Volume 1.
The City has established ordinances to control storm water pollution and enforce violations to the extent of issuing civil penalties.
If you have been issued and wish to dispute a Civil Penalty Assessment, click here for documents regarding the process of appealing your Civil Penalty.
To avoid enforcement actions, guidance documents and manuals pertaining to storm water management are available by clicking the links below. For additional guidance and requirements, please refer to the City of Memphis Storm Water Ordinances.
EFFECTIVE 2024: Storm Water Management Manual Volume 1: Policy Manual
EFFECTIVE 2024: Storm Water Management Manual Volume 3: BMP Manual
EFFECTIVE 1/1/2025: Reference Storm Water Management Manual Volumes 1 & 3 here.
Regulatory
The City of Memphis Storm Water Program’s mission is to protect, maintain, and enhance the quality of the City of Memphis’ receiving waters for the safety, health, and general welfare of its citizens and future generations.
EFFECTIVE 1/1/2025: Storm Water Management Policy Manuals
EFFECTIVE for 2024: Storm Water Management Manual Volume 1: Policy Manual
EFFECTIVE for 2024: Storm Water Management Manual Volume 2: Drainage Manual
EFFECTIVE for 2024: Storm Water Management Manual Volume 3: BMP Manual