Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems
Cities and towns continue to grow, and with that growth comes more paved surfaces. When rain or snow runs off roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots, it can pick up sediment, trash, and other pollutants. This runoff can harm fish and wildlife, and reduce the quality of water in lakes, streams, and wetlands.
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) are networks of drains, pipes, and ditches that carry stormwater away from streets and neighborhoods. MS4s move this water directly into local waterways without treatment.
NDEP recommends reading the full permit and fact sheet to better understand the requirements for Small MS4s.
- Download 2026 Small MS4 Permit NVS040000
- Download 2026 Small MS4 Permit Fact Sheet
Who Needs Permit Coverage
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program is mandated under the federal Clean Water Act. Cities, towns, or other public entities that own and operate an MS4 may need coverage under the Small MS4 permit.
Who is designated as a Small MS4?
Cities, towns, or other public entities can be designated as a Small MS4 in two ways.
- Cities, towns, or other public entities that are located within a U.S. Census defined urban area with a population of 50,000 or more people are automatically designated.
- Other small MS4s may be designated if the jurisdiction has at least 10,000 people and a population density of 1,000 people per square mile.
How to Apply for Coverage
To get coverage under the Small MS4 General Permit NVS040000, you must complete both steps.
- Complete the Notice of Intent (NOI)
The NOI is submitted online through the General Permits System. In the system, you can:
- Apply for a new NOI
- Renew an existing NOI
- Check permit status
- View permit contact information
2. Submit the filing fee and mail the signed Notice of Intent
Submit the filing fee and mail the signed Notice of Intent Your NOI must be signed by one of the following:
- A principal executive officer of a corporation
- A general partner of a partnership
- The proprietor of a sole proprietorship
- A principal executive officer, ranking elected official, or authorized employee of a public facility
- A duly authorized representative with an authorization letter on file with BWPC
- The authorization letter must be written by someone listed above
- It must name either a specific person or a position within the organization
You will receive an approval letter from BWPC confirming your permit coverage.
How to Pay the Application Fee and Annual Permit Fee
You can pay the application and annual permit fees online or by check. Make sure to include your site ID with every payment.
Pay online
- Visit E-Payments
Enter your site ID when submitting your fee.
Pay by check
Include your site ID on the check and mail it to:
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Pollution Control
901 South Stewart Street, Suite 4001
Carson City, NV 89701
For current fees and the latest fee schedule:
Permit Requirements
Every permitted small MS4 is required to develop a comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) that describes how the small MS4 will comply with the six minimum control measures:
- Public education and outreach
- Public participation
- Illicit discharge detection and elimination
- Management of construction site runoff
- Management of post-construction site runoff
- Pollution prevention / good housekeeping in municipal operations
Reporting Requirements
An annual report is due on December 1 of every year.
- Download Annual Report Template
Our new electronic reporting platform will be available soon. While this system is being finalized, please submit the annual report by email to:
Mitch Cowles, P.E. - Stormwater Permit Writer, Northern Nevada
mcowles [at] ndep.nv.gov
Kathryn Foxworthy - Stormwater Permit Writer, Southern Nevada
kfoxworthy [at] ndep.nv.gov
Additional Resources
Other resources
- Visit NPDES MS4 | US EPA (external link)
- Visit MS4 Stormwater Permitting Guide (external link)
- Visit Carson City Stormwater (external link)
- Visit Douglas County Stormwater (external link)
- Visit City of Elko Stormwater (external link)
- Visit Indian Hills GID Stormwater (external link)
NDEP resources
Need Help?
If you need assistance or can’t find the information you need, please visit our Bureau of Water Pollution Control Contacts page to connect with a staff member who can help.