MS4 Program

The Town of East Hartford is required to comply with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) General Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4 General Permit). This permit is the local enforcement mechanism of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Phase II Rule.  For a general overview of the Town's storm sewer (drainage) system, see this webpage.  For more detail on the NPDES, see this webpage.

In July 2017, the Town finalized a Stormwater Management Plan to outline the Town's approach to compliance with the MS4 General Permit.  The plan includes best management practices (BMPs), measurable goals, responsible individuals or departments, and implementation schedules for the following six minimum control measures:

1. Public education and outreach
2. Public involvement and participation
3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination
4. Construction site stormwater runoff control
5. Post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment
6. Pollution prevention/good housekeeping

Appendices to the Stormwater Management Plan include the CT DEEP General Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater from Small MS4s and a map of East Hartford’s impaired waterbodies.  Both the Connecticut River and the Hockanum River are designated as impaired by the DEEP as the waterways do not meet the pollution restrictions for bacteria.  The waterways have a Class B designation by the DEEP indicating they are used for fish/aquatic life/wildlife habitat, recreation, navigation, industrial and agricultural water supply.  These waterways are not used for drinking water supply.

Update January 31, 2024

The Town's 2023 Annual Report on MS4 General Permit efforts is now available for review.  The public comment period for the report runs from January 31, 2024 to March 16, 2024.  Comments should be in writing and directed to the Engineering Division via hardcopy or email (engineering@easthartfordct.gov).