SANTA FE, September 1, 2023 – The City of Santa Fe’s River and Watershed Section invites community members to provide public comment on the draft annual report for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (sMS4) Permit Program. The public comment period will run from Friday, September 1, through Sunday, October 1, 2023. Public input and community feedback are used to finalize the annual report before submitting it to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
An sMS4 permit allows municipalities like Santa Fe to discharge stormwater into the nation’s waterways, like the Santa Fe River. Because stormwater often carries pollutants, the permitting process includes a requirement to improve stormwater before it reaches these waterways. The permit requires the City to document progress in implementing the Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), including achievements in each of the following minimum control measures that are designed to improve water quality:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Participation and Involvement
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Runoff Control
- Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
The draft report and summary are now available on the City’s website in the River and Watershed Section pages. Written comments may be submitted to Zoë Isaacson at zrisaacson@santafenm.gov. For more information about the annual report or to receive a paper copy, call the Stormwater Office at 505-955-2133.