Memorandum

TO:
City Council
 
FROM:
Krista Billerbeck , Natural resources manager
 
DATE:
September 21, 2026
 
SUBJECT:

Public hearing for Shoreview's municipal separate storm sewer system permit (MS4 permit)

 
ITEM NUMBER:
9.a
 
SECTION:
PUBLIC HEARINGS
 
 
REQUESTED MOTION

To close the public hearing

 
INTRODUCTION

The City of Shoreview is authorized to operate its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) under the MS4 general permit through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The city must hold a public hearing each year and encourages residents to share comments. An annual report is typically submitted to the MPCA about the past year's activity, however the reporting system is not currently available. 

 
DISCUSSION

Shoreview has held an MS4 permit from the MPCA since the program began in 2003. Cities such as Shoreview are subject to stormwater regulation under the federal Clean Water Act and Minnesota Rule 7090 based on population and location within an urbanized area. Permit requirements include maintaining a stormwater pollution prevention program (SWPPP) that covers six minimum control measures: 

  • Public education and outreach
  • Public participation and involvement
  • Illicit discharge, detection, and elimination
  • Construction site runoff control
  • Post-construction site runoff control
  • Pollution prevention/good housekeeping

 

The goal of the program is to improve water quality by reducing the amount of sediment and pollution that enters surface and ground water from stormwater systems.

 

The MPCA issues a new permit with updated requirements every 5-10 years. The current permit expired November 2025 and is administratively continued until the new permit is issued. The MPCA expects to reissue a new permit later this fall. The city completed the first step in the new permit application and will look for further information from the MPCA. 

 

Many city staff are involved in maintaining the city's stormwater system and fulfilling requirements of the the MS4 permit. Positions and departments involved in permit activities include public works maintenance, natural resources, engineering, parks, communications, and building. Other agencies are also involved in carrying out elements of the permit including Ramsey County Soil & Water Division, Rice Creek Watershed District, and Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District. Staff has also worked with the consulting firm SEH on meeting requirements. 

 

Any comments received on the city's SWPPP at the public hearing will be recorded and included with reporting documents.

 
RECOMMENDATION

Following an overview of the 2025 MS4 activities, it is recommended that the council conduct a public hearing and record any comments.

 
ATTACHMENTS