The Engineering Support Services Section collaborates with the Natural Resource Management Section to administer the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for the county Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit.  Guidance is provided for permit oversight, technical support for runoff pollutant loadings, collaboration with the ten co-permittees (local municipalities and other governing bodies), annual permit inspection facilitation, and annual report review.

This activity includes the review, inspection, monitoring and the permitting of nearly 50 small domestic wasterwater package treatment facilities that have 5-year permits.  In addition, permitting includes larger wastewater residual management facilities and wastewater residual land application permits.  An emergency-response service provides environmental assessment and protection in the event of sanitary sewer overflows and treatment plant malfunctions resulting in discharges of domestic waste or commercial wastes into the environment.  Emergency responses involve sewage spills, force main breaks, and lift station overflows that impact lakes, rivers, and stormwater ponds.  Timely 24/7 responses of affected areas minimize negative impacts to the environment or the health/safety of the citizens.

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