The Public Involvement and Participation minimum control measure focuses activities on specifically involving the public in the development, implementation and evaluation of the local stormwater management program. Many of the public participation and public involvement activities undertaken by the MS4 are included in the discussion of other Minimum Control Measures included in this website. For example, public participation activities regarding construction and post-construction stormwater management should emphasize involvement of the public in the development of local laws, comments on Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, and access to reporting hotlines. These activities are all discussed as part of those respective Minimum Control Measures. Additionally, the development and use of this website, itself, meets many of the requirements for public involvement and participation.
In the general sense, this Minimum Control Measure requires the MS4 to involve the public in all aspects of the local stormwater program. Activities may include, but are not limited to: ensuring compliance with public notice and open meetings law; identification of key stakeholders; publishing contact information; obtaining public input on local laws, annual reports and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs); and sponsoring volunteer activities that directly involve the public in stormwater management activities.
Selected Activities and BMPs:
To meet the public involvement and public participation requirements, the MS4 has selected the following Best Management Practices (BMP's) and activities to ensure the reduction of all pollutants of concern in stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable. The activities include a number of practices designed to seek public input on programmatic requirements. They may also include specific activities that encourage hands-on public involvement and participation.
Annual Report Public Notice and Presentation
Description of BMP/Activity:
The public is provided notice regarding the availability of the MS4's stormwater program annual report and the report is presented at a meeting open to the public or via the internet. The public has the ability to review the annual report, ask questions about the report and make comments on the report. Any public comments received on the draft annual report are attached to the respective Annual Report submissions to the State.
Staff, Agency, and/or Organization Reponsible for Completing this Activity:
Program Development: Town or Village Board
Implementation: Town or Village Board
Frequency of Activity:
Program Development: On-going/Continuous
Implementation: On-going/Continuous
Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [X] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit. Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [X] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
Published Stormwater Contact Information
Description of BMP/Activity:
Identify and publish information concerning the MS4's stormwater management contact. This activity may involve working with the MS4 staff, boards and agencies to identify the most qualified person(s). The name or title of this contact and the telephone number is published and kept updated with the State via the Municipal Compliance Certification.
Staff, Agency, and/or Organization Reponsible for Completing this Activity:
Program Development: Town or Village Board
Implementation: Town or Village Board
Frequency of Activity:
Program Development: Single Occurrence (Includes Updates As Needed)
Implementation: Single Occurrence (Includes Updates As Needed)
Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [X] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit. Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [X] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
Public Access to the Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMPP)
Description of BMP/Activity:
The development and use of this website, itself, provides the public with access to all aspects of the MS4's stormwater management program and plan. The public has the ability to review all documents, ask questions about the various programs, and submit comments.
Staff, Agency, and/or Organization Reponsible for Completing this Activity:
Program Development: Municipal Engineer
Implementation: Municipal Engineer
Frequency of Activity:
Program Development: On-going/Continuous
Implementation: On-going/Continuous
Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [X] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit. Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [X] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
Stormwater Hotline
Description of BMP/Activity:
Establish a hotline by telephone, as a web-based tool, or by other means where the general public can contact the MS4 to report stormwater concerns such as spills, illegal dumping, flooding, washouts, or standing water. This activity may contribute to the MS4s understanding of local conditions and keeps the public actively involved in managing stormwater runoff
Staff, Agency, and/or Organization Reponsible for Completing this Activity:
Program Development: Town or Village Board
Implementation: Town or Village Board
Frequency of Activity:
Program Development: Single Occurrence (Includes Updates As Needed)
Implementation: Single Occurrence (Includes Updates As Needed)
Status - Program Development:
[X] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit. Status - Implementation:
[X] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [ ] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
Administration of Public Involvement and Participation Programs and Policy
Description of BMP/Activity:
Establish Public Involvement and Participation program responsibility, communication, coordination and authority within local departments and agencies. Evaluate existing capabilities, identify needs and designate key staff and their roles in the Public Participation program.
Staff, Agency, and/or Organization Reponsible for Completing this Activity:
Program Development: Town or Village Board
Implementation: Town or Village Board
Frequency of Activity:
Program Development: On-going/Continuous
Implementation: On-going/Continuous
Status - Program Development:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [X] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit. Status - Implementation:
[ ] Completed - This activity has been completed [ ] Short-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the current reporting year. [ ] Long-Term - This activity will be accomplished within the 3 to 5 year permit cycle. [X] On-Going - This activity will be undertaken throughout all years of the permit.
Program Accomplishments:
Activities and BMPs that have been accomplished to date for this Minimum Control Measure are included within the required MS4 Stormwater Annual Report form and Municipal Compliance Certification. Copies of these documents can be found under the heading "The MS4 Stormwater Management Program and Plan: Program Reporting and Effectiveness" A summary of the effectiveness of this program, associated BMPs, activities and an assessment of measurable goals can also be found under the heading "The MS4 Stormwater Management Program and Plan: Program Reporting and Effectiveness"
Two short videos where presented on 8/14/20 in efforts to meet the Minimum Control Measure regarding public involvement and participation. One of the videos dealt with Stormwater Runoff/Run-on and the other dealt with Surface Stabilization. These videos can be found at the Columbus Indiana Engineering Stormwater Contractors Education website. Click the link below if you would like to watch these videos!
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