The Tier A MS4 NJPDES permit requires each Tier A Municipality to develop, implement, update and maintain an MS4 stormwater program. The stormwater program is described in Ocean County College’s written Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP), which is the primary plan required by the permit. The SPPP explains how the College will implement each permit requirement and provides a place for record-keeping and documenting when permit requirements were met.

In December 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued Phase II Stormwater Rules to address pollutants entering municipal separate storm sewer systems, also referred to as “MS4s”. To comply with USEPA requirements and goals of the stormwater program, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has developed the Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program, which regulates Public Complexes, Highway Agencies, and Municipalities throughout the State.

As a result of the statewide Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program, Public Complexes, including Ocean County College, have been issued a Public Complex Stormwater General Permit, number NJ0141879. The NJPDES permit number unique to Ocean County College is NJG0151785, with an original “Effective Date of Permit Authorization” (EDPA) of April I, 2004. The Public Complex Stormwater General Permit has mandatory elements that must be implemented to avoid possible enforcement action and penalties from the State. The General Permit requires that the College prepare this Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP). The plan’s purpose is to document SPPP team member assignments, the scope of activities, schedule, and completion dates of tasks necessary to meet permit mandated Statewide Basic Requirements (SBRs). NJDEP developed the SBRs for the prevention of nonpoint-source stormwater pollution in order to improve the quality of our surface and ground waters and the health of our ecosystems.