Public comment is now open on New Hampshire’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, which applies to 60 of the state’s communities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that complying with the six minimum control measures will cost municipalities between $78,000 and $829,000 per year.

This new permit is an update to the state’s 2003 general MS4 permit and is a revised version of the draft released in 2008, which received a significant public response. The new version also takes into account 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data and new total maximum daily loads.

Based on public comments, the permit provides the ability to optimize activities and additional time to complete required tasks. It also reduces the required frequency of street sweeping and the costs associated with monitoring through the use of field-test kits. Finally, it includes provisions that address nitrogen in Great Bay. Read more.