The City of Tuscaloosa operates a Stormwater Management Program to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff and protect local water quality. This program is required under the City’s MS4 Phase II NPDES permit issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).
The Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) is a federally mandated program under the Clean Water Act that requires the City to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff to the maximum extent practicable. ADEM oversees permitting and enforcement of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program in Alabama, and the City operates under MS4 Phase II NPDES permit ALR040021, reissued on October 1, 2021.
The City’s Office of the Engineer ensures compliance with permit requirements by implementing and maintaining a Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMPP). This plan outlines the City’s stormwater control measures, goals, and procedures to prevent nonpoint source pollution and protect water quality throughout the community.
To achieve its goals, the City of Tuscaloosa’s Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMPP) focuses on five key areas:
Public education and public involvement on stormwater impacts
Illicit discharge detection and elimination
Construction site stormwater runoff control
Post-construction stormwater management
Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations
Low impact development (LID) is a design approach for managing stormwater runoff. It emphasizes conservation and the use of on-site natural features to protect water quality. LID includes engineered practices that are designed to mimic natural hydrology by infiltrating stormwater runoff into the ground, evapotranspiration (uptake of water by plants) in landscaped areas, or capturing and reusing the runoff through rainwater harvesting techniques. Property owners are responsible for the long-term maintenance of all post-construction BMP features including low impact development.
The City has been recognized as a leader in the state for LID implementation and encourages developers and residents to consider the use of low impact development and green infrastructure on their projects. The City of Tuscaloosa has permitted over 200 LID post-construction controls since April 27, 2011.
Additional information about Low Impact Development (LID) practices, design standards, and guidance can be found through the resources below:
Handbook for the State of Alabama
EPA - Nonpoint Source Low Impact Development
We welcome citizen feedback on the MS4 program, especially regarding the SWMPP. Feedback can be sent to us by calling Tuscaloosa 311. You can dial 311 in city limits or 205-248-5311.
Dial 311 within city limits
or 205-248-5311
