CMS4S Scope of Practice

Version: August 20, 2010

The Certified MS4 Specialist (CMS4S) program and certification was developed by EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) with grant funding provided by the Wal-Mart Corporation. Development of this program was requested by several regulated MS4 communities. This certification is intended for staff with experience in and responsibilities for coordination of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) stormwater quality programs. The CMS4S program is designed to work independently of the other EnviroCert International certifications such as the Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ), the Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), and the Certified Erosion, Sediment, & Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) programs and to identify individuals with tested and documented skills in the regulation, administration, and management of municipal stormwater.

Our Purpose and Intent

The purpose of the CMS4S program is to certify individuals who are technically and ethically qualified to manage or coordinate nationally consistent EPA NPDES MS4 programs which are in compliance with applicable (local, state, provincial and federal) laws and regulations.

Our Technical Field

The CMS4S program addresses all areas typically involved in the overall coordination of an MS4 stormwater management program (SWMP). The two key components of this program include: management and implementation of the SWMP. The CMS4S program also recognizes and reiterates the importance of identifying and supplementing the national requirements with the requirements of state programs.

Individuals that are certified by the CMS4S program must have an overall understanding of the areas described below.

1. Management
   The CMS4S program requires that stormwater professionals certified as a CMS4S have a thorough understanding of the regulations governing stormwater management including but not limited to the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program, as well as an ability to coordinate activities among the various storm-water program elements and between various inter-agency departments. A CMS4S certified professional must have a detailed understanding of the municipal permit requirements under the Phase II regulations promulgated by the USEPA in the Storm Water Phase II Final Rule (Title 64 FR 68722) and at least a general understanding of the Phase I regulations and requirements. CMS4S professionals must understand what constitutes a large, medium, small, and non-traditional small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) regulated entity and the typical compliance requirements for each. A CMS4S must understand the regulatory drivers for stormwater management; the overall responsibilities and authorities involved; and the various permit types and conditions, including application for and termination of permit coverage. They need to have a general understanding of and be able to give input into the development of ordinance language, as well as implementing those ordinances for illicit discharge, construction runoff, and post-construction runoff control. A CMS4S professional must be able to manage database information pertaining to their NPDES MS4 permit and may be responsible for compiling and submitting compliance reporting to their federal/state permitting authorities. They must have knowledge to control or assist with overall program budgets and funds of their stormwater program, including knowledge of the various potential municipal sources of funding.
2. Implementation
   The CMS4S program requires that a CMS4S must be able to define the components of a municipal stormwater management program and how the municipal permit relates to the industrial and construction permits. More specifically, a CMS4S must understand how to implement programs for each of the following six minimum control measures: public education and outreach, public participation and involvement, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post-construction runoff control, and municipal pollution prevention and good housekeeping. A CMS4S must understand general hydrology; be familiar with typical pollutants of concern for urban runoff from different land uses and activities including construction and post-construction; and know the fundamentals of: erosion and sediment control, temporary and permanent Best Management Practices (BMPs), Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements, and monitoring and inspection requirements. They must be familiar with how to conduct audits and inspections of stormwater management programs and controls and how to evaluate and document the effectiveness of their selected BMPs and measurable goals.

Our Program

The CMS4S program includes a formal application approval process to screen individuals for proper education and experience, a skills exam to test individuals on their knowledge of the subject matter, and a continuing education requirement to ensure maintenance of stormwater management skills for certified individuals.