Why is Stormwater Management such a concern in Calcasieu Parish?

To comply with all federal and state laws, regulations and permits applicable to Stormwater discharges.

According to Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) there are a combined 50 impaired bodies of water between our three local watersheds, the lower Calcasieu, upper Calcasieu and the Mermentau? These are waters that are too polluted or otherwise degraded to meet the water quality standards set by states, territories, or authorized tribes.

As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. This surface water discharge permitting system is administered under the Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) program. 

Louisiana's Water Quality Regulations require permits for the discharge of pollutants from any pollution source into waters of the state of Louisiana. LDEQ became state delegated to administer the water permitting program.

Under the administration of LDEQ, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury is required to have what is known as the Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (sMS4) permit. This permit encompasses Urbanized Calcasieu as well as the Municipalities of the City of Lake Charles, City of Sulphur and City of Westlake.

To meet and maintain compliance with all state and federal standards of the sMS4 permit CPPJ enforces measures stated in the Code of Ordinance Article VII. – Division 6. – Stormwater Standards.

Click the video below to watch an introduction to the sMS4 (Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Permitting Program in Calcasieu Parish.

2018 sMS4 Notice of Intent

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury - CPPJ NOI 2019

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Stormwater Management Plan 2018-2023

CPPJ 2018-2023 Stormwater Management Plan - WO Attachments

Annual sMS4 Reports:

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