Public Hearing: Draft General NPDES Permit for MS4s (Statewide)

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) is hosting a public hearing on July 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. regarding the draft General NPDES Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) to discharge stormwater under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This draft permit targets MS4s serving populations under 100,000 in urbanized areas that may adversely affect surface water quality. It replaces the previous permit (OHQ000004), which expired on March 31, 2026, and will be the fifth generation of the NPDES Small MS4 general permit (OHQ000005), valid statewide for five years. The in-person hearing will take place at the Ohio EPA headquarters in Columbus, and attendees can also participate virtually, with prior online registration required for virtual attendees. Public input is welcomed through oral and written comments, which will be accepted until August 4, 2026. To ensure accessibility, individuals needing accommodations due to disabilities should contact the ADA Coordinator ahead of the event.