WEF Launches MS4 Stormwater And Green Infrastructure Awards Program

Submissions for Phase I and Phase II communities accepted through August

The Water Environment Federation (WEF), is pleased to announce a new national municipal stormwater and green infrastructure awards program. Developed through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the program aims to recognize high-performing regulated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and inspire them to exceed requirements through innovative and cost-effective approaches.

“Many of WEF’s utility members, along with a cadre of stormwater professionals nationwide, are leading the way in effectively addressing stormwater and wet weather issues,” said WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. “To remain on top of this challenge, they need opportunities to exchange best practices and learn about cutting-edge approaches for treatment, management, and financing. With EPA’s support, WEF is able to provide such an opportunity that not only recognizes the success of stormwater professionals but encourages the new ideas, programs, and leadership that is needed for tackling the growing demands that stormwater is placing on our communities.”

Following a steering committee review and selection process, award winners will be announced in September at the 2015 Stormwater Congress, WEF’s popular stormwater conference that is co-located with WEFTEC 2015 in Chicago. All participants will receive a certificate in either the gold, silver or bronze levels with three winners from each category selected for program management, innovation, and overall winner with the highest score.

Applicants for Phase II—which include small MS4s in urbanized areas, as well as small MS4s outside the urbanized areas that are designated by the local permitting authority—are required to fill out the Phase II application form by 11:59 p.m., EST, August 19, 2015.

Applicants for Phase I—which include medium and large cities or certain counties with populations of 100,000 or more to obtain NPDES permit coverage for their stormwater discharges— are required to fill out the Phase I application form (to be posted the week of July 20) by 11:59 p.m., EST, August 26, 2015.

The diverse steering committee includes members and volunteers from WEF’s Stormwater and Watershed national committees, as well as representatives from each of the following organizations: the Association of Clean Water Administrators, American Rivers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Landscape Architects, EPA, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies, and the Water Environment Research Foundation.

For more information about this inaugural recognition program, visit www.wef.org/ms4awards.

About WEF
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation. For more information, visit www.wef.org.