Engaging Stakeholders With Visualization And Analytics

By Charles Walsh and Patrick Callahan, Office of Information Technology, Prince George's County

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act (CWA), helps address water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into the waters of the United States.

In adherence with the NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit program, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is required by law to report stormwater management and watershed restoration activity. Multiple agencies in the county, supported by various consultants, work together to ensure stormwater management compliance as well as plan and execute projects to improve the watershed health in Prince George's County. As part of this program, Prince George's County is required to track stormwater management facilities installed within the county. These facilities are known as best management practices (BMPs).