MS4 Interim Progress Certification and Annual Report Reporting Period Deadline

As the year comes to a close, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) operators in New York must prepare for the upcoming reporting deadlines. The reporting period for the interim progress certification and the annual report ends on January 2, 2025. Submissions to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) are due by April 1, 2025.

Timely submissions are crucial for maintaining compliance with State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) requirements. Here’s everything you need to know to stay on track.

Reporting Schedule: Interim Progress Certification and Annual Report 2024-2025

Interim Progress Certification:

• • Submitted twice annually to cover six-month reporting periods.
  • First reporting period: January 3, 2024 – July 2, 2024 (due October 1, 2024).
  • Second reporting period: July 3, 2024 – January 2, 2025 (due April 1, 2025).

Annual Report:

• • Covers the full calendar year from January 3, 2024 – January 2, 2025.
  • Submission deadline: April 1, 2025.

SPDES Interim Progress Certification and Annual Report Compliance

The SPDES general permit requires MS4 operators to submit two types of reports:

Interim Progress Certification

• • Verifies the completion of SPDES activities during the reporting period.
  • Details ongoing efforts and outlines plans to meet upcoming deadlines.

Annual Report

• • Provides a comprehensive summary of the past year’s accomplishments.
  • Highlights progress, completed activities, and next steps for improving stormwater management.

Key Activities for MS4 Compliance

To remain compliant, MS4 operators must prioritize the following activities for their Stormwater Management Program (SWMP):

• • Update the SWMP Plan: Include public involvement in developing and implementing the plan.
  • Identify and Eliminate Pollution Sources: Educate the public on preventing and reporting illicit discharges.
  • Enhance Education and Outreach: Regularly review and update focus areas, target audiences, and outreach topics.
  • Comprehensive System Mapping: Maintain and update system mapping to identify high-risk areas.
  • Construction Oversight: Develop a program to oversee construction activities and prioritize high-risk sites.
  • Good Housekeeping Practices: Implement pollution prevention procedures such as street sweeping in commercial areas.

For the annual report, municipalities must summarize these activities, demonstrate progress, and outline next year’s plans. For the interim progress certification, updates on ongoing initiatives and any new initiatives.

Why Compliance Matters

Adhering to MS4 reporting requirements ensures:

• • Improved stormwater management and reduced environmental impacts.
  • Avoidance of penalties for non-compliance with SPDES regulations.
  • Enhanced community reputation for proactive environmental stewardship.

Don’t wait until the last minute—prepare your submissions now to meet the April 1 deadline with confidence.

How Walden Can Help

Compliance with MS4 reporting requirements can be complex, but Walden’s team of stormwater experts is here to help. We provide:

• • Assistance with SWMP plan updates.
  • Support for annual report and interim progress certification submissions.
  • Comprehensive solutions for all MS4 compliance needs.

Contact Us today at 516-980-5508 to speak with an expert.

Download our stormwater guide or visit our stormwater page for more information on maintaining MS4 compliance.