Simultaneously Addressing CSO & MS4 Requirements Through Integrated Wet Weather Management

Abstract

An Integrated Wet Weather Management approach seeks to achieve the overarching goal of surface water quality protection though coordinated planning, prioritization and implementation of wet weather management initiatives across programmatic and regulatory boundaries. The result is a holistic program designed to efficiently and effectively meet the requirements and goals of multiple regulatory programs, avoid duplicative efforts and derive the maximum water quality benefit feasible. This paper introduces an approach for Integrated Wet Weather Management planning and provides a case study of the approach as is currently being implemented by the City of Wilmington, Delaware. A concurrent comparative analysis of standard regulatory requirements highlights areas of overlap between combined sewer overflow (CSO) and municipal separate storm sewer (MS4) programs and facilitates the integrated approach. A prioritization strategy guides implementation planningand the program is vetted internally and externally to gain acceptance and support.