Stormwater
The City of Athens Public Works Department maintains a separate municipal storm sewer system (MS4) that collects rainwater runoff from public and private properties across the city. This network includes ditches, swales, culverts, and ponds located on public property, easements, and road rights-of-way.
When rainfall exceeds the ground’s ability to absorb it, the excess water flows into this system and eventually drains into local creeks, streams, and lakes —collectively known as waters of the state.
Unlike wastewater from homes and businesses, which is treated before discharge by a local utility provider, stormwater flows directly into these natural waterways with no treatment. Because of this, proper operation and maintenance of the stormwater system are essential to protecting our community’s water quality.
The City’s Stormwater Permit (MS4 Program)
The City of Athen’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program is regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This program was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) as part of the Clean Water Act.
As a Phase II MS4 community, Athens maintains a TDEC Notice of Coverage that allows it to discharge stormwater into waters of the state. The primary receiving waterways located within the corporate limits of Athens are Oostanaula Creek and Mouse Creek.
Related Links
MS4 Annual Reports
