In 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. The permit requires the PA Turnpike to enforce its Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) and reduce the sediment and nutrient loading discharged to the Ohio River, Chesapeake Bay, and Delaware River Watersheds.

One of the key requirements of the SWMP is an educational outreach program designed to familiarize current and future staff and contractors with the MS4 permit guidelines and our efforts to reduce stormwater pollution. We consider our construction staff and business partners essential to maintaining environmental compliance during construction, working together towards successful project delivery.

The PA Turnpike expects all work to adhere to the contract documents, which comply with the Minimum Control Measures and their associated Best Management Practices outlined in the MS4 permit. These are not new obligations but rather a renewed focus on existing requirements within our construction contracts.

As a construction manager or inspector, you are closely monitoring daily activities while contractors implement and maintain construction site runoff control. This training is mandatory for inspectors and construction management consultants.

Prime contractors hold ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the contract work. However, recognizing that subcontractors may handle construction site runoff control, they are strongly encouraged to complete this training as well.

The PA Turnpike aims to educate our staff and business partners about our expectations to foster a collaborative effort towards MS4 permit compliance. Without the cooperation of our business partners, this goal would remain unattainable.

For your convenience, this year's training will be conducted online and can be accessed here: Online MS4 Contractor Training

Our permit requires us to test our contractors' knowledge on the topics before and after the training. This training is divided into six steps:

An FAQ with answers to common questions is available here: FAQ If you have any additional questions, you can contact the MS4 team at MCM4Training@paturnpike.com