An operator of a small municipal separate storm sewer system has to apply to TDEC for a permit to discharge storm water and has to implement a series of storm water discharge "best management practices." These practices include the following:

1. An operator must develop, implement and enforce a storm water management program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from its MS4 to the "maximum extent practicable," to protect water quality and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act.
2. An operator's program must include six minimum control measures: (1) public education and outreach; (2) public participation/involvement; (3) illicit discharge detection and elimination; (4) construction site runoff control; (5) post-construction runoff control; and, (6) pollution prevention/good housekeeping.
3. An operator must also identify its best management practices and measurable goals in its permit application. An evaluation and assessment of those goals and practices must be included in periodic reports to the NPDES permitting authority.