The Fort Carson Stormwater Program is in place to help protect our surface waters from the pollution in stormwater runoff (rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground). Stormwater runoff can pick up feces, debris, sediment and chemical pollutants. This runoff flows into Fort Carson’s storm sewer system or directly to a pond, creek, river or wetland. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water to people that live downstream. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued Fort Carson three permits (described below) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to protect stormwater runoff quality. These permits are managed by the Stormwater Program.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit (MS4) - EPA Region 8 has regulatory authority over stormwater management and permits at Fort Carson. Fort Carson's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit numbered COR042001 went into effect April 30, 2009. It was re-issued on Jan. 1, 2016, and was set to expire Dec. 31, 2020, but has been administratively extended per the EPA. The permit applies to only the cantonment area and downrange, and not Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS). This permit addresses municipal discharges only. The MS4 permit requires Fort Carson to develop a comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). The purpose of the SWMP is to outline measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable, and to protect water quality. The SWMP outlines the best management practices (BMPs), measurable goals and requirements Fort Carson will use to implement the six minimum control measures (MCMs). As required by the permit, Fort Carson submits an annual report to EPA Region 8. The annual report provides the EPA the status of Fort Carson’s implementation of the SWMP. In the past, Fort Carson’s MS4 permit required water quality sampling where major water ways entered and exited the installation. Although no longer required, historical results are available upon request. Links to the permit, the SWMP, and annual reports are provided below.

Construction General Permit (CGP) - This permit addresses construction site runoff. Any construction activity that will execute ground disturbing activity is required to comply with this permit. Sites that disturb one or more acres of land are required to obtain coverage under the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (also known as the CGP). The current permit can be found at the "Construction General Permit" link below. All construction projects seeking coverage under the CGP need to file for a Notice of Intent (NOI). To file a NOI through the EPA, click here. Prior to filing for a NOI, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be submitted to the Stormwater Program and approved. Please see the "Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Template" link below. In addition to the permittee's regular stormwater inspections, which will be outlined in the SWPPP, a member of the Stormwater Program will perform quarterly inspections of the site. When all construction activities are complete and the site has reached Final Stabilization per the 2022 CGP, a final inspection will be conducted by a member of the Stormwater Program. After the site is accepted by Fort Carson, a Notice of Termination (NOT) must be filed with the EPA to end permitted coverage under their NOI. To file a NOT or NOI through the EPA, click here.

Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) - This permit addresses stormwater runoff from five industrial sites. Four sites are located on Fort Carson, while the fifth is located at the Colorado Springs Airport. The MSGP for Fort Carson (COR05F003) went into effect March 1, 2021, and is set to expire Feb. 29, 2026. The MSGP requires Fort Carson to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for all facilities that fall under the scope of this permit. Facilities covered under the permit are required to have a copy of their SWPPP map, know how to obtain the full SWPPP (from this website) and post additional information about the MSGP at their individual site. The consolidated SWPPP is available below. Certain information has been redacted and can be provided upon request through the Stormwater Program Manager. This permit requires Fort Carson to conduct quarterly inspections on sites that fit the definition of a sector-related industrial activity. Analytical and visual water quality samples of runoff are also taken at these sites periodically through the year. All information is summarized in an annual report to the EPA.

Illicit Discharges are defined as any discharge of water to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) that is not entirely composed of stormwater. This includes drainage, release or disposal of pollutants in stormwater from industrial activity and construction sites. Please report Illicit Discharges or non-compliance from construction sites to the Fort Carson Stormwater Manager at 719-725-8073 or via email at usarmy.carson.imcom-central.list.dpw-ed-storm-water@army.mil or andrew.s.rippe.civ@army.mil.

Stormwater Documents and References