PennDOT MS4 program: Advancing cost-effective stormwater solutions

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) are critical in managing stormwater, particularly in urbanized areas. In Pennsylvania, sediment reduction is a primary focus due to its impact on water quality. MS4 programs aim to mitigate these issues through Pollutant Reduction Plans (PRPs), requiring municipalities and institutions like PennDOT to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) for long-term environmental benefits.

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Authored by Jon Kasitz, RES Procurement expert, this detailed presentation sheds light on the PennDOT MS4 Program and its innovative use of full-delivery nature-based solutions to meet pollutant reduction goals.  Kasitz emphasizes the importance of collaboration between municipalities, PennDOT, and private partners to address stormwater challenges holistically. He also highlights the benefits of a “Design-Build-Operate-Maintain” (DBOM) model, which integrates land acquisition, design, construction, and stewardship into a single contract. This full-delivery approach ensures guaranteed regulatory compliance, faster implementation, and cost savings, offering a competitive alternative to traditional procurement methods.

Case Studies in Action
Effective procurement is essential for optimizing taxpayer dollars and achieving maximum pollutant reduction. These case studies illustrate how progressive procurement methods can enhance compliance, reduce costs, and deliver meaningful environmental results.

• PennDOT MS4 Credit Projects: RES secured PennDOT’s first performance-based contract to deliver 167,411 pounds of sediment reduction credits. The project was completed in under 12 months at $4.48 per pound, significantly lower than competing bids.
• Paxton Creek Collaboration: By aggregating BMPs across municipal and private properties, this initiative achieved significant cost efficiencies while fostering innovative partnerships.
• Protocol 5 Studies: These pilots explore sediment reduction strategies using outfall and gully stabilization, showcasing potential for broader adoption under Pennsylvania’s regulatory framework.

Tailored for procurement professionals across government and corporations, this presentation underscores the transformative potential of full-delivery solutions in advancing environmental restoration.