2026 MS4 Bootcamp

Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM

Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Sandusky, OH

$70 for WMAO-OSWA members, $95 for non-members

Whether you have been recently designated a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) community or you have been working with the MS4 program for years, come to the 2026 MS4 Bootcamp Training to learn:

  • Ohio EPA expectations about the NPDES MS4 general stormwater permit, directly from Ohio EPA staff
  • How other MS4 communities meet the requirements of the permit
  • Compliance insights from private consultants and other subject matter experts
  • And more! See agenda below.

The Ohio Stormwater Association (OSWA) hosts MS4 Bootcamp the day before the Ohio Stormwater Conference. As a pre-conference event, attendees register and pay in a separate process from the conference. Pre-registration is required.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 

Come for the training – Stay for the conference!

Registering for MS4 Bootcamp requires a separate process and an additional cost than simply registering for the Ohio Stormwater Conference.

Please follow the registration link to the Water Management Association of Ohio (WMAO) registration page.

 

An additional service fee will be assessed at check-out for non-member credit card payments. To avoid that charge, you can also register and use the auto-generated invoice to pay by check to: WMAO/OSWA, 441 W. Bagley Rd #200, Berea, OH 44017. The Ohio Stormwater Association is a division of WMAO.

 

COST: $70 for WMAO-OSWA members, $95 for non-members includes
  • A day full of experienced and interesting speakers
  • 5 professional development hours certificate, approval by EnviroCert pending
  • Hot lunch buffet
  • Coffee, tea, and break snacks

 

2026 MS4 Bootcamp Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 am  Check-in (pre-registration required) 

10:00 am Ohio Stormwater Association (OSWA) Welcome & Introductions
LaShawna Weeks, City of Toledo and Dana Stayer, StormTrap

 

10:15 – 11:15 am MS4 Overview and OEPA update 

Lynette Hablitzel, P.E., Ohio EPA

This presentation will cover the basics of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 stormwater requirements, from who needs permit coverage to what makes a successful  Stormwater Management Program. Along the way, learn what’s new at Ohio EPA. 

 

11:15 – 11:30 am BREAK

 

11:30 – 12:00 pm   Building Stronger MS4 SWMPs Through Four Core Steps

Amesha Morris, CFM CPESC Acorn EnviroComply LLC

Learn a four-step process to plan, implement, and improve MS4 SWMPs. Includes templates, checklists, and real examples showing how communication and adaptive management strengthen compliance and outcomes.

 

12:00 – 12:30 pm  Implementing your Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping Program

Amy Harvell, Wessler Engineering 

The presentation details program structure, inventories, assessments, deadlines, and training expectations. The presentation will provide a review of municipal stormwater program requirements, with a focus on proper facility operations, stormwater pollution prevention planning, regulatory obligations, and implementation strategies. The presentation reviews facility-level management practices such as SWPPPs, SOPs, SPCC plans, and routine infrastructure O&M.

 

12:30 – 1:00 pm From Page to Practice: Ensuring Effective MCM 6 Compliance 

Carly Dovale and Mallory Cullen, CDM Smith 

The Hamilton County Stormwater District of southwestern Ohio shares proven methods for educating new MS4 members, maintaining communication, and tracking activities to ensure permit compliance. With a focus on effective engagement throughout the permit cycle, this presentation highlights practical strategies that have supported successful stormwater management across the District’s communities.

 

1:00 — 1:30 pm LUNCH – included with registration fee

 

1:30 – 2:00 pm Components of a Successful Stormwater Program: Lessons Learned from 23 Years of Imperfection

Brian Prunty, Summit Soil and Water Conservation District

Twenty-three years after the implementation of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, we should be perfect.  Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, but we learn from our experiences.  Brian Prunty will share the components of a successful active and post construction program, identify common pitfalls, share results following audits, and how to improve your MCM # 4 and 5 programs.  

 

2:00 – 2:30  pm The Benefits of Using a Combined Permitting System for MS4s (MCM 4&5)

Aaron Habig and James Gleason, Hamilton County Conservation District 

The benefits of having an integrated permit system for the customer and permitting agencies. The efficiencies of all permits in one system include: one portal to apply for and access permits; electronic application and reviews; integration of multiple permits and requirements; and enforcement options above the normal NOV process.

 

2:30 pm – 2:45 pm BREAK

 

2:45 – 3:15 pm Co-Permittees Funding Compliance 

Eric Dodrill, Erie County Engineers Office

Erie County has seven regulated co-permittees that pay into the Erie County & Others Stormwater Management Program. Together, their appropriations and subsequent state match help fund the Stormwater Program; this presentation will help shed light onto how co-permittee funding came together and how it has grown over time.

 

3:15 — 4:15 pm IDDE Tips and Tricks

Katie Norris, City of Dayton and Todd Haggard, City of Toledo 

All municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) in Ohio are required to plan for, implement, track, and eliminate illicit discharges. Let’s learn together how to do IDDE effectively. This interactive session will share a wide range of tools, approaches, strategies, challenges, real-world examples, lessons learned, and networking amongst attendees.

 

4:15 pm OSWA Closing Remarks 

LaShawna Weeks, City of Toledo and Dana Stayer, StormTrap

For more information, contact LaShawna Weeks at 419-936-3015 or [email protected]

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