An Update on Our MS – 4 Permit
A federal MS4 permit is a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that governs stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), which are publicly owned and operated systems like storm drains, ditches, and streets. These permits are required by federal law to reduce polluted runoff from entering waterways and protect water quality by requiring MS4 operators to develop and implement a stormwater management program
This is what we accomplished and reported in 2025.
We maintained 92 facilities
We removed 4,126 cubic Yards of Sediment from our Arroyo’s
We removed 388 – 30 gallon sized trash bags from our Arroyo’s
We removed 2,674 pounds of Dog Waste
We identified 5 illicit discharges, all were eliminated
Twenty five of development plans submitted for water quality were reviewed, 17 were approved
The price tag for implementation of our MS – 4 Permit was $109,339.60 in 2025
These numbers are all higher than in 2024. Reasons are, increased development near arroyo’s. Higher arroyo’s usage that have trails. people in general not respecting our Arroyo’s.
The following may be useful information from the Army Core of Engineers. Please see the link below. Considerations are as follows.
Notes:
“USACE FRM and CSRM activities are grounded in partnerships with local, state, Tribal, and federal agencies, as well as the private sector and other stakeholders. Several partnering opportunities help local communities, state agencies, and Tribes work with USACE to design, construct, operate, and maintain projects that manage coastal storm and flood risk across the nation.”
https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Flood-and-Coastal-Storm-Risk-Management
In consideration for localities in our arid region please see next.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
WaterSMART
Description:
The WaterSMART Initiative is a collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation to coordinate investments in priority areas, in states and for Tribes, needing assistance with improving water conservation and drought resilience.
Considerations/Notes:
Eligible farmers and ranchers with operations in a selected priority area will be automatically ranked in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program WaterSMART Initiative (EQIP-WSI) targeted fund pool when they apply for EQIP funding.
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/watersmart-initiative
Mission of SSCAFCA
The primary mission is to inform the general public about the need for improving our arroyo systems to prevent loss of life, loss of property and protect businesses due to flooding. Secondary is to preserve unimproved Open Space and Natural Arroyos as well as improve spaces in Naturalistic Arroyos. (Under SSCAFCA’s Jurisdiction).
- “My vision for arroyos should set a new standard for flood control—one that prioritizes Community Safety, ecological health, and water sustainability.”
- Our approach at SSCAFCA moves beyond, ‘concrete-only’ solutions.”
- We engineer for peak flows to protect homes and businesses.
- We use natural and sustainable methods to mitigate erosion and preserve vital wildlife habitats.
- We implement design features that allow water to naturally recharge our aquifers.
To Sum it up: A Vision for Arroyo Improvements
My approach to arroyos goes beyond traditional flood control to create a sustainable, multi-benefit system. We must treat each arroyo as a unique system with three core priorities:
Community Safety: We engineer for peak and sustained water flows to protect life, limb, and property, ensuring our neighborhoods are resilient to extreme weather events.
Ecological Health: We use innovative, green infrastructure techniques to mitigate erosion and preserve critical wildlife habitats, creating a more balanced and vibrant local ecosystem.
Water Sustainability: By designing for natural infiltration, we help replenish our precious underground aquifers, turning flood events into a source of water recharge for future generations.
Please read below.
Final notes on Flood Control.
We’ve all seen the devastating power of flash floods in New Mexico—the heartbreaking videos of homes and lives swept away. My commitment is to ensure that these types of disasters do not define the communities we serve. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to control our own destiny when it comes to flood control.
By approaching each arroyo as an all encompassing system, we can directly address the risks you and your family face. Our focus on mitigating erosion, improving water recharge, and using sustainable methods is not just about building infrastructure—it’s about building a more resilient, safer, and a more vibrant community.
As SSCAFCA continues its essential work, my focus will remain on proactive, innovative, and sustainable solutions that protect us all. The future of our water resources and the safety of our neighborhoods depend on a leader with a clear vision.
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Thank you,
RON ABRAMSHE
email: ron@abramshe.com
Ron Abramshe
BTW You can find updates on local arroyo projects at
Visit SSCAFCA’s website https://www.sscafca.org/ for current information.