Polluted stormwater run off is often transported to municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and ultimately discharged into local rivers and streams without  treatment. The Environmental Protection Agency's storm water phase II rule establishes an MS4 stormwater  management program intended to improve the  Nation's waterways by reducing the quantity of pollutants carried into storm sewer systems during storm events.

The MS4 Program contains elements called minimum control measures that when implemented should result in a significant reduction in pollutants discharged into receiving waters.  

Certain Jefferson County municipalities are designated as Small MS4 communities, and mandated to comply with the stormwater phase II rule formed a consortium to effectively meet the requirements of the mandate. With assistance from the JSWCD and Jefferson County Engineers Office, the following municipalities, cities, and townships are answering the EPA mandate:

• Jefferson County 
• City of Steubenville
• City of Toronto
• Village of Mingo Junction
• Village of Tiltonsville
• Village of Wintersville
• Wells Township
• Village of Yorkville
• Cross Creek Township
• Island Creek Township
• Steubenville Township
• Wayne Township