Last Updated 08/24/2026
Excerpt- City stormwater page
In accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and authority granted by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), the City of Hattiesburg was issued a Stormwater Permit in 2002, for the discharge of stormwater from the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). The permit was issued to the City of Hattiesburg by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The permit covers all areas located within the City of Hattiesburg boundaries. It is a requirement of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Phase II Storm Water Rule, which authorizes stormwater discharges from the City’s MS4. The permit also authorizes the discharge of stormwater that is mixed with non-storm water discharges that are in compliance with the permit.
The implementation of the City of Hattiesburg Stormwater Program was a requirement of the Stormwater Permit issued to the City. The permit requires the City of Hattiesburg to continue the implementation and enforcement of its Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). The purpose of the program is to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the MS4 to protect water quality and satisfy applicable water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act. The program is evaluated annually by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The Stormwater Management Program must be consistent with the requirements found in the City’s Stormwater Permit. Included in the permit are six minimum control measures that guide the direction of the City of Hattiesburg’s Stormwater Management Program
Excerpt- environmental standards
9.1.1 Stormwater- Purpose
The purpose of these regulations is to safeguard persons, protect property, prevent damage to the environment and promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating, and controlling the design, construction, use and maintenance of all stormwater facilities and development. It is more specifically the intent of these regulations to address requirements under the federal Clean Water Act, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase II or any appropriate national standard.
9.1.7.6 Maintenance Agreements
1. A legally binding Maintenance Agreement specifying the parties responsible for the proper operation and maintenance for all permanent stormwater management facilities shall be included as part of the Land Disturbance Permit application and secured prior to the issuance for any permits for land disturbance activities.
2. Enforceable operations and maintenance agreements included as part of the covenant are required to ensure the system will function as designed during and after construction. The Maintenance Agreement will include any and all maintenance easements required to access and inspect the stormwater treatment practices, and to perform routine maintenance as necessary to ensure proper functioning of the stormwater treatment practices. The parties responsible for the documented SWPPP BMPs shall make records of the installation, maintenance and repairs of the facility and shall retain these records for at least 5 years. These records shall be made available to the City of Hattiesburg during inspection of the facility and at other reasonable times upon request
3. Failure of the owner or operator to maintain the premises shall be cause for the city to take action and to remedy the violation. If the owner fails to perform the maintenance the City of Hattiesburg may complete the work with the owner responsible for all the costs.
9.2.8.1 Right of Entry for Inspections
a. When any new drainage control facility is installed on private property, or when any new connection is made between private property and a public drainage control system, sanitary sewer or combined sewer, the property owner shall grant to the city the right to enter the property at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner for the purpose of inspection. This includes the right to enter a property whenever there is a reasonable basis to believe that a violation of this Ordinance is occurring or has occurred, and to enter when necessary for abatement of a public nuisance or corrections of a violation of this Ordinance.
b. All drainage facilities located on private property, whether dedicated to the city or not, shall be accessible at all times for inspection by the city.
9.2.8.2 City Inspections
The director of the Engineering Department or his/her designated representative shall coordinate all inspections required by this ordinance and shall notify the permittee wherein the work fails to comply with this ordinance or their approved Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
View State Page
Frequently Asked Questions
What stormwater regulations apply to properties in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg operates under a Stormwater Permit issued by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in 2002, authorized under the Clean Water Act and the EPA’s Phase II Storm Water Rule. The permit covers Hattiesburg’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and applies to all areas within city boundaries, and the city’s regulations also align with Forrest County’s small MS4 requirements. In practice, this means property owners in Hattiesburg are subject to both city and county oversight, so it’s worth checking both when evaluating a site.
What is the purpose of Hattiesburg's Stormwater Management Program?
The program exists to reduce pollutants discharged from the city’s MS4 and to protect water quality in line with Clean Water Act requirements. Hattiesburg is required to keep implementing and enforcing this program as a condition of its state-issued permit, and the MDEQ evaluates the program annually to confirm it stays consistent with permit terms. Six minimum control measures guide the program’s overall direction, covering everything from public education to construction site runoff.
Do I need a maintenance agreement for stormwater facilities on my property?
Yes, if you’re applying for a Land Disturbance Permit. Hattiesburg requires a legally binding Maintenance Agreement identifying who is responsible for operating and maintaining any permanent stormwater facilities, and this agreement has to be secured before the city issues a land disturbance permit. The agreement also needs to include maintenance easements so the city can access and inspect stormwater treatment practices as needed.
What records do I need to keep for stormwater facility maintenance?
Whoever is responsible for the documented Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) best management practices has to keep records of installation, maintenance and repairs for at least five years. These records need to be available to the city during inspections or upon reasonable request. This is a longer retention window than some jurisdictions require, so it’s worth building into your property’s standard recordkeeping practices from the start.
What happens if I don't maintain my stormwater facilities?
Failure to maintain stormwater facilities gives the city grounds to take action and require the violation to be corrected. If the owner doesn’t perform the necessary maintenance, Hattiesburg can complete the work itself and bill the owner for the full cost. This makes proactive maintenance the more cost-effective path in nearly every case.
Can the city inspect stormwater facilities on my property?
Yes. Once a new drainage control facility is installed, or a new connection is made between private property and the public drainage system, the property owner grants the city the right to enter at reasonable times for inspection. The city can also enter if there’s reasonable basis to believe a violation has occurred, or when needed to abate a nuisance or correct a violation. All drainage facilities on private property must remain accessible for inspection at all times, regardless of whether they’ve been dedicated to the city.
Who coordinates stormwater inspections in Hattiesburg?
The director of the city’s Engineering Department, or a designated representative, coordinates all inspections required under the ordinance. If an inspection finds work that doesn’t comply with the ordinance or the property’s approved Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, the director’s office notifies the permittee directly.
Where can I find Hattiesburg's full stormwater requirements?
The city’s Stormwater Management page provides program details, while the complete regulatory language is available in the Hattiesburg Land Development Code and the Hattiesburg Water Ordinance.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
