NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permits (MS4)
The City of Gulf Breeze is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage its stormwater system to prevent pollution from entering the state’s waters. This system, known as the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer 
System (MS4), operates under an NPDES Phase II MS4 Stormwater Permit. The permit mandates the city to have a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) that aims to stop pollution from non-point sources from entering the stormwater system. The SWMP includes 6 Minimum Control Measures, each with Best Management Practices (BMP) that have specific goals and schedules for implementation. In Florida, the program is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) under 62-624 F.A.C. For more information, click here.
To view a copy of the City’s current MS4 permit, click here.
STORMWATER RUNOFF
What is stormwater runoff? Stormwater runoff is generated from rain and snowmelt that flows over land and does not soak into the ground.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INVOLVEMENT
The City of Gulf Breeze has implemented a public education and outreach program to inform our residents and businesses about the effects of stormwater runoff and discharges, and how residents can minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff. The stormwater system manages water that runs off driveways and streets into gutters. This water is not treated and flows into a storm drain, which then goes directly into our surrounding bodies of water. The main difference between stormwater and wastewater is that wastewater flows to a wastewater treatment plant to be treated and filtered, while stormwater does not. As stormwater flows to the storm drain, it can pick up pollutants such as fertilizer, lawn clippings, trash, oil, pet waste, soils, sediments, and other contaminants that get washed into the storm sewer system. These pollutants eventually make their way from the storm sewer system, untreated, into our local streams, ponds, canals, bays, and rivers. By following a few of the homeowner tips below, we can help our community minimize the discharge of pollutants into our water sources. Our efforts will protect our waterways, promote responsible management of our land and water, and create a more resilient community.
HOMEOWNER TIPS:
Effective stormwater management is crucial for homeowners to prevent flooding, protect water quality, and reduce erosion. Here are some practical tips for homeowners:
1. Manage Rainwater on Your Property
Install Rain Barrels: Collect and store rainwater from gutters to water plants and lawns.
Redirect Downspouts: Ensure that downspouts discharge water at least 5–10 feet away from your home’s foundation and direct it to a permeable surface, such as a garden or lawn.
2. Use Permeable Surfaces
Choose Permeable Materials: To allow rainwater to soak into the ground, use gravel, permeable pavers, or porous asphalt for driveways, patios, and walkways.
Maintain Healthy Soil: Aerate your lawn and add organic matter to improve soil infiltration.
3. Plant Strategically
Create a Rain Garden: Design a shallow, planted basin in a low-lying area of your yard to collect and filter runoff.
Use Native Plants: Plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses with deep root systems that improve soil stability and increase water absorption.
4. Prevent Erosion
Stabilize Slopes: To reduce soil erosion, use retaining walls, terracing, or plant ground covers on steep slopes.
Install Mulch or Ground Cover: Spread mulch in garden beds to slow runoff and retain soil moisture.
5. Maintain Drainage Systems
Clean Gutters and Drains: Regularly clear leaves and debris from gutters, storm drains, and other drainage systems to prevent clogging.
Inspect for Blockages: Check culverts, ditches, and drainage pipes for obstructions, especially after heavy rain.
6. Limit Impervious Surfaces
Reduce Hardscaping: Limit the use of concrete or asphalt and replace them with green or permeable areas.
Disconnect Impervious Areas: Create features like swales or bioswales to redirect runoff from impervious areas into the ground.
7. Avoid Pollution in Stormwater
Use Fertilizers Sparingly: To avoid runoff pollution, apply fertilizers and pesticides only as needed and according to label instructions.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Never dump motor oil, chemicals, or waste into storm drains.
8. Control Runoff from Rooftops
Install a Green Roof: If feasible, consider a green roof to absorb rainfall and reduce runoff.
Use Gutter Guards: Prevent debris from clogging your gutters and ensure smooth water flow.
9. Engage in Community Efforts
Join Local Programs: Participate in local stormwater management initiatives or workshops to learn more and contribute to broader efforts.
Advocate for Change: Support community policies that promote sustainable development and better stormwater management practices.
10. Monitor and Adapt
Observe Water Flow: Watch how water flows during heavy rain to identify problem areas on your property.
Adapt as Needed: Adjust landscaping or drainage systems to address new challenges or improve existing solutions.
By taking these steps, homeowners can significantly improve their stormwater management, reduce environmental impacts, and protect their property.
ILLICIT DISCHARGES
It is prohibited to deposit trash, grass clippings, unauthorized chemicals, sediment, paint, waste materials, or any pollutant into storm drains, ditches, canals, streams, or bays within the City of Gulf Breeze. If you witness anyone dumping such materials into a stormwater conveyance system or basin, please promptly contact the City’s Stormwater Hotline at 850.934.5108 or email us at [email protected].
Pollutants refer to anything that causes or contributes to pollution, including but not limited to paints, varnishes, solvents, oil, and other automotive fluids, non-hazardous liquid and solid wastes, yard wastes, refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or abandoned objects and accumulations that may cause or contribute to pollution, floatables, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, hazardous substances and wastes, sewage, fecal coliform and pathogens, dissolved and particulate metals, animal wastes, wastes and residues from the construction of a building or structure, and noxious or offensive matter of any kind.
Illicit Connections are defined as any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, that allows illegal discharge into the storm drain system, including but not limited to any conveyances that allow non-stormwater discharge such as sewage, process wastewater, and wash water to enter the storm drain system. This also includes connections to the storm drain system from indoor drains and sinks, regardless of whether said drain or connection had been previously allowed, permitted, or approved by an authorized enforcement agency. Furthermore, any drain or conveyance connected from commercial or industrial land use to the storm drain system must be documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records and approved by an authorized enforcement agency.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!
Please report any activities you observe that allow paint, soap, or other pollutants into the storm drain!
Stormwater Hotline: 850.934.5108
Stormwater Email: [email protected]
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE – AMNESTY DAYS
Santa Rosa County hosts the ‘South End Amnesty Day’ twice annually at 5841 Gulf Breeze Parkway. This event provides Gulf Breeze residents the opportunity to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste at no cost, eliminating the need for a trip to the Central Landfill in Milton. Typically, Amnesty Day takes place in March and October. Residents can find announcements in the local newspaper or by visiting www.santarosa.fl.gov.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTERS
Help Control Stormwater Pollution – Many of our daily activities can impact the quality of our water bodies. However, there are many simple ways we can prevent stormwater pollution. Click the links below to learn more about how you can help reduce the amount of stormwater runoff leaving your property!
Stormwater Management – Best Practices for Sustainable Solutions
Solution to Stormwater Pollution – A Homeowner’s Guide to Healthy Habits for Clean Water
BUSINESS OUTREACH
When rain, snow, or sleet water flows over the ground, it’s called “stormwater.” Stormwater can pick up paint, chemicals, antifreeze, and oil from vehicles in your parking lot. And when that stormwater flows into street gutters, storm drains, and downstream, it can pollute rivers, lakes, and streams. Click on the links below and follow the simple pollution solutions to help keep our local waterways clean and healthy!
Stormwater Smart – Restaurants
Stormwater Smart – Auto Shops
Stormwater Smart – Parking Lots
Stormwater Smart – Construction Sites
Stormwater Smart – Lawn Care
Click here for STORMWATER MANAGEMENT – FAQs
ANNUAL SHORELINE CLEANUP EVENT
Each year, the city holds its Annual Shoreline Cleanup Event per the requirements of the NPDES MS4 Permit. As an MS4 community, Gulf Breeze must implement a stormwater management program aimed at reducing pollution from runoff. This cleanup event plays a key role in meeting several elements of the permit, particularly by encouraging public involvement and participation. This year, the city co-hosted the event with Ocean Hour and collected approximately 140.73 lbs of debris.
