Belton staff brief council on MS4 stormwater program; permit renewal and mapping of 500 outfalls planned

City staff delivered the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) annual update, summarizing required permit activities and next steps.

Staff said Belton holds an MS4 permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and that this year the city will map roughly 500 outfalls, conduct inspections and begin the permit renewal process in April with an expected completion around August. Staff reviewed the six minimum control measures required by the permit: public education and outreach; public participation; illicit discharge detection and elimination; construction site runoff controls; post‑construction stormwater management; and pollution prevention at municipal facilities.

Staff noted efforts to increase illicit discharge enforcement — citing past incidents such as improper oil and paint disposal — and encouraged residents to report suspected discharges. Stormwater staff also explained that many detention ponds are owned and maintained by homeowners associations and that the city does not assume maintenance responsibility for those facilities. Council members asked about the city street sweeper (noted as broken) and requested clarification on mapping and definitions of creeks/outfalls; staff said two employees are currently locating and mapping outfalls and that more outfalls than previously known are being found.

The council received the update and discussed follow‑up questions on operations and equipment needs; no ordinance or budget action was taken at this meeting.