Surface Water Management Planning, Modeling & MS4 Compliance

As communities grow and climate patterns shift, cities like Faribault are facing increasing pressure to modernize their stormwater infrastructure and planning tools. WSB partnered with the City of Faribault to meet this challenge head-on, through a comprehensive update of its Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP), development of a city-wide hydraulic and hydrologic model, and implementation of critical MS4 updates aligned with the 2020 permit reauthorization.

The City needed a forward-looking strategy to address existing stormwater issues, meet regulatory requirements, and plan for long-term resilience. WSB worked collaboratively with City staff to identify storm sewer problem areas, recommend practical solutions, and provide cost estimates to support future capital planning. Our team also reviewed and optimized water quality best management practices (BMPs) to meet Waste Load Allocations (WLAs) and conducted sub-watershed assessments to identify the most cost-effective, multi-benefit stormwater solutions—many of which also support flood reduction and habitat enhancement.

To streamline development review and improve clarity for stakeholders, WSB created Developer Guidelines that clearly outline erosion control and post-construction stormwater management requirements. These tools not only support compliance but also empower developers and City staff to work more efficiently and effectively.