As required by the Clean Water Act, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published regulations addressing storm water discharges, and specifically, discharges to municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) operated by cities and counties. Storm water runoff from land can adversely affect aquatic environments and water quality by introducing sediments, contaminants, floatables (trash), nutrients that lead to oxygen depletion, and harmful microorganisms. Municipalities that operate MS4s are required to develop storm water management plans that set attainable and measurable goals for reducing runoff and contamination of surface waters, by reducing the chances of runoff and the potential for contamination of runoff.