The Department of Stormwater's mission is to monitor, protect, restore, and enhance Frederick County’s waterways. We work to enhance our community’s quality of life, protect from climate-driven flooding, and contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Our work is regulatorily structured by the National Clean Water Act and administratively enforced by the State of Maryland under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. 

The State of Maryland issues two permit types to Frederick County to ensure it is abiding by the Clean Water Act: the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and a General Permit for Discharges from Stormwater Associated with Industrial Activities permit (20-SW). The MS4 permit requires the County to perform permitting, administrative, restoration, and environmental enforcement to protect waterways. The Department of Stormwater ensures regulatory compliance through cost-effective decisions that provide the greatest community and environmental benefit. Please use the links below to learn more about our work and public programs.