LandStudies Specialist First Certified In MS4 Stormwater Program

Lititz-based LandStudies Monday announced Michael LaSala, Director of Operations, has become the first Certified MS4 Specialist (CMS4S) in the state of Pennsylvania.

The CMS4S certification from EnviroCert International “recognizes individuals who are technically and ethically qualified to develop, implement, manage and coordinate a municipal stormwater management program (SWMP) to achieve and maintain compliance in conformance with applicable NPDES MS4 regulations and permits.”

MS4s, or municipal separate storm sewer systems, are used in urban environments to transport stormwater. In accordance with the Clean Water Act, MS4 operators must obtain national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permits to prevent untreated polluted stormwater from entering waterbodies.

As Director of Operations at LandStudies, LaSala provides technical assistance across the company’s three divisions: Landscape Architecture, Engineering & Science and Construction, and he provides NPDES assistance — primarily related to MS4 permits — throughout the mid‐Atlantic region.

His unique experience in municipal operations has served LandStudies’ clients through intergovernmental cooperation, ordinance development, and comprehensive planning.

The CMS4S certification comes at an opportune time for Pennsylvania municipalities, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection push for local governments to meet stormwater regulations.

“LandStudies has been helping local governments navigate the regulatory environment and come into compliance for years. This certification formalizes our commitment to excellence,” said LaSala.

LandStudies offers comprehensive support services to assist municipalities with MS4 permit requirements, achieve pollutant reductions, and incorporate economic and community goals.

Some of these services include the following: Development and management of SWMPs; Inspections for best management practices (BMPs) and MS4s; Development and administration of compliance documentation; Completion of TMDL plans, pollutant reduction plans (PRPs) and impaired waters plans; Development of O&M plans and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs); Staff training; Self-certification assistance; and Design, build and maintenance of low impact development (LID) and green Infrastructure BMPs.

For more information on LandStudies’ MS4 services, contact Mike LaSala by sending email to: mike@landstudies.com or 717-627-4440.