Robinson Engineering briefs Tinley Park trustees on MS4 stormwater obligations, urges public to report illegal dumping

David Plata of Robinson Engineering told the Village of Tinley Park Committee of the Whole on April 16 that the village’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program stems from the Clean Water Act of 1972 and requires routine reporting under the NPDES framework administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Plata said Tinley Park participates in the statewide general MS4 permit and provides annual reports to IEPA describing the village’s best practices to keep stormwater clean.

Plata outlined the MS4 program’s six minimum control measures and described the villagewide roles: building and planning staff monitor construction-site controls; public works inspects outfalls and storm infrastructure; the police department enforces local codes; and Robinson Engineering prepares and submits required paperwork. "If you see illegal dumping, report it," Plata said, urging residents to call the village when they observe dirty streams or suspected discharges.

Trustees asked a technical question about whether the Tinley Park Mental Health Center shares combined sewer and storm systems or uses separate systems. Plata said he did not know for certain but said he would be "shocked if it was combined," and suggested the park district should be reporting if its storm system discharges to regulated waters. The clerk then recorded a motion, which trustees moved, seconded and approved on a unanimous roll call.

Why it matters: MS4 compliance triggers state reporting and can affect enforcement and permitting; the update clarifies village responsibilities and public reporting channels. The presentation did not propose new regulations or expenditures; trustees recorded acceptance of the update and no additional staff direction was recorded in the transcript.

What’s next: Trustees approved the item at the committee meeting; any downstream enforcement, permit renewals or substantive program changes would appear in future agendas.