ResearchQuick Links: BMP Life-Cycle Costing - MS4 Assessment - Pathogens - Street Sweeping The FSA Educational Foundation has engaged in five research projects thus far, including two quantifying the load reduction value of routine maintenance activities performed by MS4 permit holders – the MS4 Assessment Projects. BMP Life-Cycle Costing Project
The BMP Life-Cycle Costing Tool was developed through a collaborative effort involving the Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation (FSAEF), Water Management Districts, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and other FSA partners. While there are standards for BMP efficiencies, the FSAEF recognized the lack of a standardized method for estimating life-cycle costs of stormwater BMPs in Florida, and this tool was created to promote consistent, equitable project evaluation—particularly for grant funding where treatment effectiveness and long-term value are key considerations. When developing a life-cycle cost, certain elements need to be defined such as construction costs, land costs, O&M costs, and the useful life of the installed infrastructure components. These elements need to be considered using a consistent approach to make a fair comparison between true overall project costs. This project focused on the useful life and consistent approach aspects with the goal of developing an industry standard. It did not cover capital costing, which is far too dynamic to be considered within this tool. Capital cost estimating needs to be done outside the tool and then transferred to it. In 2025, the tool was updated to include a breakdown of maintenance activities associated with typical stormwater BMPs. The tool now includes a more comprehensive list of what activities may be associated with each BMP and includes estimated maintenance and inspection frequencies. This addition enhances the accuracy of life-cycle cost estimates and supports more informed decision-making across Florida’s stormwater programs. For users who are working on past projects, we have kept the 2021 version of the tool still available, and is posted below along with the new 2025 version.
MS4 Assessment ProjectsThe Environmental Engineering Sciences Department within the UF College of Engineering was engaged on two occasions to assist in quantifying the load reduction values of MS4 maintenance activities. The projects finished in 2011 and 2019 built upon a review of research reports completed for FSAEF in 2007. Each project sampled material collected by 12 to 14 participating MS4s widely dispersed throughout Florida. Material from three different types of BMPs (street sweeping, catch basins, etc.) located in different areas of each jurisdiction and in three different types of land use were collected. Samples were analyzed at the UF Environmental Engineering Sciences Department lab. The results of the research projects are incorporated into the “FSA MS4 Load Reduction Assessment Tool” which is recognized by FDEP. The Tool calculates the nutrient content of sediment removed during common maintenance activities. Those results are reported by MS4 permit holders to FDEP and load reduction credits are given to the jurisdiction during the BMAP process. An updated (2019) version of the FSA MS4 Assessment Load Reduction Tool will be available soon on FDEP’s website. FSA MS4 Assessment Project III - 2019
FSA MS4 Assessment Project II - 2011
Pathogens Project
Street Sweepings Project |
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