What does it mean to be an iSWM Certified Community?

A community can become an iSWM Certified Community by documenting their implementation of iSWM practices and applying to be reviewed by the iSWM Implementation Subcommittee. In order to achieve certification, a community must fully apply certain iSWM criteria from the iSWM Criteria Manual. These criteria have been divided into categories of mandatory outcomes, recommended outcomes, and optional outcomes. When a community applies to be certified, they must document their implementation of a minimum number of mandatory and recommended outcome criteria and will be classified based on the total number of successful outcomes.

Local Governments that achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold iSWM implementation status will be entitled to a series of benefits including, road signs and plaques designating their iSWM status, free training for community staff, and additional assistance in complying with State MS4 permit requirements and lowering FEMA Community Rating System ratings which reduce insurance rates for residents.