priorities & results
drinking water
water resources & wetlands
wastewater & septic system
laws and rules
permits, reporting & forms
grants & financial assistance
compliance assistance
enforcement
StormwaterWater, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Calendar of Events
Stormwater Events & Seminars Listing of upcoming seminars, meetings, conferences and other events relating to stormwater issues in Massachusetts. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Overview
US EPA - General NPDES Information The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources (pipes, ditches, drains, etc.) that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Massachusetts is not currently delegated by EPA to issue NPDES permits, but is initiating the process to develop a stormwater management program in accordance with NPDES and the Clean Water Act. Clean Water Act The Federal Clean Water Act is the legal framework for the NPDES Permit Program, providing the statutory basis for the program and the basic structure for regulating the discharge of pollutants from point sources to waters of the United States. The Act requires anyone who wants to discharge pollutants to first obtain an NPDES permit. This US EPA page summarizes the Clean Water Act and links to further information about it, including the full text of the Act. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Massachusetts Regulations
Wetlands Regulations - Stormwater Management Standards Revisions Revisions to 310 CMR 10.00 to encourage stormwater recharge, the increased use of low impact development techniques, improved operation and maintenance of stormwater best management practices, and the removal of illicit connections from stormwater management systems. January 2008. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Permits & Forms
Stormwater Notice of Intent for discharges from small municipal separate storm sewer systems; approval of NPDES stormwater pollution prevention plans for projects discharging to outstanding resource waters. Surface Water Discharge Permits (NPDES General Permits) Request for General Permit Coverage for construction site dewatering, discharge of non-contact cooling water, remediation of contaminated sites, discharge from water treatment facilities, and more. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Cross-Permit Guidance
Stormwater Permitting Both MassDEP and US EPA regulate stormwater discharges in Massachusetts. This page contains links to state and federal guidance for obtaining different categories of NPDES permits, such as construction, municipal storm sewer systems, industrial activity, construction in or near wetlands, and more. NPDES & Other Stormwater Help In conjunction with the preceding link, this page includes additional information for NPDES permitting, including provisions relating to endangered species, historic properties, industrial facility discharges, mosquito control, and more. How an NPDES Stormwater General Permit Works A brief description of the NPDES permitting process and a permittee's obligations under the permit. MassDEP Guidance & Policies Erosion & sedimentation control, infiltration & inflow, surface water discharges and sanitary sewers, and more. NPDES Stormwater Notices of Intent EPA's online search function for NPDES permit filings anywhere in the country. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Construction General Permit
The Federal Construction General Permit The Construction General Permit covers construction sites that disturb one to five acres in size, including smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale. This web site contains links to general information about the permit, questions and answers, permit eligibility, and how to file. 2008 CGP Fact Sheet: section by section explanation A comprehensive explanation of the Construction General Permit, from US EPA. How to file the CGP electronic Notice of Intent US EPA's electronic interface for filing Notices of Intent for stormwater general permits. Links for explanatory documents and user support are also provided. International Erosion Control Association Erosion control is a critical element of stormwater management. This industry website is a networking resource and information clearinghouse for erosion and sediment control professionals. How to Find Properties in your Town that have Filed CGP eNOIs EPA's online search function to locate MSGP Notices of Intent filed anywhere in the country. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Municipal Separate Storm Sewers
NPDES MS4 Stormwater Definitions Definitions of key terms in NPDES permitting, including "urbanized area," "municipal separate storm sewer," "storm water," and more, taken from the Code of Federal Regulations and originally published in the Federal Register in November 1990. Stormwater MS4 Frequently Asked Questions What is a municipal separate storm sewer system, how are they regulated, what a community needs to do, and more. Stormwater MS4 Communities A list of communities in Massachusetts that have municipal separate storm sewer systems regulated under the NPDES Phase II Rule. The 2003 MS4 permit The 2003 MS4 permit authorized operators of small municipal separate storm sewer systems to discharge in accordance with the conditions and requirements in the permit. See further information about this permit under the following link, "Updated Information about EPA's Extension of the 2003 MS4 Permit." Updated Information about EPA's Extension of the 2003 MS4 Permit Although EPA's 2003 MS4 permit expired on May 1, 2008, municipalities covered under that General Permit will remain covered until EPA authorizes its MS4 discharges under a new general permit. Municipalities must continue to comply with the conditions of the expired permit and implement their Storm Water Management Program. NPDES Permits in New England US EPA's list of municipalities in Massachusetts regulated by the Phase II rule, including maps, Notices of Intent, and annual reports, that can be viewed or downloaded. US Bureau of the Census - Urbanized Area Reference Maps The US EPA uses the Census Bureau's designations of urbanized areas in implementing the Phase II rule. This interactive map shows urbanized areas as designated in the 2000 census. US EPA - Best Management Practices (BMP's) US EPA catalogues stormwater BMPs under the headings of public education, public involvement, illicit discharge, construction, post-construction, and good housekeeping. Stormwater Manager's Resource Center This website provides Phase II communities with the tools and techniques necessary to protect their watersheds and to enhance and restore their local water resources. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Multi-Sector General Permit
The Federal Multi Sector General Permit (MSGP) This permit regulates discharges of stormwater from industrial activities. Prior to becoming eligible for permit coverage, facility operators must take specified steps including submitting a Notice of Intent, installing stormwater control measures to minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff, and developing a stormwater pollution prevention plan. The MSGP also includes effluent limits, monitoring, inspection, and reporting requirements, and corrective action requirements. 2008 MSGP Fact Sheet: section by section explanation A comprehensive explanation of the Multi Sector General Permit, from US EPA. How to File the MSGP Electronic Notice of Intent US EPA's electronic interface for filing Notices of Intent for stormwater general permits. Links for explanatory documents and user support are also provided. How to Find Facilities in Your Town That Have Filed MSGP eNOIs EPA's online search function to locate MSGP Notices of Intent filed anywhere in the country. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Stormwater Permitting as it Pertains to the Wetlands Protection Act
Green Roofs & Stormwater Management Green roofs provide many benefits for home owners and businesses. Find out more information about these benefits and costs, and see examples of green roofs in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook The Stormwater Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the Stormwater Standards set forth in the Wetlands regulations, 310 CMR 10.00, and the Water Quality Regulations, 314 CMR 9.00. The Handbook includes regulatory background, types of best management practices, checklists, worksheets, and more. February 2008. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Statewide Stormwater General Permit
Draft Regulated Impervious Area General Permit This permit will cover activities that can reasonably be expected to result in the discharge of stormwater from certain privately-owned sites that contain impervious surfaces. Please note, this is a draft permit and is not yet in force. January 2009. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Local Permitting Assistance
Note: for local stormwater permits, please contact your town. "How to Create a Stormwater Utility" (PDF) The Pioneer Valley (Mass.) Planning Commission issued this detailed guide to establishing a stormwater utility to operate and maintain a community's or area's stormwater management infrastructure. November 1998. American Public Works Association (APWA) Stormwater management is one of several topic areas for which the APWA provides a forum where public works professionals can exchange ideas, improve professional competency, increase the performance of their agencies and companies, and bring important public works-related topics to public attention. Water, Wastewater & Wetlands: Stormwater
Resources
Optimal Stormwater Management Plan Alternatives: A Demonstration Project in Three Upper Charles River Communities National Climate Data Center Precipitation Frequency Atlas Rainfall data is often required for the engineering design of culverts, pipes, roofs, and other structures that may be part of a stormwater management system. USGS - Water Resources The US Geological Survey's website provides data on streamflow, groundwater, water use, and many other aspects of water information important for stormwater management systems. Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials A University of Connecticut program to help local officials understand the relationship of land use to protection of natural resources. StormwaterAuthority.org A resource of comprehensive and relevant information, news, events, and education on stormwater. Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) LGEAN is an online clearinghouse for management, planning, funding, and regulatory information for local officials, including information about stormwater management. The Center for Watershed Protection The Center for Watershed Protection works to protect, restore, and enhance streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and bays around the country. Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project Web site of a highly successful project in southern Michigan that is bringing a systematic watershed-based approach to pollution control. Stormwater Technologies Clearinghouse The Massachusetts Stormwater Technology Evaluation Project's (MASTEP) website provides information on best management practices and offers an interactive tool for submitting technology information to MASTEP. Water Resource Management Planning A guidance document for communities, providing concise and integrated guidance for planning water resources infrastructure projects with funds from the State Revolving Loan Fund. This guidance is designed to explain the types of water management planning reports towns and communities can use when approaching their particular wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater issues. This document is not intended as a policy. Flood Cleanup & Recovery Guidance MassDEP resources for residents and local government for safe disposal of wastes and restoration of services following a flood. Snow Disposal Guidance This guidance, covering disposal site selection, site preparation and maintenance, and emergency snow disposal options, applies to public agencies and private businesses disposing of snow in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Sustainable Water Resources An approach that emphasizes innovative water supply, wastewater, and stormwater techniques to help maintain the natural hydrologic balance in a watershed by reducing water withdrawals and increasing water recharge. |
||
