The Challenge
The updated Massachusetts Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Urban and Suburban Areas offers state-of-the-science technical guidance for municipal governments, developers, and state agencies to improve the management of stormwater runoff during construction activities to help mitigate the impacts of freshwater ecosystem and coastal wetland degradation.
Project Alignment with ResilientMass Plan Priority Actions
The project provides new and updated erosion and sediment control strategies based on current available science and technology to help reduce soil erosion and sedimentation that, if not managed properly, can significantly degrade and pollute nearby freshwater resources. Land-disturbing activities, like construction projects, are among the leading contributors to soil erosion and sedimentation. This work aligns with the 2023 ResilientMass Plan by developing updated guidance and regulations to improve climate resilience statewide.
Climate Resilience Project Scope
Climate directly influences soil erosion potential through changes in rainfall, temperature, and wind. It directly impacts stormwater runoff rates, the ability for runoff to transport soil, and the effectiveness of vegetation in stabilizing soils at a project site. The objective of this project was to update the 2003 edition of the Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines with new strategies for erosion prevention and sediment control based on current science to improve management of construction period stormwater runoff and mitigate pollution to nearby waters and wetlands.
The updated chapters focus on regulatory background and erosion and sediment control processes, planning, design and implementation, with several case studies of exemplary implementation of controls. The updated Guidelines also include new and updated tools such as:
- 48 factsheets on Best Management Practices with a general description and applicability of the practice, key specifications, and “good” and “bad” installation photos.
- New combined MassDEP Construction Period Pollution Prevention Plan (CP4) and EPA Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Template which includes a checklist of key information needed to prepare a MassDEP CP4, EPA SWPPP, or both.
- New pocket-sized field guide for Conservation Commissions with key information and considerations.
Metrics and Results
The overall success of the updated Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines will be the design and implementation of the updated Best Management Practices at construction sites across the state and the utilization of the combined CP4/SWPPP for erosion and sediment control planning and implementation. If construction projects plan, design, and implement the updated Best Management Practices according to the new guidance, polluted runoff from construction sites will be better managed and mitigated.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
The best practices for this project include ensuring input from both technical and regulatory experts with knowledge of erosion prevention and sediment control and MassDEP regulations.
Further Action
In an effort to continue sharing the most up-to-date technical guidance on erosion prevention and sediment control, further updates to the Guidelines may be needed in the future as the Commonwealth continues to address and adapt to impacts of climate change.
Additional Information and Resources
Final deliverables for the project are anticipated to be published online when the Resilience 1.0 Wetlands Protection Regulations are promulgated. Final deliverables can be provided by the MassDEP Wetlands Program by request.