DCR Stormwater Management

What is Stormwater Runoff and Why does it Matter?

Stormwater runoff is generated from rain events and snowmelt that flow over land and impervious surfaces like pavement or rooftops.  The stormwater runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, nutrients and oils that can harm our lakes, rivers, streams and coastal waters.  Stormwater runoff carrying accidental spills from hard surfaces like streets, parking lots and driveways can threaten drinking water stored in surface reservoirs.  Additionally, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus which are found in animal wastes, fertilizers and faulty septic systems are a significant source of pollution to nearby waterbodies.  Excess nutrients degrade water quality – a process referred to as eutrophication. 

NPDES MS4 Permit

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States.  Created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act, the NPDES permit program is authorized to state governments by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform many permitting, administrative and enforcement aspects of the program.

DCR Stormwater Management Program

The DCR program to manage stormwater and improve water quality involves public education, public participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction and post-construction stormwater management controls and good housekeeping.  Good housekeeping involves street sweeping of parkways, cleaning street drains and associated drainage systems and using control measures to protect sensitive receiving waters.  The list of DCR facilities and descriptions of the program elements are described in the Stormwater Management Plan. 

Public Education/Involvement

Wachusett Educational Programs

Water Supply Protection

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Video

Best Management Practices (BMPs) Structure Maintenance

General Construction Stormwater Tips

Activity Guides/Links to Environmental Education Websites

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/wachusett-reservoir-watershed-education-programs

Waquoit Bay Educational Programs

Estuarine Research Reserve

Environmental Stewardship

Past Presentations – Workshops/Teacher Resources – Remote Learning

http://waquoitbayreserve.org/education-programs/

 

Downstream Newsletter

Downstream Newsletters

 

Notice of Intent (NOI)

Authorization Letter

Authorization Extension Letter

Stormwater Management Plan

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Plan

Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Plan

Annual Report

DCR Permit Year 5:

• Annual Report

• IDDE Report

• Methods for Phosphorous Control Plan (PCP) & Nutrient Source Identification Report (NSIR) Development

• Stormwater Retrofit Opportunities Memo
• Salt Reduction Plan
• Phosphorous Control Plans (PCPs)

1. Charles River Watershed PCP
2. Lakes and Ponds Watersheds PCP

• Nitrogen Source Identification (NSIR) – Phosphorous Source Identification (PSIR) Reports:

1. Blackstone River PSIR
2. Long Island Sound NSIR
3. Merrimack River PSIR
4. Mother Brook PSIR
5. Mount Hope Bay NSIR
6. Mystic River PSIR
7. Outer New Bedford Harbor NSIR
8. Proctor Brook NSIR-PSIR
9. Ten Mile River PSIR

Construction General Permit (CGP) Information

DCR Stormwater Design Handbook

• DCR Stormwater Design Checklist

What Can You Do to Help?

Pick up after your pet and properly dispose of waste · Use slow release fertilizers and apply only in appropriate concentrations · Apply pesticides and herbicides according to manufacturer specifications · Properly dispose of grass clippings and leaf litter · Wash cars on pervious areas that do not drain to catch basins · Maintain equipment and vehicles to prevent leaks and drips · Properly maintain all septic systems

Pollution Prevention

To keep our collective water supply clean and safe, reference the following brochures, fact sheets and reports at:

brochures-fact-sheets-reports | mass.gov

To report a spill of oil or hazardous material first call your local Fire Department, then call MassDEP Emergency Response: 

[phone]

To report a dumping issue or drainage problem on DCR property

Call:  [phone]

E-Mail:  [e-mail]

To Learn More

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Stormwater Program

npdes stormwater program | epa.gov

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Stormwater Permitting

stormwater permitting | mass.gov

Think Blue Massachusetts

think blue | massachusetts.org