Stormwater Management and MS4 Permit

What is Stormwater?

• Definition: Water from precipitation that appears as natural flow but carries more than it seems.
• Urban Areas: In cities, stormwater can't infiltrate due to impervious surfaces; it flows over the ground.
  • Contaminants Collected: Chemicals (e.g., automotive fluids, fertilizers), trash (e.g., cigarette butts).

Environmental Impact

• Example: The Charles River.
  • Pollution Issues:
    • Years of pollution have degraded the river.
    • Excess phosphorus causes algae blooms.
    • Algae blooms harm aquatic life and recreational use.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

• Purpose: Transport and discharge stormwater into surface waters, reducing pollution.
• Components:
  • Storm drains (formerly catch basins).
  • Underground pipes.
  • Outfalls.

MS4 Permits

• Regulation: Issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Focus Areas:
  • Helping Massachusetts towns prepare for new MS4 permit.
  • Reference: Recent New Hampshire MS4 draft permit (February 2013).

Project Goals and Deliverables

• Objective: Enhance stormwater management in Holden, Auburn, and Upton, MA.
• Key Deliverables:
  1. Compliance Spreadsheet: Evaluate compliance with the 2003 MS4 permit for each municipality.
  2. Comparison Document: Compare 2003 Massachusetts vs. 2013 New Hampshire draft permits.
  3. Ranking Database:
     • Focus on 2013 NH draft requirement of ranking areas for illicit discharge probability.
     • Aids municipalities in tracking and prioritizing areas.

Outcomes

• Improvement of Stormwater Programs: Assist central MA municipalities in meeting new permit requirements.
• Data Management:
  • Municipal employees use forms to rank and manage areas.
  • Provides a clear view and prioritization of municipal areas.

These notes summarize the key points discussed in the presentation on stormwater management and the MS4 permit process.