EPA Issues Revised General Permit for MS4s in Massachusetts
On April 13, 2016, EPA issued a news release for the much-anticipated revised General Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in Massachusetts, which was signed into effect April 4, 2016.
What you need to know:
- Permit becomes effective July 1, 2018
- A Notice of Intent (NOI) to apply for coverage under the permit will be due September 29, 2018
- 5-Year permit term
- Covers 260 municipalities in Massachusetts plus state and federal facilities
- Permit has the same six minimum control measures as the 2003 MA MS4 permit
The permit allows the following:
- Permittee may prioritize catch basin inspection and cleaning based on their knowledge of the system
- Credit for past work
- Up to ten years to complete illicit discharge requirements
- One year to update from 2003 Stormwater Management Plan
Other key facts:
- Permit contains no end-of-pipe limits
- No retrofits required during the permit term
- Routine road maintenance and paving are exempt from post-construction requirements
For more information from EPA, please click here.
Informational Public Meetings are being held throughout the state where requirements will be explained and questions can be asked:
Western MA:
Monday May 9, 2016 at 9:30am
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
60 Congress Street, Springfield
Southeastern MA & Cape Cod:
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 12:30pm
Lecture Hall A, Science Building
Cape Cod Community College
2240 Route 132, West Barnstable
Northeastern MA:
Thursday May 19, 2016 at 8:00am
Haverhill Campus
Northern Essex Community College
100 Elliot Street, Haverhill
Central MA:
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 8:30am
495/MetroWest Partnership
200 Friberg Parkway, Westborough
Boston Area:
Monday, June 6, 2016 at 9:00am
EPA Region 1
5 Post Office Square, Boston
Tata & Howard has extensive experience assisting municipalities in meeting MS4 permit requirements. Please contact our Stormwater Project Manager Jon Gregory, P.E. directly at 508-219-4016 or jgregory@tataandhoward.com for assistance or if you have additional questions.