Stormwater

Why is it so Important:

Stormwater is, in essence, just what is sounds like: water from a storm.  Any precipitation that falls from the sky, including rain, hail, and snow, is considered stormwater. When precipitation falls on vegetated areas, most of the water soaks into the ground rather than running over its surface. 

When precipitation falls on impervious surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, and streets, it can't soak into the ground as a result, the falling water is swept across these surfaces as runoff.

Stormwater runoff plays a large role in local water pollution, yet it is the hardest to control because pollution comes from so many different places. As the runoff flows across the ground, it picks up pollutants such as oil, fertilizer, sand, and trash, and carries them into local waterways, such as rivers, lakes, and streams, before eventually making its way into the ocean. These pollutants can contaminate drinking water supplies, fish and wildlife habitat, and swimming facilities. Stormwater can also cause erosion and flooding problems.

The choices you make everyday can make a big difference! You have the power to help reduce pollution from cars, yard chemicals, pet waste, septic and more. Simple changes in your lifestyle will contribute to a cleaner Buzzards Bay and healthier plant and wild life.

To learn more about stormwater, here is a 30-second video and website https://www.thinkbluemassachusetts.org/ and whether you are a homeowner or a developer, Click Here to find helpful information on how you can make a difference!

What is Mattapoisett doing?

The EPA nationally regulates the discharge of stormwater runoff that is transported through municipal drainage systems into local waterbodies through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program. The NPDES stormwater program includes the following components, called Minimum Control Measures (MCMs):

• Public education and outreach
• Public participation
• Illicit discharge detection and elimination
• Management of construction site runoff
• Management of post-construction site runoff for new development and redevelopment
• Good housekeeping and pollution prevention in municipal operations

The Town of Mattapoisett must implement specific policies and procedures for each MCM to help reduce pollution in local waterbodies. The stormwater program also includes requirements to address specific pollutants found in stormwater where waters are not meeting water quality goals or designated uses (e.g., fishable, swimmable) under the Clean Water Act. In Mattapoisett, this means reducing the levels of Nitrogen and bacteria in stormwater runoff.

Mattapoisett is working with The Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative Project, a pilot program of the Buzzards Bay Action Committee (BBAC) to map stormwater collection networks and monitor stormwater discharges that are contributing to shellfish bed closures and other pollution-caused impairments in the Buzzards Bay watershed. Funding for the program was provided by a U.S. EPA Healthy Communities grant program to the BBAC.  The elimination of illicit discharges to stormwater networks and the treatment of stormwater discharges conveying non-point sources of pollution will help reduce these impairments, but these actions can only be taken if problem discharges can be identified and prioritized.  The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP) provided planning and technical support for this effort.

The Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative is a regional inter-municipal program that through cost- effectively sharing of resources and expertise has begun the vital first steps of monitoring discharges and mapping stormwater networks.  One of the deliverables of this project includes this detailed report which provides critical information to the participating municipalities to make informed decisions about improving water quality of locally impaired waters.

A link to the The Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative Healthy Communities Grant Water Quality Data Report 6 May 2019 - Final: Click Here

Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative Healthy Communities Grant Water Quality Data Report January 2021 - Click Here

Stormwater Mapping:   Link to Mattapoisett's MS4 system: Click Here                                                                         

Stormwater Management Plan:  Click Here

• The SWMP describes and details the activities and measures that will be implemented to meet the terms and conditions of the permit. The SWMP accurately describes the permittees plans and activities.

Stormwater Public Education and Outreach: The ultimate objective of a public education program is to increase knowledge and change behavior of the public so that the pollutants in stormwater are reduced.

              Businesses: Lawn and Garden Tips                                                                                                                          Parking Lot Stormwater Reduction

              Developers: Sediment Control                                                                                                                                    Managing Stormwater

              Industrial: Property Maintenance                                                                                                                          Low Impact Development

              Residents: Dog Waste Stations/ Pick-up                                                                                                                 Education on Septic Systems

  A following of Stormwater documents:

• Notice of Intent: Notice of Intent
• Stormwater Management Plan: SWMP
• IDDE Program – Click Here
• Post Construction Bylaw - Finalization of Bylaw will be uploaded shortly. 

• Site Inspections and Enforcement of Sediment and Erosion Control Measures Procedures - Finalization will be uploaded shortly.