September 26, 2013
Community Innovation Challenge Grant
2013
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

1. Quantity
•
Discharge reduces capacity in storm drain system to manage flow from road surface.
2. Quality
• Discharge can include pollutants that then enter the storm drain system and surface waters.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Not listed as an “allowable” non-stormwater discharge but
Not specifically prohibited, either!
• MS4 Permit does allow “uncontaminated groundwater infiltration” and “uncontaminated pumped groundwater”.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

• Clean Water Act does not prohibit sump pumps from entering sanitary sewer system. Local prohibition began when Towns applied for federal funding for
POTW’s.
• Many CMRSWC Towns are eliminating sump pumps from sanitary sewer as part of inflow & infiltration projects.
Challenge: there are places where a sump pump is required to prevent property damage.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

• Most CMRSWC Towns prohibit connection to sanitary sewer via local Bylaw.
• Disconnection is not always feasible:
1. Often easy to reconnect after inspection.
2. Not always an alternative discharge.
 Lack of adequate space to discharge.
 Cannot result in an unsafe conditions.
 Cannot result in discharge of pollution to environment.
Many MA communities struggle with this.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Reasonable, consistent approach for allowing connection to storm drain system.
1. Owner: has responsibility for costs and permits; provides right-of-way; allows inspection; identifies pump type and flow estimate; documents fixtures connected to system; provides backflow prevention device; executes Agreement.
2. Town: can require oil/water separator or secondary containment; water quality testing; data on pump installed; has right of inspection.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Narrative Application
Application Review
Residential and
Commercial
Agreements
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

1. Existing Bylaw doesn’t prohibit connections or includes a discretionary waiver process.
2. Town has staff to review application and manage process.
3. Right of inspection: Town Bylaw provides authority for staff to enter any premises and any building thereon for the purpose of making the inspection.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

1. Municipal system lacks capacity
2. Drainage includes flow from multiple sources
3. Drainage includes flow from industrial source(s)
4. Receiving water is impaired or subject to local control
5. Connection is within 100 feet of a septic system
6. Connection is within a drinking water Zone 1
7. Connection is within a drinking water Zone 2 and water department/district has not approved in writing.
8. Discharge would create a safety hazard.
9. Connection jeopardizes public health, safety or natural resources.
10. Connection or owner fails to satisfy requirements or terms of Agreement.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition