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Preparing Communities for EPA’s Revised Stormwater Permits

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a nationwide permit system that regulates point sources that discharge pollutants into waterways. Since its introduction in 1972, the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to our Nation's water quality. NPDES is authorized by the Clean Water Act and administered either by state officials or EPA Regional Offices. EPA New England runs NPDES programs for two states: Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

The new draft NPDES Phase II General Permits for Small MS4s in Massachusetts and New Hampshire have been published. With them comes a host of new requirements for local stormwater programs to implement.

Horsley Witten Group, Inc. (HW) is assisting EPA Region 1 to prepare guidance materials to help communities address these new requirements, including:

  • Mapping and tracking changes in impervious cover;
  • Enhancing illicit discharge detection and elimination;
  • Retrofitting existing development to meet total maximum daily load (TMDL) requirements; and
  • Updating local bylaws and regulations to reduce impervious cover and advance low impact development (LID) application.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is a conveyance or system of conveyances that is:

  • Owned by a state, city, town, village, or other public entity that discharges to waters of the U.S.;
  • Designed or used to collect or convey stormwater (including storm drains, pipes, ditches, etc.);
  • Not a combined sewer; and
  • Not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (sewage treatment plant).

Contact Anne Kitchell at (508) 833-6600 to find out how we can work directly with your community to ensure permit compliance. Visit our website for a comprehensive list of the stormwater services that HW can provide.

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