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 Winchendon is newly regulated under this program as of July 2018 and must implement specific policies and procedures under each MCM to help reduce pollution in local waterbodies. The program also includes requirements to address specific pollutants found in stormwater for receiving waters that are not meeting water quality goals or designated uses (e.g., fishable, swimmable) under the Clean Water Act. In Winchendon, this means reducing the levels of total phosphorus and bacteria in stormwater runoff.
To comply with program requirements, Winchendon developed a Notice of Intent (NOI) to request authorization to discharge stormwater. The NOI was submitted to EPA and MassDEP in September 2018. It includes information about the Town's plan for compliance with the NPDES stormwater program, a summary of waterbodies within the Town that receive stormwater discharges, and best management practices (BMPs) the Town will implement to address the six MCMs. EPA reviewed Winchendon's NOI and granted authorization to discharge stormwater under the NPDES permit program in April 2019.
The Town has prepared a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) to summarize Winchendon's stormwater management program and plan for compliance with the NPDES permit program in greater detail. As a resident of Winchendon, you can provide input and feedback on the Town's SWMP and overall stormwater program. The SWMP is available online for review and comment. View the SWMP (PDF).
Comments will be accepted until June 30, 2019 and can be emailed to Brian Croteau, Public Works Director.