Massachusetts Stormwater Control Ordinance

• Category: Water - General
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-M-9595
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This is a sample of Municipal Codes when dealing with an ordinance concerning storm water control. This may be used across the United States. The Massachusetts Stormwater Control Ordinance (MSC) is a regulatory framework designed to manage stormwater runoff and protect water quality in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It encompasses a range of rules and requirements pertaining to stormwater management practices, aimed at reducing pollution and minimizing the adverse impacts of stormwater runoff on aquatic ecosystems and public health. Under the MSC, any development project, including new construction, redevelopment, and site expansion, must comply with specific stormwater control measures to obtain necessary permits from the local authorities. The primary goal of this ordinance is to mitigate the potential negative effects of stormwater runoff, such as erosion, flooding, and the transportation of pollutants into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. To achieve this, the Massachusetts Stormwater Control Ordinance established several types of stormwater management standards, each applying to different types of development projects: 1. Construction Stormwater Standard: This standard applies to construction projects that disturb more than one acre of land or are part of a larger common plan of development. It requires developers to implement erosion control measures, such as sediment barriers and sedimentation ponds, to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation during construction activities. 2. Post-Construction Stormwater Standard: This standard focuses on managing stormwater runoff after construction is complete. It applies to both new developments and redevelopment projects exceeding specific thresholds. The goal is to minimize the volume and rate of stormwater runoff by incorporating stormwater control measures such as infiltration systems, vegetated sales, and rain gardens. 3. Redevelopment Standard: This standard applies to projects that involve alterations or expansions of existing developed sites. The goal is to encourage the implementation of stormwater control practices during redevelopment to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of increased runoff. 4. Industrial Stormwater Standard: This standard applies to certain industrial activities, such as manufacturing plants, construction sites, and landfills. It requires the implementation of the best management practices that prevent stormwater contamination by hazardous substances, chemicals, or pollutants commonly associated with industrial activities. Compliance with the Massachusetts Stormwater Control Ordinance is typically required through permitting processes, such as the Stormwater Management Permit (SWAMP) or the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NODES) permit. Local municipalities may adopt their own stormwater ordinances, augmenting the statewide regulations. By enforcing the MSC and its associated standards, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks to prevent water pollution, protect natural resources, and maintain the integrity of its aquatic ecosystems. It also contributes to the fulfillment of federal water quality requirements and ensures the long-term sustainability of the state's water resources.

The Massachusetts Stormwater Control Ordinance (MSC) is a regulatory framework designed to manage stormwater runoff and protect water quality in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It encompasses a range of rules and requirements pertaining to stormwater management practices, aimed at reducing pollution and minimizing the adverse impacts of stormwater runoff on aquatic ecosystems and public health. Under the MSC, any development project, including new construction, redevelopment, and site expansion, must comply with specific stormwater control measures to obtain necessary permits from the local authorities. The primary goal of this ordinance is to mitigate the potential negative effects of stormwater runoff, such as erosion, flooding, and the transportation of pollutants into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. To achieve this, the Massachusetts Stormwater Control Ordinance established several types of stormwater management standards, each applying to different types of development projects: 1. Construction Stormwater Standard: This standard applies to construction projects that disturb more than one acre of land or are part of a larger common plan of development. It requires developers to implement erosion control measures, such as sediment barriers and sedimentation ponds, to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation during construction activities. 2. Post-Construction Stormwater Standard: This standard focuses on managing stormwater runoff after construction is complete. It applies to both new developments and redevelopment projects exceeding specific thresholds. The goal is to minimize the volume and rate of stormwater runoff by incorporating stormwater control measures such as infiltration systems, vegetated sales, and rain gardens. 3. Redevelopment Standard: This standard applies to projects that involve alterations or expansions of existing developed sites. The goal is to encourage the implementation of stormwater control practices during redevelopment to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of increased runoff. 4. Industrial Stormwater Standard: This standard applies to certain industrial activities, such as manufacturing plants, construction sites, and landfills. It requires the implementation of the best management practices that prevent stormwater contamination by hazardous substances, chemicals, or pollutants commonly associated with industrial activities. Compliance with the Massachusetts Stormwater Control Ordinance is typically required through permitting processes, such as the Stormwater Management Permit (SWAMP) or the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NODES) permit. Local municipalities may adopt their own stormwater ordinances, augmenting the statewide regulations. By enforcing the MSC and its associated standards, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks to prevent water pollution, protect natural resources, and maintain the integrity of its aquatic ecosystems. It also contributes to the fulfillment of federal water quality requirements and ensures the long-term sustainability of the state's water resources.