stormwatermanagementpolicy-mastep.docVIP

Stormwater Management Policy Purpose The goal of the Stormwater Management Policy is to improve water quality and address water quantity problems by the implementation of performance standards for stormwater management. Urban runoff and discharges from stormwater outfalls are the single largest source responsible for water quality problems in the Commonwealth’s rivers, lakes, ponds, and marine waters. The Stormwater Management Standards establish clear and consistent guidelines for stormwater management in Massachusetts. The Standards are designed for use under multiple statutory and regulatory authorities of the Department of Environmental Protection, including the Wetlands Protection Act, as amended by the Rivers Protection Act, and the Clean Water Act. Stormwater discharges occur as rainfall and snow melt carries pollutants to surface and groundwater. New and existing development increases impervious surfaces, which alters natural drainage features, increases peak discharge rates and volumes, and reduces recharge to maintain wetlands and baseflows in streams. Development also results in corresponding increases in the concentration and types of pollutant loadings, including nutrients, solids, metals, salt, pathogens, pesticides, and hydrocarbons. Best Management Practices (BMPs) reduce or prevent pollutants from reaching water bodies and control the quantity of runoff from a site. The Stormwater Management Standards address both water quality (pollutants) and water quantity (flood control) problems by establishing the level of required controls through the use of BMPs. The Stormwater Management Standards are intended to be applied during routine project review by issuing authorities under the Wetlands Protection Act. Use of the standards should prevent or minimize adverse environmental impacts due to unmanaged stormwater while limiting undue costs and recognizing site constraints. Applicants should submit the stormwater form developed by DEP which pre