Concord, MA - Phase II Stormwater Management Program

Phase II Stormwater Management Program

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Concord Public Works (CPW) is currently working to implement a 5-year Stormwater Management Plan known as the "Phase II Storm Water Program" as required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and US Environmental Protection Agency. Phase II local governments are required to develop and implement a stormwater management program that includes six minimum measures:

1. Public Education and outreach on stormwater impacts,

2. Public involvement and participation,

3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE),

4. Construction site stormwater runoff control,

5. Post construction stormwater management for new development and redevelopment, and

6. Pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal operations.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to access Concord's Drainage Connection Policy

• Nonpoint Source Pollution & Stormwater Runoff - Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is defined as pollution that comes from many diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and man-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water. If we all do our individual parts in reducing nonpoint source pollution, together we can greatly improve the conditions of our lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

10 Ways to Prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution
1.	Use fertilizers sparingly.
2.	Regularly inspect and pump your septic system.
3.	NEVER dump anything into a storm drain.
4.	Replant disturbed soil as soon as possible.
5.	Regularly maintain your automobile to prevent fluid leaks.
6.	Dispose of hazardous waste properly at Wilmington’s Hazardous Waste Day.
7.	Direct roof drains away from bare surfaces and bare soil.
8.	If you must wash your car at home, wash it on the lawn to encourage infiltration and use low phosphate detergents in small amounts.
9.	Pick up after your pets!
10.	Clean up spills of vehicle fluids and household chemicals promptly and properly.

For more information on pollution prevention, go to EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) website.

• Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination - An illicit discharge is defined as any release into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) of contaminated water, or any non-stormwater discharge that contributes pollutants to receiving waters.

Examples of illicit discharges are:
1.	Sanitary wastewater from crushed or collapsed pipes or surcharges.
2.	Direct septic connections into the storm drain system.
3.	Overflow from septic tanks, car wash wastewater.
4.	Laundry wastewater.
5.	Improper disposal of automobile and household products.

The following exceptions are not considered illicit discharges:
1.	Water line flushing
2.	Landscape irrigation
3.	Diverted stream flows
4.	Rising or outbreaking groundwater
5.	Uncontaminated pumped groundwater (includes clean sump pump discharges)
6.	Potable water source discharges
7.	Foundation drains
8.	Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges
9.	Stormwater runoff from streets and sidewalks

Concord Public Works will be conducting inspections of stormwater outfalls throughout town as part of our ongoing compliance to our Phase II Stormwater Management Plan. If pollutants or irregular flows are detected, the system will be traced back to find the source of the illicit discharge. Please note that regulations are currently being proposed within the town to develop an enforcement and fining procedure for illicit discharges found within the Town’s MS4. Any discharge deemed a threat to public safety or public health is automatically in violation of the health code and is thus subject to a removal order and/or fines by the Health Department.

For more information on illicit discharges, view the New England Interstate IDDE Manual website at http://www.neiwpcc.org . Click on “Publications and Resources” at the left of the screen and then click on “Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination”.

For more information regarding the Phase II Stormwater Management Program, contact Concord Public Works at 978-318-3210.

(This information is courtesy of the State of Michigan website - we thank them for sharing this helpful information)

Illicit Discharge Interactive Demonstration

Click one of the buttons below to view an interactive illicit discharge demonstration.

(Opens in a new window)

• Tips

Car Care & Maintenance	Lawn & Yard Care
- Recycle motor oil and antifreeze	- Mulch leaves and grass clippings
- Use commercial car washes that recycle wash water	- Reduce the size of your lawn by utilizing decorative rock gardens & natural vegetation
- Use low-phosphate detergents when washing your car at home	- Use organic lawn care products
- Check for fluid leaks regularly	- Do not overuse fertilizer
	- Re-plant bare areas to discourage soil erosion

Virtual Town Hall Website