New Stormwater By-laws Adopted

At the 2007 Annual Fall Town Meeting, the Town voted to adopt the two proposed stormwater by-laws; Article XXV - Stormwater Management By-law and Article XXVI - By-law Governing Discharges to MS4.  Here is a summary of these new local laws and what they mean to you.

By-law Governing Discharges to the Municipal Storm Drain in Billerica

This By-law makes it illegal to put pollution such as pet waste, water from laundry, motor oil, antifreeze, other chemicals, paint, leaves, soapy water, and litter/trash into the storm drain or into water bodies.  This By-law helps the Town protect the  health and safety of our residents, provide cleaner water for drinking and recreation, and preserve the aesthetic value of the community.  

Most everyday activities are still allowed.  These activities include landscaping irrigation, lawn watering, individual residential car washing, and draining de-chlorinated swimming pools.  It is even acceptable for your sump pump to discharge uncontaminated groundwater to the storm drain (but not to the sanitary sewer).

What's the difference between the sanitary sewer system and the storm sewer system?

The sanitary sewer system is a network of pipes that carries wastewater from the toilets, sinks, and bathtubs/showers in your house to the treatment plant, where the wastewater is cleaned before entering the Concord River.

The storm sewer system, or more commonly known as the storm drain, is a network of roadside ditches, gutters, and underground pipes that collects stormwater (water from rain and melting snow that flows over the ground) and carries it away from our streets, parking lots, and yards.  Water enters the storm drain system through catch basin grates and exits through outfalls.

Where does water in the storm drain system go?

Stormwater carried by the storm drain system directly enters water bodies throughout Town, including the Concord River, the Shawsheen River, Nutting Lake, and Winning Pond.  Sometimes stormwater flows into wooded or wetland areas of Billerica.

Remember - stormwater is not treated at the wastewater treatment plant.  Any pollution that is washed into the storm drain ends up in Billerica's lakes and streams!

If you suspect someone is putting pollution into the storm drain system or into water bodies, call the Billerica Board of Health at 978-671-0931.

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