Stormwater Management By-law

Land development and land use conversion often transform the natural landscape from forests and fields into areas of impervious cover, permanently altering the natural cycling of water and increasing stormwater runoff and the potential for sand, oil, and other pollution to flow to rivers, streams, and lakes.  Impervious areas are hard surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, streets, and parking lots.  Increased runoff often increases flooding, stream channel erosion, and sediment transport, and decreases groundwater recharge.

The impacts of construction site and post-development stormwater runoff can adversely affect public safety, public and private property, surface water, drinking water supplies, groundwater resources, recreation, aquatic habitats, and other uses  of lands and water bodies.

Many of these negative effects can be controlled through careful site planning and the application of both structural and nonstructural stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs).

The Stormwater Management By-law will regulate post-construction stormwater runoff for both new and redevelopment projects, and erosion and sediment control and stormwater runoff for construction sites.  This By-law will minimize damage to public and private property and infrastructure, safeguard public health and safety, and protect water and aquatic resources and the environment.