Stormwater Division

Stormwater

Stormwater is the water that runs off the land surface when it rains or when snow melts. It enters the Town's storm drain system and is conveyed directly to local lakes, streams, and wetlands. Stormwater runoff from natural (vegetated) land is typically low since most rain or snow melt infiltrates into the ground or is lost to evaporation. Impervious surfaces like streets, parking lots, and rooftops prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground and create extra runoff.

Why Stormwater Matters

Stormwater typically contains a number of pollutants, such as oil and grease from roadways and parking lots, pesticides and fertilizers from lawns, sediment from construction sites, sand and dirt from roadway maintenance practices, and carelessly discarded trash such as cigarette butts, wrappers, and plastic bottles. When these pollutants enter water bodies, they can contaminate drinking water supplies, hinder recreation activities, and harm aquatic and other wildlife habitats. In addition to washing pollutants into our surface waters, improperly managed storm water runoff can result in soil erosion and flooding.

The EPA Announces Release of New Stormwater Permit

The 2016 Massachusetts Small MS4 General Permit was signed April 4, 2016 and became effective July 1, 2018. The final permit reflects modifications to the 2014 draft small MS4 general permit released for comment on September 30, 2014 and replaces the 2003 small MS4 general permit for MS4 operators within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Norfolk submitted their Notice of Intent (NOI) to EPA and MassDEP on September 27, 2018 outlining the BMPs that the Town planned to include in their stormwater management program in order to comply with the terms of the General Permit. 

The Town's NOI can be viewed at: Norfolk NOI

Next steps

  • Street Design and Parking Lot Guidelines Report – 2023
  • Green Infrastructure Report – 2023
  • List of Municipal Retrofit Opportunities – 2023