OverviewIt is well known that water resources such as wastewater, drinking water and recreational waters have been regulated for years at all levels of government.  Stormwater is a regulated wate

OverviewIt is well known that water resources such as wastewater, drinking water and recreational waters have been regulated for years at all levels of government.  Stormwater is a regulated water resource which many are unaware of, but is just as important to preserving clean water.  The Acton Land Use Department takes an active role in public outreach and compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Permit.  If not managed properly, stormwater can have a disruptive impact on the environment and the economy. What is Stormwater?Stormwater is water which runs off of impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways and roadways during and after a storm.  This water enters into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), which ultimately ends up in the Waters of the Commonwealth.Why Should I Care About Stormwater?If proper stormwater management isn’t practiced, pollutants such as dog waste, fertilizer, trash, and motor vehicle fluids can be picked up by stormwater and carried into wetlands, waterbodies and into the groundwater.  This water is used every day for drinking, bathing, cooking, fishing and swimming.  Not to mention these waterbodies are the home to many fish and wildlife. Good Stormwater Management Practices:Minimize fertilizer usePick up after petsWash your car at a car washKeep your car well maintained to prevent leaksNever put anything down a storm drain and clean debris away from storm drains so they can function as designedDo not litterBenefits of Proper Stormwater Management:Protects fish and wildlifeMinimize eutrophicationProtects human healthLower cost of treating water for human consumptionIncreased property values near bodies of waterProtects recreational waters such as lakes and oceansWhat is the Town doing about stormwater?The Town of Acton has two bylaws which address stormwater management:Chapter U: Chapter U was adopted by Town Meeting in 2010 to help prevent pollutants and illicit discharges into the Town of Acton’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).  This bylaw is critical to keeping the towns waterways clean.Chapter X: Chapter X was adopted by Town Meeting in 2015 to regulate development in regards to stormwater management practices.  Development can severely impact the town’s waterways if stormwater management is not addressed.Click here to review Chapter X Land Disturbance PermitsThe Town of Acton filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) under the EPA’s 2016 MS4 general permit.  The Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP) was created in response to the NOI.Click here to review Town of Acton’s MS4 Annual ReportsAn Overview of Acton's Stormwater System and Future Funding OptionsCharter Road Drainage Improvements820 Main Street Culvert Replacement20 Main Street Culvert ReplacementBellows Farm Dam ProjectActon Asset Management Plan The Town of Acton contracted Woodard & Curran Inc. to develop a Stormwater Drainage System Asset Management Plan (AMP) including a culvert condition assessment, storm drain infrastructure assessment, detention basin assessment, and a climate impact assessment. This AMP includes a prioritization of each infrastructure type with recommendations to combat aging infrastructure and climate change vulnerabilities. In addition to identifying future projects to address climate change concerns in Town, this AMP considers ongoing work related to the Town's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit compliance program and align the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) with compliance obligations and future water quality needs. The results of the assessments, survey, and strategy are described throughout this plan. Click here to review the full AMP reportTown of Acton Stormwater System Management and Funding Feasibility StudyThe Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) Stormwater System Management and Funding Feasibility Study (December 2025) represents the second phase of the Town’s multi-phase investigation of stormwater needs, and includes specific recommendations regarding strategic system management and sustainable funding approaches.   Included in the WRAC report is a detailed decision flowchart, which provides a framework for conducting future leadership discussions about the Town’s stormwater system.Click here to review the full WRAC Stormwater ReportHelpful links:https://www.thinkbluemassachusetts.org/https://www.mass.gov/service-details/stormwaterhttps://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/massachusetts-npdes-permitshttps://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sourcesStormwater 101 Video