Marion adopts Stormwater Management Bylaw following EPA warning
MARION — Marion property owners will now be required to apply for a permit if they plan to begin a construction project that involves once acre of land or more after voters approved a Stormwater Management Bylaw with a two-thirds majority voice vote at Town Meeting on Monday, Nov. 24.
Prior to receiving approval at Town Meeting, Marion received a formal warning from the United States Environmental Protection Agency demanding that the town adopt a construction-related Stormwater Management Bylaw no later than Monday, Dec. 15.
The town has delayed adopting this bylaw for approximately four years, according to Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman.
“It’s a key step in meeting the compliance schedule set forth by the EPA and avoid looming enforcement actions and penalties,” said Planning Board Chair Andrew Daniel of approving the bylaw.
According to Daniel, the permit process “provides a targeted way to protect public and private property, drink water supplies and the health of our local wetlands, rivers, streams and coastal waters.”
“Stormwater runoff from [construction] development can lead to flooding, road damage, water pollution and costly fixes if not managed properly,” he explained.
While the rules and regulations of the permit process are still being drafted, erosion control and proper drainage systems at construction sites are some of the Planning Board’s top priorities.
Now that the bylaw is approved, public hearings with the Planning Board will begin in December to receive public input and answer questions regarding the permit process.
The Planning Board is in charge of overseeing the permit process — including reviewing applications, approval or disapproval of permits, inspection of approved active projects and post-construction monitoring.
When crafting the bylaw, officials wanted to “minimize the burden” for residents while still ensuring that construction projects comply with federal and state standards for stormwater management.
“The bylaw minimizes burdens on those who are required to obtain permits, and only applies to larger projects that have meaningful impact on drainage and soils,” said Daniel. “Typical residential property maintenance such as gardening, landscaping, lawn care, installation of fences or driveways are not affected.”
If construction projects were to violate the bylaw and not comply with the permit process, the Planning Board has the authority to write a cease and desist notice and charge fees of up to $300.
The first public hearing with the Planning Board will be held on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7:05 p.m. in the Marion Police Department Conference Room at 550 Mill St. Residents are invited to attend and comment on stormwater management regulations and ask the board questions about the process.
