MARION — Town Administrator James McGrail and Department of Public Works (DPW) Director David Willett announced that the town sent in materials for a state-mandated permit for stormwater management ahead of schedule.

To discharge stormwater into a waterway in Massachusetts, all cities and towns need a Stormwater Management Program and must obtain a Massachusetts Small MS4 General Permit.

In July 2018, new, more comprehensive guidelines were added to the MS4 permitting process and each town must outline a plan to meet those guidelines to obtain the permit.

There six minimum control measures that must be implemented by June 30. The town must educate residents to decrease stormwater pollutants, provide opportunities for residents to get involved with the Stormwater Management Program and give feedback, develop a system to monitor and stop discharges that are not from stormwater and provide guidance during and after construction to minimize erosion. All Town of Marion operations are also required to minimize stormwater pollution. 

Marion residents will be notified of the public outreach and participation initiatives, as well as any capital projects that may be necessary for stormwater management.

Department of Public Works Director Willett is overseeing the town's efforts to obtain the permit, which will include several tasks for the DPW.

"These tasks include the cleaning and inspection of all town catch basins, regular sampling of stormwater outfall and developing a complete Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database of town infrastructure. In addition, there are a variety of capital projects slated for assessment that generally include street improvements and sewer and drainage improvements. All of these things will help us to obtain the permit and be in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations," Willett said. 

Earlier this year, the town sent the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection its Notice of Intent, outlining what the town has done so far to obtain the permit and what the town will continue to do to meet the guidelines.

On May 8, the town was notified that its Notice of Intent was approved by the state department, allowing the DPW to continue to address the necessary compliance measures of the Stormwater Management Plan.