Earning a waiver for federal storm water requirements would save the town time and money officials said Monday night.

Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon told Selectmen that the town’s permit for its storm water system is up for renewal. To prevent pollutants from being washed into the system, the Environmental Protection Act requires cities and towns to develop a storm water management program.

While researching requirements for the current permit in the past, Farinon said she learned the system’s small size allowed for a waiver. The location of the storm water pipes is in an area with a population of about 400 people. Permits apply to areas where at least 1,000 people live.

“For a small community like Rochester, we are concerned about water quality, but it’s a federal mandate and it’s unfunded and we want to stay out of that if we can,” she said.

Town Administrator Mike McCue said he’s dealt with storm water permits in towns where he’s previously worked. A waiver for Rochester would be a benefit, he said.

“I’m glad to hear Rochester had a waiver and hopefully will continue to have that waiver,” McCue said.

Farinon said she's currently working with the state to apply for the waiver.