FAQs • Ashland, MA • CivicEngage

Why does Ashland have a Stormwater Management Bylaw?: The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II program for the Clean Water Act mandated that all urbanized areas create a regulatory mechanism to control non-point source discharges into the nation’s waterways. Ashland passed its Stormwater Management Bylaw at 2006 Annual Town Meeting to protect the environment through the control of stormwater discharges.

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Stormwater

1. What is stormwater runoff?: Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from soaking into the ground.

2. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?: As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, streets, and sidewalks it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly into a lake, stream, river or wetland. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water.

3. What can I do to prevent stormwater pollution?: By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect our lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. Remember to share these habits with your neighbors!

4. What can I do if I notice inappropriate dumping into or foul odors emanating from storm drains?: Call the Conservation Commission at 508-881-0100, ext. 656.

5. Why does Ashland have a Stormwater Management Bylaw?: The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II program for the Clean Water Act mandated that all urbanized areas create a regulatory mechanism to control non-point source discharges into the nation’s waterways. Ashland passed its Stormwater Management Bylaw at 2006 Annual Town Meeting to protect the environment through the control of stormwater discharges.

6. Who needs a Stormwater Management Permit?: - Any activity subject to the Planning Department’s Site Plan Review
- Any activity resulting in soil disturbance of 10,000 square feet or greater
- Any residential development or redevelopment of five acres or more
- Any activity that will increase the impervious cover more than 50% of the lot
- Any activity that will disturb land 5,000 square feet of land with 15% slope or greater
- Any activity that will alter, fill or degrade a wetland, water body, floodplain or isolated depression subject to flooding

7. How do I get a Stormwater Management Permit?: Complete the Application for a Stormwater Management Permit, attached to the regulations, and file with the Conservation Commission along with the appropriate fee. A public hearing will be held at a regular Conservation Commission meeting.

8. If I need a Notice of Intent for work near wetlands do I also need a Stormwater Management Permit?: If you have an activity that requires a permit, then yes.