September 2020

The Town submits its second annual report to EPA.

June 2020

On June 18th, the Board of Public Works was given a presentation about Pepperell's stormwater program. This included a review of the basic permit requirements, an overview of what has been accomplished, and the major tasks that lie in the coming permit years. The presentation and discussion in its entirety can be viewed on the Pepperell Community Media as part of the June 18th Board of Public Works meeting.

June 2019

EPA reviewed Pepperell’s NOI and granted authorization to discharge stormwater under the NPDES permit program.

October 2018

To comply with the terms of the General Permit, Pepperell developed a Notice of Intent (NOI) to request authorization to discharge stormwater. The NOI was submitted to the EPA and MassDEP on October 1, 2018. It includes information about the Town’s plan for compliance with the NPDES stormwater program, a summary of waterbodies within Town that receive stormwater discharges, and best management practices (BMPs) the Town will implement to address the six MCMs.

The Town also adopted a stormwater fee to generate the funding needed to implement this Stormwater Management Plan, which includes operation and maintenance of the Town’s drainage system. The Town has also prepared a detailed Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) to summarize Pepperell’s stormwater management program and plan for compliance with the NPDES permit program in greater detail.

July 2018

The 2016 Massachusetts Small MS4 General Permit became effective July 1, 2018.

April 2016

The Massachusetts Small MS4 General Permit was signed into law on April 4, 2016.

September 2014

On September 30, 2014, the EPA released for comments a draft of the Massachusetts Small MS4 General Permit, set to replace the 2003 General Permit.

May 2003

The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Program became effective in Massachusetts, which regulates Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) located within urbanized areas.

1987

The Water Quality Act was passed to expand federal regulation of stormwater discharges by authorizing the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program.

1972

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 was substantially amended to become the Clean Water Act.

1948

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 was the first major U.S. law to address water pollution.