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Stormwater Management

stormwater 101
The Town of Lynnfield, Department of Public Works Division, is currently working on implementing its Stormwater Management Program for the requirements of the MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer systems) and NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) regulations. The Town of Lynnfield’s Stormwater Management Program consists of Public Education and Outreach, Public Involvement/Participation, Illicit Discharge and Elimination, Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control, Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Developments and Redevelopment, and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations. All of these control measures will ensure clean stormwater in the Town of Lynnfield and a cleaner environment for our future.
 
What is Stormwater?
 
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snowfall that flows across the land and into rivers, creeks, lakes, ditches and wetlands through a system of piping.
 
What Causes Stormwater Pollution?
 
Stormwater runoff results in debris, sediment, pollutants, bacteria and nutrients on sidewalks, streets and parking lots washing into storm drains. This contaminated stormwater eventually flows untreated into the rivers, creeks, lakes, and wetlands.
 
What are Common Contributors to Stormwater Pollution?
  • Antifreeze
  • Oil
  • Detergents
  • Pesticides                                                                            
  • Erosion
  • Trash
  • Animal Wastes
What Can You Do to Prevent Pollution?
 
  • Clean up after your pet.                   
  • Use lawn and garden chemicals sparingly or use organic alternatives.
  • Don't dump anything into storm drains. Most lead directly into area waterways.
  • Wash your car on the lawn or gravel, which filter the dirt and soap out of the water. Use soaps without phosphates, which remove oxygen from the water. Or go to a car wash that recycles wash water.
  • Fix oil leaks in your car, and recycle oil and other car fluids.
  • Keep your septic system maintained to prevent leaks.
  • Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them off.
  • Reduce the amount of impervious surfaces around your home. Alternatives such as paving blocks, gravel, cobbles, brick and natural stone can replace asphalt and concrete in driveways, parking lots and walkways.
  • Clean leaves and other debris off of storm drains.

The following links will direct you to the Regulations and Bylaws pertaining to Stormwater Management

Town of Lynnfield updated their Stormwater Management Program Plan and Illicit Discharge Detection Elimination Plan as part of EPA's requirements for it's second NPDES permit.  These plans are living documents and will be updated throughout the permit cycle.  Below are links to these plans:

Stormwater Management Materials

Public Awareness Materials

If the public has any questions or comments on these plans please feel free to contact the DPW at (781) 334-9500.