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The Town of Brookline (Town) provides the following information to help eliminate non-stormwater discharges to the Town’s Municipal Storm Drain System. (The Town regulates Stormwater discharges under
By-Law 8.26.) Non-stormwater discharges are flows to the storm drain that are not comprised entirely of stormwater and are major causes of:
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- impairment of water quality and flow in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater;
- contamination of drinking water supplies;
- alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat; and
- flooding.
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As stormwater from rain and snowmelt flows over ground surfaces, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow directly into our rivers, brooks, ponds and wetlands, or enter the storm drain system and discharge to these waterbodies:
Charles River Muddy River
Sawmill Brook
Leverett Pond Willow Pond
Sargents Pond
Halls Pond
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Three Areas of Concern
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HOUSEHOLD |
| CONSTRUCTION |
| COMMERCIAL
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HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION |
In Massachusetts, polluted stormwater runoff and discharges in urbanized areas result in serious water-quality problems. Polluted runoffs to waterbodies have affected plant and animal life in streams and lakes and can also affect recreational activities such as boating and swimming.
What are Common Stormwater Pollutants? |
•Motor Oil
•Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
•Paint
•Cooking Grease
•Detergent
•Concrete
•Pet Waste
•Yard Waste
•Pesticides
•Fertilizers
•Sediments
•Debris
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| Stormwater control helps the citizens and businesses of Brookline: |
- prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain and discharging to rivers, streams and wetlands;
- prohibit illicit connections and unauthorized discharges to the storm drain
- remove all such illicit connections;
- comply with state and federal statues and regulations relating to stormwater discharges; and
- establish the legal authority to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section through inspection, monitoring, and enforcement.
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| The Town of Brookline regulates stormwater discharges under by-law 8.25. Non- stormwater discharges contain contaminants and supply additional flows to the Town's Storm Drain System. Non storm drain discharges are a major cause of impairment of water quality and water flow (in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater), contamination of drinking water supplies, alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat, and flooding. These can be prevented through the use of this by-law.
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| Other Stormwater Related Information: |
| Stormwater Information and Activities For Children |
| Department of Environmental Protection’s Stormwater Information
Website |
| Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection |
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| What can you do to help reduce Stormwater Pollution? |
| 10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution
(PDF) |
| Make Your Home The Solution to Stormwater Pollution
(PDF) |
| Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff
(PDF) |
| Stormwater Prevention Around the Home |
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Please contact the Town of Brookline Department of Public Works
Engineering Division at (617) 730-2139 or by
email with any questions, concerns or comments or
to report possible illegal discharges to the Town’s storm drain system
REMEMBER: ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN!
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CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
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In Massachusetts, polluted stormwater runoff and discharges in urbanized areas result in serious water-quality problems. Polluted runoffs to waterbodies have affected plant and animal life in streams and lakes and can also affect recreational activities such as boating and swimming.
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Construction activities can have a significant impact on water quality. As stormwater flows over a construction site, it can carry pollutants such as sediment, debris, and chemicals into the drains causing damage to wildlife and water quality. Construction equipment can track dirt and debris onto roads, which may then be washed into the drain.
Most construction sites require a permit at either the local, state or federal level.
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| Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) |
The Town may require ESC and/or Stormwater management plan as part of this process of obtaining a building permit. Please contact the Building Department or DPW/Engineering for additional information.
Soil erosion is typically caused by water falling on disturbed ground which is poorly covered or unvegetated areas. Water can pick up soil particles in these areas and carry them towards water bodies or storm drains.
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Suggested Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs
• Drop Inlet Protection
• Silt Fence
• Hay Bales
• Gravel Construction Entrances
• Containment Areas for Concrete Equipment Washouts
• Perimeter Erosion and Sediment Control Practices
• Protected Material Stockpiles
• Maintain Control Practices
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Construction sites with 1 acre or greater land disturbance require NPDES permits:
Click for Information on NPDES Stormwater Permits for Construction
Activities (PDF)
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides A Guide for Planners, Engineers, and Municpal Officials
(PDF) that provides erosion and sediment control guidelines for urban and suburban areas.
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| For more information: |
| Department of Environmental Protection’s Stormwater Information Website. |
| Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
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| The Town of Brookline regulates stormwater discharges under by-law 8.25. Non- stormwater discharges contain contaminants and supply additional flows to the Town's Storm Drain System. Non storm drain discharges are a major cause of impairment of water quality and water flow (in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater), contamination of drinking water supplies, alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat, and flooding. These can be prevented through the use of this requirement by preventing pollutants from entering the storm drain, by prohibiting or removing illicit connections and unauthorized discharges to the storm drain, and to comply with state and federal statutes and regulations relating to stormwater discharges.
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Please contact the
Town of Brookline Department of Public Works Engineering Division
at (617) 730-2139 or by email with any questions, concerns or comments or
to report possible illegal discharges to the Town’s storm drain system
REMEMBER: ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN!
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COMMERCIAL INFORMATION
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In Massachusetts, polluted stormwater runoff and discharges in urbanized areas result in serious water-quality problems. Polluted runoffs to waterbodies have affected plant and animal life in streams and lakes and can also affect recreational activities such as boating and swimming.
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| Dirt, oil and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local waterbodies.
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| Remember to: |
- Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around stormdrains.
- Cover grease storage and dumpsters and
- Clean up all spills immediately.
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| Stormwater control helps the citizens and businesses of Brookline: |
- prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain;
- prohibit illicit connections and unauthorized discharges to the storm drain
- remove all such illicit connections;
- comply with state and federal statues and regulations relating to stormwater discharges; and
- establish the legal authority to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section through inspection, monitoring, and enforcement.
|
|
Please contact the
Town of Brookline Department of Public Works Engineering Division
at (617) 730-2139 or by email with any questions, concerns or comments or
to report possible illegal discharges to the Town’s storm drain system
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| The Town of Brookline regulates stormwater discharges under by-law 8.25. Non- stormwater discharges contain contaminants and supply additional flows to the Town's Storm Drain System. Non storm drain discharges are a major cause of impairment of water quality and water flow (in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater), contamination of drinking water supplies, alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat, and flooding. These can be prevented through the use of this requirement by preventing pollutants from entering the storm drain, by prohibiting or removing illicit connections and unauthorized discharges to the storm drain, and to comply with state and federal statutes and regulations relating to stormwater discharges.
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| The Environmental Protection Agency and the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection require the development and implementation of a Stormwater Prevention Program to minimize contamination of the Town’s Municipal Drain System.
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| For more information: |
| Department of Environmental Protection’s Stormwater Information
Website |
| Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
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REMEMBER: ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN! |
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