Showing posts with label EPA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EPA. Show all posts

Thursday, October 1, 2020

MMA: "EPA considers new regulations on stormwater pollution in Charles River watershed"

From the Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA) we share an article of interest for Franklin: 

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notified stakeholders in the Charles River watershed on Aug. 13 that the agency is evaluating whether to introduce a new permit regulating stormwater runoff from private parties into the watershed.

A letter from the EPA’s New England Region stated that the agency is considering whether “a new program is needed to control stormwater pollution from certain commercial, industrial and institutional sources in the Charles River watershed at sites that are not currently covered by any existing federal or state stormwater permit.”

With a new permit, the EPA would be operating under its “residual designation authority,” a provision under the Clean Water Act that allows the agency, under certain conditions, to require permits for stormwater discharges that are not otherwise regulated."

Continue reading the article online
 
The Town of Franklin is already working towards a stormwater utility fee to help address the issue of stormwater runoff to the Charles River. 
 
Visit the Stormwater Division page for more info  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division
 
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5
Check out your impervious coverage area


Thursday, September 10, 2020

Stormwater Ad hoc Committee Recap - Sep 9, 2020 - find your impervious area

Summary:

  • One of the key questions for the proposed stormwater utility fee is “What is impervious area? “ The DPW has updated one of the GIS Franklin maps with the calculation per property.
  • The new web page highlighted during this meeting is a great start. How to calculate the fee based upon your impervious area needs to be added. What credits are available also need to be added.
  • The utility fee proposal now moves to the Town Council for further discussion. There will be more info coming on this as it continues to develop for an implementation in July 2021.


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #swsc0909
https://twitter.com/hashtag/swsc0909?src=hashtag_click 

  • Real time reporting underway for Stormwater ad hoc subcommittee #swsc0909
  • Follow along shortly with your own property on this map https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5 
  • #swsc0909
  • 2 page memo mentioned with charge per unit $18.66 #swsc0909 copy of memo found after agenda page here  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-09_stormwater_ad_hoc_committee_0.pdf 
  • 50% credit for property initially, if qualify for Community assistance, get full waiver of fee. Would require a bylaw change but it is not anticipated to be a problem #swsc0909 Town Admin Jamie Hellen providing updates
  • If we don't do this, liable for fines from EPA for non-compliance, already took them to court and gained remediation on timeline #swsc0909 the proposed charge is less than other Communities that have implemented a similar fee. DPW Director Cantoreggi adds points of info
  • Stormwater fee will eventually allow for shifting of some expenses from operations budget to Stormwater utility fee (similar to trash/recycling or water/sewer) #swsc0909 will allow for billing for usage across all properties commercial and residential
  • Approx $1.2m in operations budget today could move to utility over time, recognize that the fee needs to build up some to be able to pay those invoices. Wouldn't start charging until 3Q 2021 due to billing change to system to add the line #swsc0909
  • Leaf pickup has not been included in this yet as EPA has not created the credit value for leaves. It would be a capital expense (to get the trucks/equipment) to do so. #swsc0909 moved to demo portion to highlight use of map
  • A great start to helping to provide the information to explain what it is #swsc0909 https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division 
  • Would need to add how to calculate the billing unit from the impervious area. #swsc0909 would need to add the other approved surfaces i.e. to replace a blacktop driveway with some stone or other approved surface - what is the standard?
  • Motion to move forward to full town Council for review and discussion, second, passes 3-0 via roll call (Hamblen, Dellorco, Jones) #swsc0909
  • Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0... #swsc0909 That's all for today folks, catch you next time!

Photos from the meeting used in the Twitter stream can be found online

 

Stormwater Ad hoc Committee Recap - Sep 9, 2020 - find your impervious area
Stormwater Ad hoc Committee Recap - Sep 9, 2020 - find your impervious area

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Stormwater Ad-hoc Subcommittee Meeting Recap - Aug 8, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #swsc0805

  • Real time reporting for Stormwater ad-hoc subcommittee underway #swsc0805 awaiting 3rd person for quorum
  • Without quorum can't do policy discussion but could answer questions #swsc0805
  • Derek Adams hired as Stormwater Director per FY21 budget also as needed to be compliant with the EPA permit. Had previously worked as summer help in college, worked up through the ranks, water treatment side, Masters program at MassMaritime ##swsc0805
  • Need to expand what we're doing on Stormwater management. #swsc0805 budget is tight, looking at it all carefully Stormwater Environmental affairs superintendent. Dellorco should be on soon to make quorum.
  • Moving some of the DPW operations budget items from general funds to the Stormwater fee is a long process. #swsc0805 Dellorco arrives to make quorum.
  • Melanie Hamblen officially opens the meeting at 6:52 PM #swsc0805 reads the usual blub on meeting protocol for virtual meeting. 14 present at time of official meeting
  • TA Jamie Hellen provides recap of info sessions held preCOVID-19, one in morning at the council chambers, one in the evening at the Franklin TV studios, there was a third scheduled but it was canceled due to the pandemic #swsc0805
  • Brutus provides a recap of Derek's background. #swsc0805 web site a basic stopping point for info on work done over the years. franklinma.gov/stormwater-div For reading materials, check out the full management plan franklinma.gov/stormwater-div
  • Delay as Chair lost connection and thereby quorum broke, patience #swsc0805
  • She's trying to reconnect via phone see if that's quicker. #swsc0805
  • Yup, still waiting #swsc0805
  • She did join, now working to pick up where we left off. #swsc0805 Jones replaying his question and proposal on fee to get started
  • Discussion of phasing in new fee is a timing issue, need to generate some funds via the fee in order to be able to pay for some of the current DPW Stormwater budget items, would also gather revenue from the users not currently paying #swsc0805
  • Stormwater utility fee couldn't realistically appear on a homeowner bill until July 2021 due to the software changes required to get the MUNIS system set up properly. Also need to get the other items i.e. exemptions defined. #swsc0805
  • Summary timeline: Oct/Nov during budget to relook at Stormwater costs, DPW budget impact, possible fee discussion in Jan 2021, first billing possible in July 2021, with possible budget relief for FY 22 or FY23 #swsc0805
  • Motion to adjourn, #swsc0805 catch you all next time

Stormwater Ad-hoc Subcommittee Meeting Recap - Aug 8, 2020
Stormwater Ad-hoc Subcommittee Meeting Recap - Aug 8, 2020

Friday, June 19, 2020

Town Council Budget Hearing #2 - Recap - June 18, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tcbh0618
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tcbh0618&src=typed_query

  • Two options for listening/participating in the Town Council budget hearing tonight 1/2 = use your web browser to listen to http://wfpr.fm or tune to the radio dial at 102.9 in the Franklin area #tcbh0618 https://buff.ly/3hEjgQP

  • Getting ready for real time reporting for the Town Council meeting tonight. Out on the FHS football field again, broadcasting live on the radio http://wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the Franklin area dial #tcbh0618
  • Sound check underway, should be online soon #tcbh0618
  • Another gorgeous evening here at FHS on the football field, Pisini Stadium. Less then a dozen folks in audience this evening (approx 75-80 last night) aside from Council and town management #tcbh0618

  • Q on some items in DPW budget items, their budget is complex as they also support the enterprise funds, and trying to take care of storm water along the way. #tcbh0618 Q how many folks would you need? More than we have, we're about 2/3 of comparable Community
  • Q on town bylaw to not touch a road after it has been rebuilt? Still in effect, does only cover the full rebuild, could modify the bylaw to include other types of repairs. #tcbh0618
  • Cerel interjects to clarify unfunded mandate restriction of use to state imposition but not to the Federal government. #tcbh0618 Mercer asks Brutus for a brief primer for storm water. There have been info sessions on this, there will be a utility fee to assist
  • We have to do the Storm water maintenance, the question is how we pay for it we could use the utility fee, or we just keep it in the budget. #tcbh0618 find much of the info here https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division
  • Q if we needed to cut more where would you cut in the DPW? It could be in any number of areas but would also affect the looks and quality of life. #tcbh0618 the storm water utility could gradually get the items moved from operations to the utility
  • Q on speculation of a farmer suit that could toss the regs and hence we would have lost the money? It is speculation, so no further answer required #tcbh0618 recognition for Cathy Liberty and Health Dept for the work on the pandemic
  • Next up, Senior Center - Karen Alves current Director, and retiring; Erin Rogers, new Director, no questions, just recognition #tcbh0618
  • Next up, Recreation - COVID-19 has been tough to deal with, lots of credits issued for programs we couldn't run, are getting ready to do some in July, mostly fee based programs #tcbh0618 court at Fletcher underway, nets for safety at the high school ball fields
  • Approx $600K in grants over last five years for various projects for recreation. #tcbh0618 concerts in the common, socially distanced on then common for 4-5 weeks
  • Q on debt/interest as percent of ops budget. Deep in the report are details showing the position where we are, some bonds will be paid off freeing up room for capital funding. There is a separate item on the agenda for a funding list. #tcbh0618 have good rating credit rating
  • Another glorious evening out on the field tonight. #tcbh0618 update on the CARES Act for COVID expense, highly restricted for response only, not operations used for PPE, some technical items but not ops
  • Recieved $1M in the first allocation, most of this was used for 1,000 Chromebooks for schools in prep for a possible hybrid model in September #tcbh0618 that completes the first run through of the budget line items
  • Next up vote on the budget https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._resolution_20-31_adoption_of_fy21_budget.pdf. Passed 9-0, no roll call required this evening
  • Next up Community Preservation Act  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._resolution_20-36_cpa_ballot_vote.pdf a surcharge of 2% proposed to be out on the ballot for the Nov election, passed 9-0, no roll call required
  • Capital appropriation with draft set of projects https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._resolution_20-37_borrowing_authorization.pdf  Motion to approve, passed 9-0, again no roll call required
  • So what do those three votes mean? After the discussions, no one steps up to call for additional revenue for schools although a year ago the Joint Budget Subcommittee called for it. What happened? The CPA is approved for voters to have their say #tcbh0618
  • The third vote for capital is a reasonable and required appropriation. It definitely shows fiscal planning. However the fiscal planning on that is missing on the operational budget. #tcbh0618
  • Councilor comments. #tcbh0618 by the way, the audience grew from when I first took a count, was about 2 dozen folks tonight.
  • June 19, 2019 the joint budget subcommittee meeting notes https://franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-167-joint-budget-subcommittee.html refers to an override required for this year but not discussed tonight, maybe as this budget round continues #tcbh0618
  • Chair Mercer closing meeting with this budget as a work in progress #tcbh0618 . This completes the reporting for tonight catch you all next time!
ready for the three votes to close out the procedings
ready for the three votes to close out the procedings

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen explains; Assistant Chrissy Whelton listens
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen explains; Assistant Chrissy Whelton listens

Monday, May 4, 2020

"The MS4 permit is an important step to reduce the harmful impact of polluted stormwater"

From the MA Municipal Association, we find this update on the storm water issue:
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on April 23 that it is proposing targeted modifications to the 2016 Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit for Massachusetts communities.

An EPA statement said that the proposed modifications would give municipalities more tools and flexibility for permit implementation while also ensuring that the water quality goals of the Clean Water Act are met.

The proposed modifications were developed through a multi-year mediation between the EPA and parties who challenged the underlying 2016 permit.

Last December, the EPA announced that a settlement agreement had been reached between the agency and the permit litigants – including municipalities, environmental groups and other stakeholders – and initiated a public comment period. The settlement agreement was executed in mid-April. According to the EPA, the proposed modifications to the permit are identical to those contained in the settlement."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/epa-proposes-ms4-permit-modifications-for-massachusetts-communities/

The MS4 permit is the driver behind the storm water utility fee being developed. As reported and shared here over the years, Franklin has been a leader in storm water management preparing for the day when the fee take effect. The story of what Franklin accomplished over the years is summarized in the Information Session Presentation.

The first two sessions were held but the third storm water information session (March 22) was canceled as the coronavirus shutdown took place. In the new normal world we will go forward with, there will be additional sessions. The schedule at this time is not yet available.

You can listen to each of the first two session recordings

FM #223 - Stormwater Utility Fee Info Session 1 - March 6, 2020 (audio)
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-223-stormwater-session-1-3-5-20



FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2 - March, 11, 2020 (audio)


The presentation doc was updated for the second session and available here.
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/town-of-franklin-stormwater-info-session-2 



The second session was held at the Franklin TV studio
The second session was held at the Franklin TV studio

Friday, March 20, 2020

Stormwater Information Session Recordings

The Town of Franklin held two storm water information sessions to share information with residents on the facts of storm water and the financial impact. 

Due to the pandemic and social distancing policies being enforced, the event scheduled for Saturday (March 21) at the Library is NOT happening.

As soon as a new date is determined it will be shared.

You can listen to each of the first two session recordings

FM #223 - Stormwater Utility Fee Info Session 1 - March 6, 2020 (audio)
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-223-stormwater-session-1-3-5-20



FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2 - March, 11, 2020 (audio)



The presentation doc was updated for the second session and available here.
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/town-of-franklin-stormwater-info-session-2
 


The second session was held at the Franklin TV studio
The second session was held at the Franklin TV studio

Sunday, March 15, 2020

FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2 - 3/11/20 (audio)

FM #225 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 225 in the series.

The Town Council Stormwater Utility Fee Subcommittee held the second of three information scheduled sessions to review the proposed stormwater utility fee as a response to the Federal mandate required by the EPA MS4 regulations.

The session was held at the Franklin TV studio on March 11 and also broadcast via Facebook Live.

Subcommittee Chair Melanie Hamblen opened the session and discussion. Councilors Glenn Jones, Bob Dellorco, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, GIS Coordinator Kate Sjoberg also sat at the main table in the studio.

Consultant Jean Haggerty sat in a front row to provide support and comment/answer as required.

As we record this intro, the Library has been closed for public events so the third session which as mentioned was scheduled for March 21 is in jeopardy due to the coronavirus mitigation plans. Stay tuned for updates. It may very well be conducted and other than the presenters, the participation may be all remote.

The audio segment runs about 93 minutes, so let’s listen in to the presentation and discussion of the stormwater utility fee. 
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZ6yY75X






The presentation document (updated from the first session) 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I2WQBG4XgPRjak-b4athnfqal6h1xMR-/view?usp=sharing

Or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf

The handout can be found online at the new Stormwater Division page along with the rain barrel rebate program
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ms4_permit_-_quick_facts.pdf

Visit the Stormwater Division page to review the mitigation plan as well as the MS4 itself  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Visit “Soak it up Franklinhttps://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/

The Facebook ‘watch party’ can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/watchparty/811564642656706/


--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2  - 3/11/20 (audio)
FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2  - 3/11/20 (audio)

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

FM #223 - Stormwater Utility Fee Info Session 1 - March 6, 2020 (audio)

FM #223 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 223 in the series.

The Town Council Stormwater Utility Fee Subcommittee held the first of three information scheduled sessions to review the proposed stormwater utility fee as a response to the Federal mandate required by the EPA MS4 regulations.

Subcommittee Chair Melanie Hamblen presided over the presentation and discussion. Councilor Eamon Earls joined her. Councilors Dellorco and Jones are also reported to be on the subcommittee but were not present for this session.

Franklin Police dog Ben Franklin made a special appearance.

The presentation was led by DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, GIS Coordinator Kate Sjoberg, and consultant Jean Haggerty. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen was key among the other participants. Those who had questions or comments identified themselves for the broadcast.

The audio segment runs almost 2 hours, so let’s listen in to the presentation and discussion of the stormwater utility fee. https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyBRS1pX






--------------

The handout can be found online at the new Stormwater Division page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ms4_permit_-_quick_facts.pdf

Visit the Stormwater Division page to review the mitigation plan as well as the MS4 itself  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Visit “Soak it up Franklin” https://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/

The presentation is not yet available on the Town of Franklin page. When it is, I’ll add the link here


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Police dog Ben Franklin made a special appearance
Franklin Police dog Ben Franklin made a special appearance




Tuesday, March 10, 2020

You ask - we answer: tax our driveways?

Q - Is it true that the town is going to tax our driveways? Sounds pretty ridiculous to me but I heard it from a trusted friend?

A - Yes and no. There is a stormwater utility fee coming that could be viewed as a tax that will apply to all landowners and the impervious coverage they have. "Impervious" simply is coverage that wouldn't allow for penetration of water into the ground. So roofs, driveways, pools, tennis courts, etc. would all count toward the impervious amount of square feet on an individual property. 

While there will be a fee charged, the rate remains to be determined. There will also be credits for mitigation of stormwater. These details and others remain to be worked out. 

As an example: while my driveway needs to be replaced, if I were to get it covered with some paving blocks rather than blacktop, I would likely qualify for some credit for mitigating my impervious coverage. The exact details for paving block to be used and amount of credit are among those details to be worked out.

The Town has created a stormwater page which will capture the Frequently Asked Questions, presentation documents, and other information:  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

In the first session held, March 6, it was revealed there would be more sessions as the stormwater utility fee proposal moved forward. Stay tuned to find out. We'll share as soon as we hear.


The current information sessions scheduled:

  • March 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Franklin TV Studios
  • March 21 from 11 AM - 1 PM at Franklin Public Library

The schedule was posted on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/storm_water_8.5_x_11_in_0.pdf

The Franklin Police dog, Ben Franklin, made an appearance at the stormwater information session
The Franklin Police dog, Ben Franklin, made an appearance at the stormwater information session

Submit your question here

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Reminder: Stormwater Information Session - March 11

The Town of Franklin is holding three storm water information sessions to educate residents on the facts of storm water and the financial impact. Come meet Ben Franklin and learn more! Ben will be at all 3 events.
  • Wednesday, March 11, 6 - 8 PM at Franklin TV
  • Saturday, March 21, 11 AM - 1 PM at Franklin Library
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/storm_water_8.5_x_11_in_0.pdf

And yes, it is true that Ben will provide the ruff overview! (sorry, that was too good to pass on!)

Franklin Residents: Stormwater Information Sessions Scheduled
Franklin Residents: Stormwater Information Sessions Scheduled

Sunday, February 16, 2020

"municipalities face outlays of tens of millions of dollars to comply with the MS4 permit requirements"

Via the MA Municipal Assoc (MMA) we hear that the EPA has reached proposed settlement with Franklin (among others) on the MS4 implementation. The MS4 regulation is what has been driving Franklin actions on storm water and the development of the storm water utility fee.

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached proposed settlements with several environmental and developer organizations, as well as two Massachusetts municipalities, over implementation of its small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

MS4, a type of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by EPA regional offices, authorizes certain discharges of stormwater to surface waters.

The most recent iteration of the MS4 permits were issued for Massachusetts in 2016 and for New Hampshire in 2017, replacing a permit issued in 2003. Environmental groups, including the Conservation Law Foundation and the Charles River Watershed Association, sued the EPA in 2017 to expedite implementation of the permit and ensure that it met stringent environmental and public health standards. Around the same time, several home builder and developer organizations, along with the town of Franklin and the city of Lowell, sued the EPA over the anticipated financial impact of the stricter regulations.

According to an EPA press release, the proposed settlements, announced on Dec. 27, are “the outcome of all parties’ efforts to ensure that, when fully implemented, both MS4 permits protect the environment, adhere to the Clean Water Act and EPA regulations, and address municipalities’ implementation concerns."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/epa-negotiates-settlement-over-ms4-stormwater-permit/

The proposed settlement agreement and links to the amended permits are posted to the Federal Register at bit.ly/MS4settlement.


The EPA page on the MA MS4 regulation
https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/regulated-ms4-massachusetts-communities

Storm water utility information sessions have been scheduled. Ben Franklin, the Franklin police dog, will also be in attendance to provide a 'ruff' overview!
  • Friday, March 6th, 2020 8 - 10 am in Town Council Chambers
  • Wednesday, March 11th, 6 - 8 pm at Franklin TV
  • Saturday, March 21st, 11 am - 1 pm at Franklin Library
 https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/stormwater-information-sessions


Massachusetts Phase II Automatically Designated Area (PDF)
Massachusetts Phase II Automatically Designated Area (PDF) (EPA image)