i. Update Memo & Draft Stormwater Credit Manualhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._stormwater.pdfii. Stormwater property specific impervious surface website portalhttps://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5
One of the key items in all of the budget discussions is going to be the stormwater utility question. This has been a topic that has developed since 2007 when the initial storm water bylaw was passed. The EPA and Mass DEP have continued to add requirements to how storm water should be managed. The costs for such mitigations have grown over the years. The introduction of the storm water utility fee would allow the Town to better manage the impact on the Town budget.
Why must we manage storm water?
We are part of the area feeding into the Charles River and hence are under the provisions as outlined in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit. We have an extensive outflow system to catch and manage storm water. Check out the map here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/outfall_map.pdf
Did the Town of Franklin sue the EPA?
Yes, and while we ultimately ‘lost’ the case, we did gain concessions on the implementation timeline that benefit all under the MS4 permit requirements.
When did the storm water bylaw pass?
The Storm water bylaw originally passed in 2007. Check out the bylaw language here -> https://ecode360.com/10434264
What is the storm water utility fee?
Article IV - storm water utility was added in Jan 2020. Bylaw #19-846 approved 9-0 vote. Check out the language here -> https://ecode360.com/FR1096/laws/LF1135684.pdf
What is the MS4?
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems or by the shorter name MS4. The current storm water mitigation plan - updated in 2020 -> Stormwater Management Plan (revised 2020)
