About

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

Cities and towns typically manage stormwater runoff through a storm drainage system, which in its simplest form is a series of pipes under the ground that allows the water to flow off of hard surfaces and into a local waterway.

Local stormwater management is governed by the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, jointly administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The purpose of the permit is to reduce stormwater pollution.

NepRWA staff work with Neponset Watershed towns through the NSP to support their compliance with the permit as effectively and efficiently as possible.

The work of the NSP includes:

  • Development and distribution of regional public outreach materials
  • Development and delivery of specialized stormwater and water conservation curriculum to fifth-grade students
  • Development of model stormwater regulations and technical assistance for implementation
  • Education about potential stormwater management financing solutions (and supporting the implementation of those solutions)

NSP partners include the towns of Avon, Canton, Dedham, Foxborough, Medfield, Milton, Norwood, Quincy, Randolph, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, and Westwood, along with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).

For more information about NSP, please email NepRWA Managing Director for Community Resilience, Kerry Snyder