MVPC’s Environmental Program, in conjunction with partners at Ipswich River Watershed Association and Salem Sound Coastwatch, hosted a kickoff meeting on March 24th for their Stormwater Mitigation Bylaw Review project – an effort that was funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) MS4 Municipal Assistance grant program.

This bylaw review project includes a comprehensive analysis of municipal regulations as they relate to impervious surface creation and low impact development practices (LID) to ensure they are compliant with stormwater permit requirements.  During the meeting, presenters reviewed the project scope of work, explained its importance as a next step in stormwater permit compliance and climate resiliency, described methodologies and deliverables, and laid out a timeline for completion. Guest speakers from the Cape Cod Commission and the Town of Natick also shared their experiences with bylaw review for stormwater mitigation, providing regional and municipal perspectives on the issue.

With 70 attendees, including participation by MassDEP representatives, MVPC is thrilled with the interest and support for this undertaking and is looking forward to continuing this work, moving the Merrimack Valley towards a resilient future.

For more information on MVPC’s stormwater initiatives, including our quarterly stormwater collaborative, check out our program page.

PC: Cushing Park Rain Garden, Newburyport