EPA extends comment period on proposed MS4 rules

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that it is extending the comment period on proposed municipal stormwater system rules by two months, through Feb. 27.

In a Dec. 17 letter to the EPA, the MMA requested a 90-day extension, citing the complexity of the proposed rules.

“It is clear that this very detailed document will require additional review and analysis beyond the current Dec. 29, 2014, due date,” wrote MMA Executive Director Geoff Beckwith. “This additional time would allow our communities to identify the full impact of the proposed regulations, and more effectively comment on behalf of the public.”

On Sept. 30, the EPA issued a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System general permit for stormwater discharges from small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) in Massachusetts.

The federal Clean Water Act requires that the MS4 permit be re-evaluated every five years to ensure that it continues to protect the environment. The previous permit was issued in 2003.

Municipal storm sewer systems collect rain and snowmelt from streets and direct the flow to water bodies. The new MS4 permits would require communities to institute more advanced programs to reduce pollutants that are discharged from municipal storm drainage systems to rivers, lakes and bays.

The proposed rules include “best management practices,” such as removing illegal sewage connections to storm drains, street sweeping, public education, and steps to expand the filtration of stormwater rather than diverting it into sewer systems.

The MMA and municipal officials have raised concerns about the cost burden of the new regulations.

Communities are advised to review the draft permit and file written comments with the EPA.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/region1/npdes/stormwater.