Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Part 2

Sump Pump Discharge Policy

September 26, 2013

Community Innovation Challenge Grant2013

Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Why Are Sump Pumps a Concern?

1. Quantity• Discharge reduces capacity in storm drain

system to manage flow from road surface.

2. Quality• Discharge can include pollutants that then

enter the storm drain system and surface waters.

Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Sump Pumps in the MS4 Permit

Not listed as an “allowable” non-stormwater discharge

but

Not specifically prohibited, either!

• MS4 Permit does allow “uncontaminated groundwater infiltration” and “uncontaminated pumped groundwater”.

Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Sump Pumps in Sanitary Sewers

• Clean Water Act does not prohibit sump pumps from entering sanitary sewer system. Local prohibition began when Towns applied for federal funding for POTW’s.

• Many CMRSWC Towns are eliminating sump pumps from sanitary sewer as part of inflow & infiltration projects.

Challenge: there are places where a sump pump is required to prevent property damage.

Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Community Response to Sump Pumps

• Most CMRSWC Towns prohibit connection to sanitary sewer via local Bylaw.

• Disconnection is not always feasible:1. Often easy to reconnect after inspection. 2. Not always an alternative discharge.

Lack of adequate space to discharge. Cannot result in an unsafe conditions. Cannot result in discharge of pollution to

environment.

Many MA communities struggle with this.

Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Objectives of the PolicyReasonable, consistent approach for allowing connection to storm drain system.1. Owner: has responsibility for costs and permits;

provides right-of-way; allows inspection; identifies pump type and flow estimate; documents fixtures connected to system; provides backflow prevention device; executes Agreement.

2. Town: can require oil/water separator or secondary containment; water quality testing; data on pump installed; has right of inspection.

Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Components of the PolicyNarrative Application

Application ReviewResidential and

Commercial Agreements

Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Requirements to Implement Policy1. Existing Bylaw doesn’t prohibit connections or

includes a discretionary waiver process. 2. Town has staff to review application and manage

process. 3. Right of inspection: Town Bylaw provides authority

for staff to enter any premises and any building thereon for the purpose of making the inspection.

Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition

Right of Refusal1. Municipal system lacks capacity2. Drainage includes flow from multiple sources3. Drainage includes flow from industrial source(s)4. Receiving water is impaired or subject to local control5. Connection is within 100 feet of a septic system6. Connection is within a drinking water Zone 17. Connection is within a drinking water Zone 2 and water

department/district has not approved in writing. 8. Discharge would create a safety hazard.9. Connection jeopardizes public health, safety or natural

resources. 10. Connection or owner fails to satisfy requirements or

terms of Agreement.