Massachusetts Municipal Stormwater Permit
Stormwater runoff is a major threat to local waterways that will be significantly exacerbated by our changing climate. A new Massachusetts municipal stormwater (MS4) permit was issued in 2016 that would play a critical role in protecting beloved rivers and streams all across the state now and into the future by requiring cities and towns to make investments in protecting public health and local waterways, while adapting to a changing climate. When industry and municipal groups challenged the permit in court, CRWA, along with Conservation Law Foundation, intervened in the appeal to prevent the permit from being weakened. The parties reached a proposed settlement in late 2019 (see press release). Under the new permit, over the next twenty years, cities and towns would have to reduce phosphorus discharges into the Charles in accordance with what CRWA’s studies have shown is necessary for a truly healthy river.