Stormwater Management: Newton vs Somerville
How do stormwater management rules compare between Newton, MA and Somerville, MA?
Newton and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Newton enforces MS4 stormwater permit requirements with infiltration systems required for new impervious surfaces over 1,000 sq ft. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited.
View full Newton rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville is an EPA MS4 community. Projects disturbing 1 acre need NPDES permits; local review kicks in at 500 sq ft of new impervious surface.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Newton | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| MS4 Permit | NPDES-MA010001 | - |
| Infiltration Trigger | 1,000 sq ft | - |
| SWPPP Threshold | 1 acre | - |
| Illicit Discharge Fine | Up to $5,000/day | - |
| Watershed | Charles River | Mystic River basin |
| Federal permit | - | NPDES at 1 acre disturbance |
| Local trigger | - | 500 sq ft impervious |
| Design standard | - | No net peak runoff increase |
| Illicit discharge fine | - | Up to $5,000 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Newton FAQ
What triggers stormwater review in Newton?
Creating more than 1,000 square feet of new impervious surface triggers DPW Engineering stormwater review. Projects disturbing over 1 acre also require state SWPPP filing.
Can I drain my pool to the storm drain?
No. Chlorinated or chemically-treated pool water is an illicit discharge. Dechlorinate water for 2-3 days and drain slowly to vegetated areas, or contact DPW for guidance.
Somerville FAQ
I am replacing my driveway with the same area. Do I need stormwater review?
Replacement in kind with no expansion generally does not trigger full review, but switching to a less-pervious surface or expanding the area over 500 square feet does.
Where does Somerville's stormwater go?
Most of the City drains to the Mystic River via MWRA and DCR systems, and some combined sewer areas flow to the Deer Island treatment plant during dry weather.
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