Everett, MA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 15A of the Revised Ordinances protects water resources and the city's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). Article II applies to all discharges entering the municipally owned storm drainage system, or going directly or indirectly into a watercourse or the waters of the Commonwealth, from developed or undeveloped land, unless the chapter exempts the discharge or the stormwater authority grants a waiver after a public hearing. Section 15A-22 contains three prohibitions: illicit discharges, illicit connections (including connections that were lawful when made) and obstruction of the storm drain system.

Exemptions include firefighting flows, waterline flushing, springs, rising groundwater, street sweeping and dye testing with verbal notice to the stormwater authority beforehand. Swimming pool water is exempt only if dechlorinated to less than one ppm chlorine and held for one week before draining, in a way that causes no nuisance. Sump pump discharge from an intake inside a structure needs a permit first. Section 15A-23 makes dog owners remove feces and bars putting it in a storm drain, catch basin, wetland or water body. Section 15A-24 lets the stormwater authority suspend storm drain access without prior written notice to stop an imminent threat.

Section 15A-25 requires anyone responsible for a release to contain and clean it up, notify the municipal fire and police departments immediately for oil or hazardous material, notify the enforcement agency by the next business day for nonhazardous material, and send written confirmation within three business days. Commercial and industrial facilities keep a written record of a discharge for at least three years. Section 15A-27 gave residential owners thirty days from the chapter's effective date to remove illicit connections.