[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Marblehead 5-7-2007 by Art. 22. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 35; 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
A. 
Increased volumes of stormwater, contaminated stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, and soil erosion and sedimentation are major causes of: impairment of water quality and flow in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater; contamination of drinking water supplies; erosion of stream channels; alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat; flooding; and overloading or clogging of the municipal storm sewer system, including catch basins and storm drainage systems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has identified sedimentation from land disturbance activities and polluted stormwater runoff from land development and redevelopment, and pollutants from illicit connections and discharges to municipal storm sewer systems as major sources of water pollution, impacting drinking water supplies, natural habitats and recreational resources. In order to comply with state and federal statutes and regulations, regulation of activities that result in the disturbance of land and the creation of stormwater runoff, and regulation of illicit connections and discharges to the municipal storm sewer system is necessary for the protection of the water bodies and groundwater resources within the Town of Marblehead, to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the general public and protect the natural resources of the Town.
B. 
The objectives of this by-law are to:
(1) 
Protect water resources;
(2) 
Require practices that eliminate soil erosion and sedimentation;
(3) 
Control the volume and rate of stormwater runoff resulting from land disturbance activities in order to minimize potential impacts of flooding;
(4) 
Require practices to manage and treat stormwater runoff generated from new development and redevelopment;
(5) 
Protect groundwater and surface water from degradation;
(6) 
Promote infiltration and the recharge of groundwater;
(7) 
Prevent pollutants from entering the municipal storm sewer system;
(8) 
Ensure that soil erosion and sedimentation control measures and stormwater runoff management practices are incorporated into the site planning and design process and are implemented and maintained;
(9) 
Ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of structural stormwater best management practices;
(10) 
Require practices to control waste such as discarded building materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter and sanitary waste at construction sites that may cause adverse impacts to water quality;
(11) 
Prohibit illicit connections and unauthorized discharges to the municipal storm sewer system;
(12) 
Establish the authority to enforce and remove all such illicit connections;
(13) 
Comply with state and federal statutes and regulations relating to stormwater discharges and ensure low impact development site planning and design strategies are implemented as defined in the latest Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook;
(14) 
Establish the Town of Marblehead's legal authority to ensure compliance with the provisions of this by-law through inspection, monitoring and enforcement.
For the purposes of this by-law, the following shall mean:
ABUTTER
The owner(s) of land abutting the activity.
AGRICULTURE
The normal maintenance or improvement of land in agricultural or aquacultural use, as defined by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its implementing regulations.
ALTERATION OF DRAINAGE CHARACTERISTICS
Any activity on an area of land that changes the water quality or the force, quantity, direction, timing or location of runoff flowing from the area. Such changes include change from distributed runoff to confined, discrete discharge; change in the volume of runoff from the area; change in the peak rate of runoff from the area; and change in the recharge to groundwater in the area.
APPLICANT
Any "person," as defined below, requesting a soil erosion and sediment control permit for proposed land-disturbance activity.
AUTHORIZED ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
The Conservation Commission and its employees or agents are designated to enforce this by-law. For permits pursuant to §195-7, where the Conservation Commission does not have jurisdiction over the land disturbance activity, the Planning Board is designated as the authorized enforcement authority. For illicit connections and discharges, the Select Board is designated as the authorized enforcement authority.
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 35; 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP)
An activity, procedure, restraint or structural improvement that helps to reduce the quantity of and/or improve the quality of stormwater runoff.
CONSTRUCTION AND WASTE MATERIALS
Excess or discarded building or site materials, including but not limited to concrete truck washout, chemicals, oils, litter and sanitary waste at a construction site that may adversely impact water quality.
CLEARING
Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover. Clearing activities generally include grubbing activity as defined below.
DEVELOPMENT
The modification of land to accommodate a new use or expansion of an existing use, usually involving construction.
DISTURBANCE OF LAND
Any action, including clearing and grubbing, that causes a change in the position, location or arrangement of soil, sand, rock, gravel or similar earth material.
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE MONITOR
A registered professional engineer or other trained professional selected by the authorized enforcement authority and retained by the authorized enforcement authority and paid by the holder of a minor land disturbance permit or a full land disturbance permit to periodically inspect the work and report to the authorized enforcement authority.
EROSION
The wearing away of the land surface by natural or artificial forces such as wind, water, ice, gravity or vehicle traffic and the subsequent detachment and transportation of soil particles.
EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL PLAN
A document containing narrative, drawings and details developed by a registered professional engineer (PE) or a registered professional land surveyor (PLS), which includes best management practices or equivalent measures designed to control surface runoff, erosion and sedimentation during pre-construction and construction-related land disturbance activities.
ESTIMATED HABITAT OF RARE WILDLIFE AND CERTIFIED VERNAL POOLS
Habitats delineated for state-protected rare wildlife and certified vernal pools. See the Wetlands Protection Act regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and the Forest Cutting Practices Act regulations (304 CMR 11.00).
GRADING
Changing the level or shape of the ground surface.
GRUBBING
The act of clearing land surface by digging or grinding up roots and stumps.
ILLICIT CONNECTION
Any non-stormwater surface or subsurface drain or conveyance, which allows an illicit discharge into the storm sewer system, including without limitation sewage, process wastewater, or wash water and any connections from indoor drains, sinks, or toilets, regardless of whether said connection was previously allowed, permitted, or approved before the effective date of this by-law. Connections to the municipal storm sewer system which constitute illicit discharges as defined below which exist at the time of enactment of this regulation are considered illicit connections.
[Added 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 35; amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
ILLICIT DISCHARGE
Any direct or indirect discharge to the municipal storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except as exempted in § 195-7. The term does not include a discharge in compliance with an NPDES Storm Water Discharge Permit, or resulting from firefighting activities exempted pursuant to § 195-7 of this regulation.
[Added 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 35; amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Any material or structure on or above the ground that prevents water infiltrating the underlying soil. Impervious surface includes, without limitation, roads, paved parking lots, sidewalks and roof tops. Impervious surface also includes soils, gravel driveways and similar surfaces with a runoff coefficient (Rational Method) greater than 85.
LAND-DISTURBING ACTIVITY or LAND DISTURBANCE
Any activity including, without limitation, clearing, grubbing, grading, digging, cutting or excavation of soil; placement of fill; and construction that causes a change in the position or location of soil, sand, rock, gravel or similar earth material.
LOT
A single parcel of land held in identical ownership throughout and defined by metes, bounds or boundary lines in a recorded deed on a recorded plan.
MASSACHUSETTS ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
MGL c. 131A and its implementing regulations at 321 CMR 10.00, which prohibit the taking of any rare plant or animal species listed as "endangered," "threatened," or "of special concern."
MASSACHUSETTS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Policy issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, as amended, that coordinates the requirements prescribed by state regulations promulgated under the authority of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL c. 131, § 40, and the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act, MGL c. 21, §§ 23-56. The policy addresses stormwater impacts through implementation of performance standards to reduce or prevent pollutants from reaching water bodies and control the quantity of runoff from a site.
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4)
The system of conveyances designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater, including any road with a separate storm sewer (drainage) system, streets, gutters, curbs, ditches, inlets, piped separate storm sewers (storm drains), pumping facilities, retention or detention basins, natural or man-made or altered drainage channels, open channels, reservoirs and other separate storm sewers or drainage structures that together comprise the storm sewer system owned or operated by the Town of Marblehead
[Amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Any construction activities, land alterations or activities that are part of a larger common plan on an area that has not previously been developed to include impervious cover.
[Added 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN
A plan describing the functional, financial and organizational mechanisms for the ongoing operation and maintenance of a stormwater management system to ensure that it continues to function as designed.
OUTFALL
The point at which stormwater flows out from a discernible, confined point source or discrete conveyance into a receiving water body and/or wetland.
OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS (ORWs)
Waters designated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as ORWs. These waters have exceptional sociologic, recreational, ecological and/or aesthetic values and are subject to more stringent requirements under both the Massachusetts Water Quality Standards, promulgated at 314 CMR 4.00, and the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards, set forth in the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Policy. ORWs include vernal pools certified by the Natural Heritage Program of the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement, all Class A designated public water supplies with their bordering vegetated wetlands and other waters specifically designated.
OWNER
A person with a legal or equitable interest in property.
PERMITTEE
The person who holds a land disturbance permit and therefore bears the responsibilities and enjoys the privileges conferred thereby.
PERSON
An individual, partnership, association, firm, company, trust, corporation, agency, authority, department or political subdivision of the commonwealth or the federal government, to the extent permitted by law, and any officer, employee or agent thereof.
POINT SOURCE
Any discernible, confined and discrete means of conveyance, including but not limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure or container from which pollutants are or may be discharged.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
All activity in preparation for construction.
PRIORITY HABITAT OF RARE SPECIES
Habitats delineated for rare plant and animal populations protected pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and its regulations.
QUALIFIED PERSON
A person designated by the authorized enforcing authority knowledgeable in the principles and practice of erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention, who possesses the appropriate skills and training to assess conditions at the construction site that could impact stormwater quality, and the appropriate skills and training to assess the effectiveness of any stormwater controls selected and installed to meet the requirements of this permit and state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Added 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
REDEVELOPMENT
Any construction, development, rehabilitation, expansion, demolition, land alteration, improvement of impervious surfaces, or phased projects that disturb the ground surface or increase the impervious area on previously developed sites that does not meet the definition of new development.
[Amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
Owner(s) and persons with financial, operational and/or administrative responsibility.
RUNOFF
Rainfall, snowmelt or irrigation water flowing over the ground surface.
SEDIMENT
Mineral or organic soil material that is transported by wind or water from its origin to another location; the product of erosion processes.
SEDIMENTATION
The process or act of deposition of sediment.
SITE
Any lot or parcel of land or area of property where land-disturbing activities are, were or will be performed, including but not limited to the creation of new impervious cover and improvements of existing impervious cover.
[Amended5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
SLOPE
The incline of a ground surface expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.
SOIL
Any earth, sand, rock, gravel or similar material.
STABILIZATION
The use, singly or in combination, of mechanical, structural or vegetative methods to prevent or retard erosion.
STORMWATER
Stormwater runoff, snow melt runoff and surface water runoff and drainage.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
A document containing narrative, drawings and details prepared by a registered professional engineer (PE), which includes structural and nonstructural best management practices to manage and treat stormwater runoff generated from regulated development activity. A stormwater management plan also includes an operation and maintenance plan describing the maintenance requirements for structural best management practices.
STRIP
Any activity which removes the vegetative ground surface cover, including tree removal, clearing, grubbing and storage or removal of topsoil.
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS (TSS)
Material, including but not limited to trash, debris and sand, suspended in stormwater runoff.
VERNAL POOLS
Temporary bodies of freshwater which provide critical habitat for a number of vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife species. For the purpose of this by-law, vernal pools shall be as those areas certified as such by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
WATERCOURSE
A natural or man-made channel through which water flows, including a river, brook, stream, underground stream, pond or lake.
WETLAND RESOURCE AREA
An area specified in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL c. 131, § 40, and accompanying regulations and/or in Chapter 194 of the By-Laws of the Town of Marblehead.
WETLANDS
Freshwater wetland, marsh, bog, wet meadow and swamp are defined in MGL c. 131, § 40, and accompanying regulations, and the Town of Marblehead Wetlands Protection By-Law and Regulations and are collectively known as "vegetated wetlands." Credible evidence as to wetland affinities of other vegetation in an area shall be considered in making wetland determinations.
This by-law is adopted under authority granted by the Home Rule Amendment of the Massachusetts Constitution, the Home Rule statutes, MGL c. 83 § 1, 10 and 16 and MGL c. 149 §§ 135 - 140 and pursuant to the regulations of the Federal Clean Water Act, found at 40 CFR 122.34 and published in the Federal Register on December 8, 1999, as amended.
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 35; 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
This by-law or the regulations promulgated thereunder shall apply to all land-disturbing activities within the jurisdiction of the Town of Marblehead. Except as permitted by the authorized enforcement authority, or as otherwise provided in this by-law, no person shall perform any activity that results in land disturbance of 40,000 square feet or more, including 40,000 square feet of area which is comprised of smaller, individual parcels within the same project or unconnected areas which comprise 40,000 square feet or more in the aggregate.
A. 
Regulated activities. Regulated activities shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) 
Land disturbance of 40,000 square feet or more, whether or not associated with construction or reconstruction of structures;
(2) 
Development or redevelopment involving multiple separate activities in discontinuous locations or on different schedules if the activities are part of a larger common plan of development that all together disturbs 40,000 square feet or more of land;
(3) 
Paving or other change in surface material over an area of 40,000 square feet or more causing a significant reduction of permeability or increase in runoff;
(4) 
Construction of a new municipal separate storm sewer system, drainage system, or alteration of any existing drainage system or conveyance serving a drainage area of 40,000 square feet or more;
(5) 
Any other activity altering the surface of an area exceeding 40,000 square feet or more that will, or may, result in increased stormwater runoff flowing from the property into a public way, the municipal storm sewer system, or wetlands; or
(6) 
Construction or reconstruction of structures where 40,000 square feet or more of roof drainage is altered.
(7) 
Erosion and sedimentation control requirement. A project which includes land disturbance of less than 40,000 square feet shall be considered to be in conformance with this by-law if soils or other eroded matter have been or will be prevented from being deposited onto adjacent properties, rights-of-way, the public storm sewer system or wetlands and watercourses. The design, installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment control operations and facilities shall adhere to the standards specified in the regulations adopted pursuant to this by-law.
B. 
Erosion and sedimentation control requirement. A project which includes land disturbance of less than 40,000 square feet shall be considered to be in conformance with this by-law if soils or other eroded matter have been or will be prevented from being deposited onto adjacent properties, rights-of-way, the public storm drainage system or wetlands and watercourses. The design, installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment control operations and facilities shall adhere to the standards specified in the regulations adopted pursuant to this by-law.
C. 
Illicit discharges and illicit connections. Illicit discharges and connections shall include, but not be limited to: all flows of non-stormwater into the municipally owned storm sewer system, a watercourse, and any waters of the commonwealth located within the boundaries of the Town of Marblehead.
D. 
Exempt activities. The following activities are exempt from the requirements of this by-law:
(1) 
Normal maintenance and improvement of land in agricultural use as defined by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act;
(2) 
Repair of septic systems when required by the Board of Health for the protection of public health and in compliance with § 195-4A(2) hereof;
(3) 
Normal maintenance of existing landscaping, gardens or lawn areas associated with a single-family dwelling, provided such maintenance does not include the addition of more than 50 cubic yards of soil material, construction of any walls, alteration of existing grades by more than one foot in elevation or alteration of drainage patterns;
(4) 
The construction of fencing that will not alter existing terrain or drainage patterns;
(5) 
Construction of utilities other than drainage (e.g. gas, water, electric, telephone) that will not alter terrain or drainage patterns; and
(6) 
Projects wholly within the jurisdiction of the authorized enforcement authority and requiring an order of conditions.
[Amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
The authorized enforcement authority shall administer, implement and enforce this by-law or the regulations promulgated thereunder. Any powers granted to or duties imposed upon the authorized enforcement authority through this by-law may be delegated in writing by the authorized enforcement authority to its employees and/or agents.
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 35]
Each of the authorized enforcement authorities may adopt and periodically amend rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this by-law under their respective jurisdiction. Prior to the adoption and subsequent amendment to the rules and regulations, if any, the authorized enforcement authority shall hold a public hearing. Notice of the time and place of the hearing, and of the subject matter, sufficient for identification, shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town once in each of two successive weeks, the first publication to be not less than 14 days before the day of the hearing. A copy of the adopted regulations shall be made available at the Office of the Town Clerk and as otherwise deemed appropriate by the authorized enforcement authority. Failure by the authorized enforcement authority to promulgate such rules and regulations shall not have the effect of suspending or invalidating this by-law.
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 35]
A. 
Permit hereunder is required prior to any activity disturbing 40,000 or more square feet of land or less than 40,000 square feet that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale, that will ultimately alter or disturb any land equal to or greater than 40,000 square feet. Where the Conservation Commission does not have jurisdiction over the land disturbance activity, the Planning Board is the land disturbance permit granting authority. The site owner or their agent shall apply to the authorized enforcement authority for the permit. While application may be made by a representative, the permittee must be the owner of the site.
(1) 
Applications. An application shall be made to the authorized enforcement authority in a form and containing information as specified in this by-law and in the rules and regulations adopted by the authorized enforcement authority, if any, and shall be accompanied by payment of the appropriate application and review fees.
(2) 
Fees. Fees shall be established by authorized enforcement authority to cover expenses connected with public notice, application review and monitoring permit compliance. The fees shall be sufficient to cover professional review as well. The authorized enforcement authority is authorized to retain a registered professional engineer or other professional consultant to advise the authorized enforcement authority on any or all aspects of the application. Applicants must pay all review fees before the review process may begin. The applicant for a land disturbance permit may be required to cover the costs of said consultant(s) through an account established pursuant to MGL Ch. 44, § 53G.
(3) 
Design requirements and information requests. Stormwater management systems shall be designed to be at least as stringent as the latest Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook design requirements. Additionally, the stormwater management system shall meet the US EPA Total Phosphorus and TSS design requirements for new development and redevelopment per the Federal NPDES permit. If there is a conflict between the latest Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook and the US EPA Total Phosphorus and Total Suspended Solids requirements, the more stringent requirements apply. The authorized enforcement authority may request such additional information as is necessary to enable the authorized enforcement authority to determine whether the proposed land disturbance activity will protect water resources and comply with the requirements of this by-law.
[Amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
(4) 
Determination of completeness. The authorized enforcement authority shall make a determination as to the completeness of the application and adequacy of the materials submitted. No review shall take place until the application has been found to be complete.
(5) 
.Coordination with other boards. On receipt of a complete application for a land disturbance permit, the authorized enforcement authority shall distribute one copy each to the Planning Board, the Water and Sewer Commission, the Board of Health, the Building Commissioner, and the Department of Public Works as designated by the Select Board for review and comment. Said agencies and persons shall, in their discretion, investigate the case and report their recommendations to the authorized enforcement authority. The authorized enforcement authority shall not hold a hearing on the land disturbance permit until it has received reports from said agencies or until said agencies have allowed 20 days to elapse after receipt of the application materials without submission of a report thereon.
[Amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
(6) 
Entry. Filing an application for a land disturbance permit grants the authorized enforcement authority or its agent(s) permission to enter the site to verify the information in the application and to inspect for compliance with permit conditions, to the extent permitted by law.
(7) 
Hearing. Within 30 days of receipt of a complete application for a land disturbance permit, the authorized enforcement authority shall hold a public hearing and shall take final action within 30 days from the close of said hearing, unless such time is extended by agreement between the applicant and the authorized enforcement authority. Notice of the public hearing shall, at least five business days prior to said hearing, be given by publication in a local newspaper of general circulation, and by posting. The authorized enforcement authority shall be responsible for publishing the notice in the local newspaper and posting the notice at Abbot Hall, and the applicant shall be responsible for paying the costs of same. The authorized enforcement authority shall make the application available for inspection by the public during business hours at the Mary Alley Building.
(8) 
Action. The authorized enforcement authority may:
(a) 
Approve the application and issue a permit if it finds that the proposed plan will protect water resources and complies with the requirements of this by-law;
(b) 
Approve the application and issue a permit with conditions, modifications and/or restrictions that the authorized enforcement authority determines are required to ensure that the project will protect water resources and complies with the requirements of this by-law; or
(c) 
Disapprove the application and deny a permit if it finds that the proposed plan will not protect water resources or fails to meet the objectives of and/or comply with the requirements of this by-law. If the authorized enforcement authority finds that the applicant has submitted insufficient information to describe the site, the work or the effect of the work on water quality and runoff volume, the authorized enforcement authority may disapprove the application, denying a permit.
(d) 
If approved, the authorized enforcement authority shall require hat the permit, in addition to the Plan as noted herein, shall be placed on record at the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds. Upon completion of the project and following approval of compliance with the permit, the authorized enforcement authority shall issue a certificate of completion to be placed on record at the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds.
(9) 
Project changes. The permittee, or their agent, must notify the agent of the authorized enforcement authority in writing of any change or alteration of a land disturbing activity before the change or alteration occurs. If the agent of the authorized enforcement authority determines that the change or alteration is significant, based on the design requirements listed in the rules and regulations adopted by the authorized enforcement authority pursuant to this by-law, if any, the agent of the authorized enforcement authority may require that an amended application or a new full application be filed in accordance with this section. If any unauthorized or unpermitted change or alteration from the land disturbance permit occurs during land disturbing activities, the agent of the authorized enforcement authority may require the permittee to cease all work and/or require the installation of interim erosion and sedimentation control measures before approving the change or alteration.
B. 
Illicit discharges and illicit connections shall be prohibited.
[Amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
(1) 
Illicit discharges. No person shall dump, discharge, cause or allow to be discharged any pollutant or non-stormwater discharge into any storm sewer system, into a watercourse, or into waters of the United States and/or commonwealth.
(2) 
Illicit connections. No person shall construct, use, allow, maintain or continue any illicit connection to the municipal storm sewer system, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under applicable law, regulation or custom at the time of connection.
(3) 
Obstruction of the municipal storm sewer system. No person shall obstruct or interfere with the normal flow of stormwater into or out of the municipal storm sewer system without prior approval from the Marblehead Department of Public Works as designated by the Select Board.
C. 
Exemptions. The enforcement authority shall be permitted to adopt regulations which provide exemptions to § 195-7B and which do not render the foregoing prohibitions without meaning.
The erosion and sedimentation control plan shall contain sufficient information to describe the nature and purpose of the proposed development, pre and post construction conditions of the site and the adjacent areas and proposed erosion and sedimentation controls. The applicant shall submit such material as is necessary to show that the proposed development will comply with the design standards and contain the information listed in the rules and regulations adopted by the authorized enforcement authority for administration of this by-law, if any.
The stormwater management plan shall contain sufficient information to describe the nature and purpose of the proposed development, pre and post construction conditions of the site and the adjacent areas and proposed best management practices for the permanent management and treatment of stormwater. The stormwater management plan shall contain sufficient information for the authorized enforcement authority to evaluate the environmental impact, effectiveness and acceptability of the measures proposed by the applicant for reducing adverse impacts from stormwater. The plan shall be designed to meet the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards, as set forth in the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Policy and the United States Department of Environmental Protection's Stormwater Management Handbook: Volumes I and II. The stormwater management plan shall fully describe the project in drawings and narrative. The applicant shall submit such material as is required by the rules and regulations adopted by the authorized enforcement authority for the administration of this by-law, if any.
A. 
Requirements. An operation and maintenance plan (O&M plan) for the permanent stormwater management system is required for all projects at the time of application. The O&M plan shall be designed to ensure compliance with this by-law and its regulations, if any, and the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00, in all seasons and throughout the life of the system. The O&M plan shall include any requirements deemed necessary by the authorized enforcement authority to ensure compliance therewith, including, without limitation, a covenant. The authorized enforcement authority shall make the final decision of what maintenance option is appropriate in a given situation. In making said decision, the authorized enforcement authority will consider natural features, the proximity of the site to water bodies and wetlands, the extent of impervious surfaces, the size of the site, the types of stormwater management structures and the potential need for ongoing maintenance activities. Once approved by the authorized enforcement authority, the O&M plan shall be recorded at the Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds by and at the expense of the permittee, shall run with the land, shall remain on file with the authorized enforcement authority and shall be an ongoing requirement. The O&M plan shall conform to the requirements listed in the rules and regulations adopted by the authorized enforcement authority for the administration of this by-law, if any. Stormwater management easements shall be provided by the property owner(s) in areas and as necessary to carry out the required maintenance.
B. 
Changes to operation and maintenance plan.
(1) 
The owner(s) of the stormwater management system must notify the authorized enforcement authority or its agent of changes in ownership or assignment of financial responsibility.
(2) 
The maintenance schedule in the maintenance agreement may be amended to achieve the purposes of this by-law by mutual agreement of the authorized enforcement authority and the responsible parties. Amendments must be in writing and signed by all responsible parties. Once the amended O&M plan is signed, the authorized enforcement authority shall file it with the Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds at the expense of the current owner(s).
A. 
Preconstruction meeting. Prior to clearing, excavation, construction or any land disturbing activity requiring a permit, the applicant, the applicant's technical representative, the general contractor, pertinent subcontractors and any person with authority to make changes to the project shall meet with the authorized enforcement authority or its designated agent to review the permitted plans and proposed implementation.
B. 
Inspection. The authorized enforcement authority or its designated agent shall designate a qualified person to complete inspections as hereinafter required and shall either approve that portion of the work completed or shall notify the permittee wherein the work fails to comply with the approved plans and/or any conditions of approval. One copy of the approved plans and conditions of approval, signed by the authorized enforcement authority, shall be maintained at the site during the progress of the work. To facilitate inspections, the permittee shall notify the agent of the authorized enforcement authority within 24 hours after each of the following events:
[Amended5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
(1) 
Erosion and sediment control measures are in place and stabilized;
(2) 
Rough grading has been substantially completed;
(3) 
Final grading has been substantially completed;
(4) 
Bury inspection, prior to backfilling of the municipal separate storm sewer system and/or any underground drainage or stormwater conveyance structures;
C. 
Permittee inspections. The permittee or their agent shall conduct and document inspections of all control measures no less frequently than weekly or as specified in the permit, and prior to and following anticipated storm events. The purpose of such inspections will be to determine the overall effectiveness of the control plan, and the need for maintenance and/or additional control measures. The permittee or their agent shall submit monthly reports to the authorized enforcement authority or designated agent in a format approved by the authorized enforcement authority. The authorized enforcement authority may require, as a condition of approval, that a professional environmental site monitor, approved by the authorized enforcement authority, be retained by and paid for by the permittee to conduct such inspections and prepare and submit such reports to the authorized enforcement authority or its designated agent.
D. 
Access permission. To the extent permitted by law, or if authorized by the owner or other party in control of the property, the authorized enforcement authority, its agents, officers and employees may enter upon privately owned property for the purpose of performing their duties under this by-law and may make or cause to be made such examinations, surveys or samplings as the authorized enforcement authority deems reasonably necessary to determine compliance with the permit.
Prior to the start of land disturbance activity, the authorized enforcement authority may require the permittee to post a surety bond, irrevocable letter of credit, cash or other acceptable security. The form of the bond shall be approved by Town Counsel, and shall be in an amount deemed sufficient by the authorized enforcement authority to ensure that the work will be completed in accordance with the permit. If the project is phased, the authorized enforcement authority may release part of the bond as each phase is completed in compliance with the permit, but the bond may not be fully released until the authorized enforcement authority has received the final report as required by § 195-13 and issued a certificate of completion.
Upon completion of the work, the permittee shall submit a report, including certified, as built construction plans, from a registered professional engineer (P.E.) certifying that all requirements of the permit and any approved changes and modifications thereto have been completed in accordance with the conditions of the approved permit.
A. 
Authority. The authorized enforcement authority or its authorized agent shall enforce this by-law, the rules and regulations adopted pursuant hereto, if any, and all orders, violation notices and/or enforcement orders, and may pursue all civil and criminal remedies for such violations.
B. 
Orders.
(1) 
The authorized enforcement authority or an authorized agent of the authorized enforcement authority may issue a written order to enforce the provisions of this by-law or the rules and regulations adopted pursuant hereto, if any, which may include (i) a requirement to cease and desist from the land-disturbing activity until there is compliance with the by-law and provisions of the land-disturbance permit; (ii) maintenance, installation or performance of additional erosion and sedimentation control measures; (iii) monitoring, analyses and reporting; or (iv) remediation of erosion and sedimentation resulting directly or indirectly from the land disturbing activity.
(2) 
If the enforcing person or entity determines that abatement or remediation of erosion and sedimentation is required, the order shall set forth a deadline by which such abatement or remediation must be completed. Said order shall further advise that, should the permittee or property owner fail to abate or perform remediation within the specified deadline, the Town of Marblehead may, at its option, undertake such work, and the permittee or property owner shall reimburse the Town's for the cost thereof.
(3) 
Within 30 days after completing all measures necessary to abate the violation or to perform remediation, the permittee and the property owner shall be notified of the costs incurred by the Town of Marblehead, including administrative costs. The permittee or property owner may file a written protest objecting to the amount or basis of costs with the authorized enforcement authority within 30 days of receipt of said notification. If the amount due is not received by the expiration of the time in which to file a protest or within 30 days following a decision of the authorized enforcement authority affirming or reducing the costs, or from a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to that effect, the costs shall become a special assessment against the property owner and shall constitute a lien on the owner's property for the amount thereof. Interest shall begin to accrue on any unpaid costs at the statutory rate, as provided in MGL c. 59, § 57, after the 31st day following the day on which the costs were due.
(4) 
Upon discovery of illicit discharges or illicit connections, the authorized enforcement authority may issue a written order to enforce the provisions of this by-law or the regulations promulgated thereunder, which may include:
[Added 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 35; amended 5-3-2021 ATM by Art. 46]
(a) 
Elimination of illicit connections or discharges to the municipal storm sewer system;
(b) 
Performance of monitoring, analyses, and reporting;
(c) 
That unlawful discharges, practices, or operations shall cease and desist; and
(d) 
Remediation of contamination in connection;
(e) 
Payment of a fine to cover administrative and remediation costs; and
(f) 
Implementation of source control or treatment BMPs.
If the enforcing person determines that abatement or remediation of contaminations is required and is the responsibility of the property owner, the order shall set forth a deadline by which such abatement or remediation must be completed. Said order shall further advise that, should the violator or property owner fail to abate or perform remediation within the specified deadline, the Town of Marblehead may at its option, undertake such work, and expenses times three thereof shall be charged to the violator.
Within 30 days after completing all measures necessary to abate the violation or to perform remediation, the violator and the property owner will be notified of the costs incurred by the Town of Marblehead, including administrative costs. The violator or property owner may file a written protest objecting to the amount or basis of costs with the Department of Public Works as designated by the Select Board within 30 days of receipt of the notification of the costs incurred. If the amount due is not received by the expiration of the time in which to file a protest or within 30 days following a decision of the Department of Public Works as designated by the Select Board affirming or reducing the costs, or from a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the costs shall become a special assessment against the property owner and shall constitute a lien on the owner’s property for the amount of said costs. Interest shall begin to accrue on any unpaid costs at the statutory rate provided in MGL c. 59, § 57 after the thirty-first day at which the costs first become due.
C. 
Criminal penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this by-law, the rules and regulations adopted pursuant hereto, if any, or an order or permit issued hereunder shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300 for each offense. Each day or part thereof that such violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense.
D. 
Noncriminal disposition. As an alternative to criminal prosecution or civil action, the Town of Marblehead may elect to utilize the noncriminal disposition procedure set forth in MGL c. 40, § 21D, in which case the authorized enforcement authority or authorized agent shall be the enforcing person. The penalty for each violation shall be $300. Each day or part thereof that such violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense.
E. 
Appeals. All decisions, permits or orders of the authorized enforcement authority shall be final. Further relief shall be sought only in a court of competent jurisdiction.
F. 
Remedies not exclusive. The remedies listed in this by-law are not exclusive of any other remedies available under any applicable federal, state or local law.
The authorized enforcement authority will issue a certificate of completion upon receipt and approval of the final reports and/or upon otherwise determining that all work under the permit has been satisfactorily completed in conformance with this by-law and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant hereto, if any. The certificate of completion shall be recorded at the Essex Southern District Registry of Deeds by the property owner(s) and at the property owner(s) expense.
If any provision, paragraph, sentence or clause of this by-law or the application hereof to any person, establishment or circumstance shall be held invalid for any reason, all other provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law.