[HISTORY: Adopted by the Planning Board of
the Town of Lancaster December 2007; amended in its entirety May 2018.
Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of these Stormwater Management Regulations is to
protect, maintain and enhance the public health, safety, environment
and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures
to control the adverse effects of increased post-development stormwater
runoff, decreased groundwater recharge, and nonpoint source pollution
associated with new development, as more specifically addressed in
the Stormwater Management Bylaw of the Town of Lancaster.[1]
The definitions of terms in § 170-3 of the Stormwater Management Bylaw shall apply to terms used in these regulations.
A.
The regulations contained herein have been adopted by the Lancaster
Planning Board in accordance with the Town of Lancaster Stormwater
Bylaw.
The Lancaster Planning Board, as the Stormwater Authority ("Authority"),
shall administer, implement and enforce these regulations.
These stormwater regulations apply to all activities in accordance with § 170-5, Jurisdiction, of the Town of Lancaster Stormwater Management Bylaw.
A.
Application.
(1)
Seven copies of a completed application for a stormwater management permit shall be filed with the Planning Board. A permit must be obtained prior to the commencement of any activity that is subject to regulation under § 170-5 of the Stormwater Management Bylaw.
(2)
A stormwater management plan (SMP), which meets the design requirements
of the bylaw, shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer
and submitted to the Planning Board. The SMP shall be designed to
ensure compliance with the bylaw and the permit, and to ensure that
the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00, are
met in all seasons and throughout the life of the system.
(3)
The plan shall, at a minimum, be designed to provide sufficient information
to evaluate the environmental characteristics of the affected areas,
the potential impacts to the proposed development on water resources,
and the effectiveness and acceptability of measures proposed for managing
stormwater runoff.
(4)
The Authority shall make the final decision on what stormwater management
option is appropriate in a given situation. The Authority will consider
natural features, proximity of site to water bodies and wetland resource
areas, extent of impervious surfaces, size of the site, the types
of stormwater management structures, and potential need for ongoing
maintenance activities when making this decision. The SMP shall remain
on file with the Authority and shall be an ongoing requirement.
(5)
Projects involving the construction of a single-family home, an addition and/or an accessory structure to a residential use requiring the disturbance of one or more acres of land, but less than two acres of land area, may, at the applicant's option, file a letter of intent to be covered by a general stormwater management permit issued by the Authority. This letter of intent will satisfy the conditions of § 305-6A(1) through (4), and a public hearing is not required under § 305-6C. Coverage under the permit will commence upon receipt of the letter of intent by the Authority or its agent and will expire within three years. A general permit may not be applied to more than one contiguous property under common ownership.
B.
Standards. Projects shall meet the standards of the Massachusetts
Stormwater Management Policy, as are in effect at the time that the
application is filed.
C.
Public hearing.
(1)
The Authority shall hold a public hearing within 21 days of the receipt
of a complete application and shall take final action within 21 days
from the time of the close of the hearing unless such time is extended
by agreement between the applicant and the Authority.
(2)
The applicant shall provide notice of the public hearing by publication,
posting and by first-class mailings to abutters within 300 feet of
the subject property at least seven days prior to the hearing. The
Authority shall make the application available for inspection by the
public during business hours at the Town Hall.
D.
Information requests. The applicant shall submit all additional information
requested by the Authority to issue a decision on the application.
E.
Action. The Authority may:
(1)
Approve the stormwater management permit application and issue a
permit if it finds that the proposed plan will protect water resources
and meets the objectives and requirements of the bylaw;
(2)
Approve the stormwater management permit application and issue a
permit with conditions, modifications or restrictions that the Authority
determines are required to ensure that the project will protect water
resources and meet the objectives and requirements of the bylaw;
(3)
Disapprove the stormwater management permit application and deny
the permit if it finds that the proposed plan will not protect water
resources or fails to meet the objectives and requirements of the
bylaw, or if it finds that the applicant has failed to submit sufficient
information to show that the proposed plan will protect water resources
and meets the objectives and requirements of the bylaw.
The stormwater management plan contents shall be as follows:
A.
The names and addresses of the person(s) responsible for operation
and maintenance;
B.
The person(s) responsible for financing maintenance and emergency
repairs;
C.
Locus map;
D.
Drainage area map showing drainage area and stormwater flow paths;
E.
A maintenance schedule for all drainage structures, including swales
and ponds;
F.
A list of all existing and proposed easements with the purpose and
location of each;
G.
Location of existing and proposed utilities;
H.
Location of all existing and proposed stormwater utilities, including
structures, pipes, swales and detention basins;
I.
Topographic survey showing existing and proposed contours;
J.
Soils investigation, including borings or test pits, for areas where
construction of infiltration practices will occur;
K.
Description of all watercourses, impoundment, and wetlands on or
adjacent to the site or into which stormwater flows;
L.
Delineation of one-hundred-year floodplains, if applicable;
M.
Groundwater levels at the time of probable high groundwater elevation
(October to May) in areas to be used for stormwater retention, detention
or infiltration;
N.
Existing and proposed locations, cross sections and profiles of all
brooks, streams, drainage swells and the method of stabilization;
O.
Proposed improvements, including location of buildings or other structures,
impervious surfaces and storm drainage facilities, if applicable;
P.
Structural detail for all components of the proposed drainage systems
and stormwater management facilities;
R.
Timing schedules and sequences of development, including clearing,
stripping, rough grading, construction, final grading and vegetative
stabilization;
T.
Notes on drawings specifying materials to be used, construction specifications
and typicals; and
U.
Location of areas to be cleared of more than 30% of the vegetation.
An erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted as part
of the application for a stormwater management permit. The plan shall
contain sufficient information to describe the nature and purpose
of the proposed development, pertinent 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 requirements
listed in Subsection A below.
A.
Design requirements. The design requirements of the erosion and sediment
control plan are:
(1)
Minimize total area of disturbance;
(2)
Sequence activities to minimize simultaneous areas of disturbance;
(3)
Minimize peak rate of runoff in accordance with the Massachusetts
Stormwater Policy;
(4)
Minimize soil erosion and control sedimentation during construction,
provided that prevention of erosion is preferred over sedimentation
control;
(5)
Divert uncontaminated water around disturbed areas;
(6)
Maximize groundwater recharge;
(7)
Install and maintain all erosion and sediment control measures in
accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and good engineering
practices;
(8)
Prevent off-site transport of sediment;
(9)
Protect and manage on- and off-site material storage areas (overburden
and stockpiles of dirt, borrow areas, or other areas used solely by
the permitted project are considered a part of the project);
(10)
Comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations,
including waste disposal, sanitary sewer or septic system regulations,
and air quality requirements, including dust control;
(11)
Prevent significant alteration of habitats mapped by the Massachusetts
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program as endangered, threatened
or of special concern, estimated habitats of rare wildlife and certified
vernal pools, and priority habitats of rare species from the proposed
activities;
(12)
Institute interim and permanent stabilization measures, which
shall be instituted on a disturbed area as soon as practicable but
no more than 14 days after construction activity has temporarily or
permanently ceased on that portion of the site;
(13)
Properly manage on-site construction and waste materials; and
(14)
Prevent off-site vehicle tracking of sediments.
B.
Erosion and sediment control plan contents. The plan shall contain
the following information:
(1)
Names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owner, applicant, and
person(s) or firm(s) preparing the plan;
(2)
Title, date, North arrow, names of abutters, scale, legend, and locus
map;
(3)
Location and description of natural features, including:
(a)
Watercourses and water bodies, wetland resource areas and all
floodplain information, including the one-hundred-year flood elevation
based upon the most recent Flood Insurance Rate Map, or as calculated
by a professional engineer for areas not assessed on these maps;
(b)
Existing vegetation, including tree lines, canopy layer, shrub
layer, and ground cover, and trees with a caliper of 12 inches or
larger, noting specimen trees and forest communities; and
(c)
Habitats mapped by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered
Species Program as endangered, threatened or of special concern, estimated
habitats of rare wildlife and certified vernal pools, and priority
habitats of rare species within 500 feet of any construction activity.
(4)
Lines of existing abutting streets showing drainage and driveway
locations and curb cuts;
(5)
Existing soils, volume and nature of imported soil materials;
(6)
Topographical features, including existing and proposed contours
at intervals no greater than two feet with spot elevations provided
when needed;
(7)
Surveyed property lines showing distances and monument locations,
all existing and proposed easements, rights-of-way, and other encumbrances,
the size of the entire parcel, and the delineation and number of square
feet of the land area to be disturbed;
(8)
Drainage patterns and approximately slopes anticipated after major
grading activities (construction phase grading plans);
(9)
Location and details of erosion and sediment control measures with
a narrative of the construction sequencing/phasing of the project,
including both operation and maintenance for structural and nonstructural
measures, interim grading, and materials stockpiling areas;
(10)
Path and mechanism to divert uncontaminated water around disturbed
areas, to the maximum extent practicable;
(11)
Location and description of industrial discharges, including
stormwater discharges from dedicated asphalt plans and dedicated concrete
plants, which are covered by this permit;
(12)
Stormwater runoff calculations in accordance with the Department
of Environmental Protection's Stormwater Management Policy;
(13)
Location and description of and implementation schedule for
temporary and permanent seeding, vegetative controls, and other stabilization
measures;
(14)
A description of construction and waste materials expected to
be stored on site. The plan shall include a description of controls
to reduce pollutants from these materials, including storage practices
to minimize exposure of the materials to stormwater, and spill prevention
and response;
(15)
A description of provisions for phasing the project where one
acre of area or greater is to be altered or disturbed;
(16)
Plans must be stamped and certified by a qualified professional
engineer registered in Massachusetts or a certified professional in
erosion and sediment control; and
(17)
Such other information as is required by the Planning Board.
An operation and maintenance plan (OMP) is required at the time
of application for all projects. The OMP shall be designed to ensure
compliance with the permit, the bylaw and the Massachusetts Surface
Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00, and that they are met in all
seasons and throughout the life of the system. The Planning Board
shall make the final decision of what maintenance option is appropriate
in a given situation. The Planning Board will consider natural features,
proximity of site to water bodies and wetlands, extent of impervious
surfaces, size of the site, the types of stormwater management structures,
and potential need for ongoing maintenance activities when making
this decision. The OMP shall remain on file with the Planning Board
and shall be an ongoing requirement. The OMP shall include:
A.
Operation and maintenance plan contents.
(1)
The name(s) of the owner(s) for all components of the system.
(2)
Maintenance agreements that specify:
(a)
The names and addresses of the person(s) responsible for operation
and maintenance.
(b)
The person(s) responsible for financing maintenance and emergency
repairs.
(c)
A maintenance schedule for all drainage structures, including
swales and ponds.
(d)
A list of easements with the purpose and location of each.
(e)
The signature(s) of the owner(s).
B.
Changes to operation and maintenance plans.
(1)
The owner(s) of the stormwater management system must notify the
Planning Board 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 bylaw by mutual agreement of the Planning
Board and the responsible parties. Amendments must be in writing and
signed by all responsible parties. Responsible parties shall include
owner(s), persons with financial responsibility, and persons with
operational responsibility.
A.
Pre-construction meeting. Prior to starting any clearing, excavation,
construction or land-disturbing activity, the applicant, the applicant's
technical representative, the general contractor or any other person
with authority to make changes to the project shall meet with the
Planning Board to review the permitted plans and their implementation.
B.
Board inspection. The Planning Board, or its designated agent, shall
make 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 stormwater management permit as
approved. The permit and associated plans for grading, stripping,
excavating and filling work, bearing the signature of approval of
the Planning Board, shall be maintained at the site during the progress
of the work. In order to obtain inspections, the permittee shall notify
the Planning Board at least two working days before each of the following
events:
(1)
Erosion and sediment control measures are in place and stabilized;
(2)
Site clearing has been substantially completed;
(3)
Rough grading has been substantially completed;
(4)
Final grading has been substantially completed;
(5)
Close of the construction season; and
(6)
Final landscaping (permanent stabilization) and project final completion.
C.
Permittee inspections. The permittee or his/her agent shall conduct
and document inspections of all erosion and sediment control measures
no less than weekly or as specified in the permit and prior to and
following anticipated storm events. The purpose of these inspections
will be to determine the overall effectiveness of the control plan
and the need for maintenance or additional control measures. The permittee
or his/her agent shall submit monthly reports to the Planning Board
or designated agent in a format approved by the Planning Board.
D.
Access permission. To the extent permitted by state law, or if authorized
by the owner or other party in control of the property, the Planning
Board, its agents, officers and employees may enter upon privately
owned property for the purpose of performing their duties under this
bylaw and may make or cause to be made such examinations, surveys
or sampling as the Planning Board deems reasonably necessary to determine
compliance with the permit.
A stormwater management permit shall be valid for three years
from the date the permit is issued (except that compliance with the
operation and maintenance plan shall be a continuing and ongoing requirement).
The Authority may grant extensions for additional time upon written
request for renewal no later than 30 days prior to expiration of the
permit.
Upon the completion of the activities allowed under a stormwater
management permit (not including the continuing and ongoing requirement
of compliance with the operation and maintenance plan), the applicant
shall notify the Authority and request a final inspection and certificate
of completion. The applicant shall submit an as-built plan prepared
by a professional land surveyor along with certification from a registered
professional engineer that all construction has been done in accordance
with the approved SMP. The Authority may hire its own consultant to
advise on completion, at a cost to be received from the applicant
before issuance of the certificate of completion.
If any provision, paragraph, sentence, or clause of these regulations
is held invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction,
all other provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
These regulations shall take effect upon approval of the Lancaster
Planning Board.