Resources for Developers & Site Operators

Stormwater discharges from construction activities that disturb one or more acres or smaller sites disturbing less than one acre that are part of a larger common development are regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permitting program. Boxborough’s Stormwater Regulations have requirements for developers and site operators designed to protect water quality. Prior to the start of construction, operators must obtain coverage under a NPDES permit, administered by EPA under the Construction General Permit (CGP). The CGP requires operators of construction sites to meet effluent limits and requires operators to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) (PDF) detailing the erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention measures that will be implemented to meet the requirements of the CGP.

The following practices will help reduce the volume of stormwater created and help prevent pollutants from coming in contact with stormwater:

• Reduce the amount of runoff from development. Maintain existing vegetation where possible. Learn more about What You Can Do as a Developer (PDF).
• Use erosion controls. Install perimeter controls such as hay bales and silt fences, and reduce the total amount of impervious cover on your site. Learn more about what you can do to Stop Erosion in Its Tracks to Keep Our Waters Clean (PDF).
• Encourage infiltration. Install infiltration-based features such as rain gardens and bioswales. Learn more about Stormwater Pollution Prevention for Small Residential Construction Sites (PDF).
• Only rain down the drain. Protect all storm drain inlets and streams located on your construction site or property.
• Limit access to and from the site. Stabilize construction entrances and exits.
• Use Low Impact Development (LID). LID is an approach to land development that works with nature to manage stormwater at the source and includes principles such as preserving and recreating natural landscape features and minimizing effective imperviousness. Incorporate LID practices into site designs. Learn more by checking out the Builder’s Guide to Low Impact Development (PDF).
• Protect stockpiles by storing under a roof, impermeable tarp, or plastic sheeting. Do not store or stockpile materials near a storm drain, wetland, or stream.
• Perform major maintenance and repair of vehicles off-site.
• Wash out concrete mixers only in designated washout areas away from resources. Set up small mixers on tarps.
• Designate waste disposal areas. Remove trash, debris, and wastes on a regular basis and ensure that dumpsters are covered.
• Clean up small spills immediately using dry cleanup methods.
• Make sure you have a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. If you’re disturbing more than an acre, then Find out if You Need an NPDES Construction General Permit (PDF).