Drainage System Investigations

Published November 18, 2019 | Department of Public Works | Updated February 7, 2020 | Automatically Archived on 2/1/2020

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The Department of Public Works (DPW) has commenced an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) outfall inspections program to find and collect illicit discharges in the Town’s storm drainage system. Illicit discharges are direct connections or indirect discharges to the municipal storm drain system that are not composed entirely of stormwater, except as exempted in the Town of Sudbury illicit Discharge Bylaw.

Sudbury is authorized by the State and EPA to discharge stormwater runoff into local waterways in accordance with the Clean Water Act. It is our responsibility to meet these conditions and prevent leaking septic or other illegal substances from entering our stormwater drainage system. Sudbury does not currently have piping systems for handling wastewater (sewer) but does have piping systems for stormwater.

The Town will begin its IDDE program by monitoring stormwater discharge points (outfalls and inter-municipal connections to our neighboring towns) in November 2019 as required by the Small Municipal Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) General Permit. The results of this work will be used to direct further IDDE investigations including visual and building inspections to identify and remove confirmed illicit discharges from our drainage system.

If you have any questions regarding IDDE outfall inspections or crew activity, please do not hesitate to contact the DPW at (978) 440-5421.

 

What Should I Expect?

In order to perform outfall inspections, crews may need to access private property. The engineering firm, Woodard & Curran, along with their subcontractor SDE Engineering will be conducting this work on our behalf and will be wearing proper identification. Contact information and photos of the SDE team are below.

 
Sudbury’s Commitment to Clean Water

This project is part of the Town’s ongoing efforts to improve our waterways. Click below to learn more about what the Town is doing to keep our water clean and how you can help.