Margo Clerkin, a Department of Environmental Protection “circuit rider’ was the guest Tuesday night at a regularly scheduled C

Stormwater Management Training presentation to Conservation Commissioners.

By Jon Alden

Everything Westport

Tuesday, December 11

Margo Clerkin, a Department of Environmental Protection “circuit rider’ was the guest Tuesday night at a specially scheduled Conservation Commission meeting at the Town Hall Annex. “I travel around the state,” Margo said, “to discuss and educate local Conservation Commissioners on the state’s Wetlands and Waterways Program. Stormwater management and protection policies are a key element in the Wetlands Protection strategy.”

Margo gave a Powerpoint overview of Stormwater Management Training, and in particular, the Hydrologic Cycle that is defined from precipitation to surface and groundwater outflow. In attendance were officials from the WRWA, ConCom, Westport Board of Selectmen, and past and present members of the Conservation Commission.

Margo announced that the Stormwater Management Policy was being upgraded to regulatory status, which gives the Westport ConCom new authority to require stormwater engineering studies on new developments at the expense of the developer. Single house and house lots are exempt. This is principally important in light of the increased site development being experienced in Westport.

“The reasons for stormwater management are numerous,” Margo said. “It ensures slower discharge over a longer time; staggers flood peaks; maintains base flow; and protects water quality.” More importantly,” Margo added, “is the policy attenuates new flooding by reducing flood peaks; the delay allows more evaporation and a better rate of plant uptake”.

“Polluted runoff is the number 1 water quality problem in the US,” Margo said. “Approximately 50% of MA rivers and coastal waters are not in compliance with surface water quality standards because of stormwater pollution (DEP 1995).”

- - - - - - End - - - - - -