Comprehensive Cost Analysis of the 2014 Massachusetts MS4 Permit

Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States. The MS4 permit reduces pollution by regulating the runoff of pollutants into stormwater drains. With the assistance of the MassDEP and the Worcester Community Project Center, we sought to provide the Massachusetts towns of Southbridge, Holden, and Millbury with a cost analysis for implementation of the 2014 draft MS4 permit. In order to achieve this goal, we learned the details of the 2003 permit and 2014 draft permit, interviewed town officials, and performed water quality sampling. After creating our cost analysis, we provided our subject towns with findings and recommendations assessing the feasibility of implementing the permit, and suggestions for best practices each town uses to manage stormwater.