New Water Regulations Could Cost Foxborough $500K Annually

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Town officials are preparing for new state and federal stormwater regulations which could cost Foxborough $500,000 per year.

At last week's selectmen meeting, Kerry Snyder, the advocacy director for the Neoponset River Watershed Association said state and federal environmental agencies stepped up regulations for stormwater discharge — including runoff from streets, large parking lots and other surfaces where water flows into drains. From those drains, pipes typically transfer the water into lakes, stream and drainage ditches.

New rules were enacted on Jan. 6, and they require stricter maintenance standards for drainage systems, require cities and towns to get rid of or correct improper discharges, minimize runoff during and after construction projects and educate residents about the dangers of pet waste and fertilizer getting in the water supply.

Snyder said the regulations are important because how stormwater is taken care of affects the quality of the town's water. But she admitted the project would be expensive, and the $500,000 annual cost would likely rise each five-year cycle as stricter regulations are imposed.

"That's really only going to increase, and that's significant in terms of the town budget," Snyder said.

Town officials are still exploring solutions, but Town Manager William Keegan said establishing a stormwater revolving fund to help pay for the regulation requirements may be an option. Do that would require approval at a town meeting.