Stormwater

Public Works is responsible for the City's stormwater system which includes pipes, catch basins and intakes, outfalls, culverts, and drainage ditches and channels along roadways. Each year Public Works staff clean out catch basins and repair and maintain the drainage system as necessary to keep the system functioning safely and to reduce flooding.

Northampton has a separate stormwater system that collects rainwater and snow melt from the streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and buildings and carries this water directly to brooks, wetlands, rivers, and other water bodies throughout the City. Unlike the (completely separate) wastewater system, the water collected in street drains is not treated at the treatment plant before flowing to these natural water bodies.

Northampton, along with 18 other municipalities and UMass-Amherst, is a member of the Connecticut River Stormwater Committee. To learn more about stormwater in the Connecticut River region, please click the link below:

Think Blue Connecticut River

Stormwater Management Program

Since 2003, the City's Stormwater Management Program has been implemented in compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Phase II MS4 General Permit.

Starting on July 1, 2018, a new EPA NPDES Stormwater Phase II MS4 General Permit took effect, and the City has developed and will implement a revised Stormwater Management Plan. For more information on the stormwater management program, please click the link below:

Stormwater Management Program

Stormwater Management Permits

Construction projects that disturb over one (1) acre are required to apply for a Stormwater Management Permit and meet the requirements as defined by Chapter 281 of the City's Code of Ordinances. For more information on stormwater permits, please click the link below:

Permit Information and Forms

Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Chapter 278 of the City's Code of Ordinances defines and regulates illicit connections and discharges of pollutants into Northampton's storm drain system in order to protect natural water bodies and safeguard public health, safety, welfare and the environment.

Public Works provides guidance for reducing stormwater pollution at small construction sites that disturb less than one (1) acre. Start by reading the department's policy and then use the form for starting a plan for your site.