Model Ordinance Language for Stormwater Management: Erosion and Sedimentation Control Standards
This project developed a regional checklist and standards document for Sediment and Erosion Control Plans for development sites to comply with requirements of the new 2022 MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) permit and inform municipal ordinance revisions to ensure sound stormwater management, minimize soil pollution, and protect the region’s water quality. Project goals included standardizing ordinances in different communities to ensure MS4-required sediment and erosion control plans in the region are consistently protective of water quality; integration of climate change and coastal resilience considerations in standards; and conducting of training workshops on standards for municipal planners in MS4 communities.
To accomplish these goals, the project team, comprised of Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC), Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), and environmental engineering firm Integrated Environmental, Inc., worked with the 15 MS4 communities in southern Maine to develop a standards document and draft model ordinance language to meet the requirements of the new MS4 permit provisions for erosion and sedimentation control and to integrate climate resilience considerations into the standards and ordinance language.
Participating Communities: Southern Maine MS4 communities: Southern Maine Stormwater Working Group (Kittery, York, Eliot, Berwick, and South Berwick) and Portland-area Interlocal Stormwater Working Group
Project Partners: Integrated Environmental Engineering, Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District
Work Products:
A regional checklist and standards document for sediment and erosion control plans consistent with MS4 permit requirements with optional climate resilience measures.
- Final Erosion and Sedimentation Control Standards Checklist (Excel spreadsheet download)
- Maine Model Ordinance for Erosion and Sedimentation Control at Construction Sites
- Recorded Training: Regional Checklist and Standards Document
Funding: Maine Coastal Communities Grant Program (FY21)
Project Contact: Abbie Sherwin, Senior Planner & Coastal Resilience Coordinator