EPA v. BLACKSTONE

Case summary

On August 12, 2024, EPA issued a Clean Water Act Administrative Compliance Order to the Town of Blackstone, Massachusetts for alleged violations of the 2016 General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems in Massachusetts (2016 MS4 Permit). The Order cites the municipality's failure to develop or modify, as appropriate, a post-construction stormwater management ordinance within three years of the effective date of the Permit (i.e., by July 1, 2022). The Order requires the Town of Blackstone to enact a post-construction stormwater management ordinance or other regulatory mechanism by December 13, 2024. The municipality must notify EPA that such an ordinance or regulatory mechanism has become effective within seven days of its effective date and provide EPA with a copy of its regulatory mechanism. The Order will facilitate the reduction of pollutants found in the permittee's stormwater through the retention or treatment of stormwater after construction on new or redeveloped sites. The municipality is in an area of potential environmental justice concern. EPA coordinated with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on these matters.

Defendants (1)

• Town of Blackstone, MANamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• BLACKSTONE MUNICIPAL BLDG

  15 SAINT PAUL STREET, BLACKSTONE, MA, 01504

  Registry ID: 110039708135

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• BLACKSTONEentered 2024-08-12

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2024-08-12Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-08-12Final Order Issued
• 2024-08-20Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2025-12-31Enforcement Action Closed
• 2025-12-31NPDES Closed