EPA v. TOPSFIELD TOWN OF MS4

Case summary

On December 10, 2025, the Region issued Administrative Compliance Orders to the Town of Topsfield, MA for violations of the 2016 General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems in Massachusetts (2016 MS4 Permit). The Order cites their failure to develop or modify, as appropriate, a post-construction stormwater management ordinance within three (3) years of the effective date of the Permit (i.e., by July 1, 2022). The Order requires Topsfield to enact its regulatory mechanism on or before February 2, 2026. The town must then notify EPA that their ordinance or regulatory mechanism has become effective within 7 days of their effective dates and provide the Agency with copies. 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 Region coordinated with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) on this matter.

Defendants (1)

• Town of Topsfield, MANamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• TOPSFIELD TOWN OF

  8 WEST COMMON STREET, TOPSFIELD, MA, 01983

  Registry ID: 110070354945

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• TOPSFIELD TOWN OF MS4entered 2025-12-10

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2025-12-10Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2025-12-10Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2025-12-10Final Order Issued