EPA v. TOWNSEND TOWN OF

Case summary

On December 17, 2025, the Region issued an Administrative Compliance Order to the Town of Townsend, Massachusetts (Docket No.CWA-AO-R01-FY26-7) for its violation of the 2016 General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems in Massachusetts (2016 MS4 Permit). The Order cites its 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 the Town to enact a post-construction stormwater management ordinance or other regulatory mechanism by June 5, 2026; notify EPA that such an ordinance or regulatory mechanism has become effective within 7 days of its effective date; and provide the Agency with a copy of the 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 Region coordinated with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) on this matter.

Defendants (1)

• Town of Townsend, MANamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• TOWNSEND TOWN OF

  272 MAIN STREET, TOWNSEND, MA, 01469

  Registry ID: 110070743357

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• TOWNSEND TOWN OFentered 2025-12-17

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2025-12-17Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2025-12-17Final Order Issued
• 2025-12-18Enforcement Action Data Entered