Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)

Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) Information

WHAT IS A STORMWATER CONTROL MEASURE?

Stormwater Control Measures are permanent structures that are designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent flooding and remove pollutants present in stormwater runoff before they are transported to our waterbodies and drinking water reservoirs.  

WHY IS STORMWATER RUNOFF MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT?

Stormwater picks up litter, sand, bacteria, oil, and other pollutants as it flows ove the land, and it carries these pollutants to our streams, ponds, and wetlands. Runoff from paved surfaces like roads, parking lots, and rooftops may contribute large amounts of these pollutants into stormwater.

Stormwater Control Measures are important because they capture runoff and remove some of the pollutants before they can impact water quality. In Franklin, there are almost 300 municipally owned Stormwater Control Measures and 130 privately owned Stormwater Control Measures. Combined, and if properly maintained, they can remove approximately 500 pounds of total phosphorus from stormwater per year. Phosphorus pollution is an important contributor to water quality impacts and can cause harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and make pets and other animals sick if they drink contaminated water.

In addition to total phosphorus removal, many of these Stormwater Control Measures capture and treat other common stormwater pollutants.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF STORMWATER CONTROL MEASURES?

The most frequent types of Stormwater Control Measures in Franklin include:

• Detention Basins
• Infiltration Basins
• Wet Ponds
• Gravel/Constructed Wetlands
• Porous Pavement
• Vegetated Swales
• Rain Gardens

STORMWATER CONTROL MEASURE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Stormwater Control Measures require regular operation and maintenance to make sure they are functioning properly. If you are a private Stormwater Control Measure owner, you are required to inspect, maintain, and document the inspection and maintenance of your Stormwater Control Measure annually:   https://ecode360.com/10434264#10434264 .

Common types of inspection and maintenance activities are:

• Mowing, Landscaping, & Vegetation Management
• Debris & Leaf Litter Removal
• Sediment Removal
• Structure Integrity
• Water Level Inspections

The Town of Franklin has developed inspection forms to help private Stormwater Control Measure owners perform and document their annual inspections.  The forms can be accessed and submitted to the Town here: https://franklinma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1078/record-types/6627

Additional Resources:

Stormwater Control Measure Informational Brochure

Franklin Rain Garden Website

Franklin Rain Garden Tour Brochure

Tips for Keeping Stormwater Clean

EPA Operation and Maintenance Considerations for Green Infrastructure

University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center Maintenance Guidelines and Resources