Stormwater Compliance

What is Stormwater

Stormwater is rain or snow melt that runs off impervious surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots and roofs instead of being absorbed into the ground. As the water flows over theses surfaces it picks up pollutants including sediment, petroleum products, pesticides, fertilizers and bacteria before it enters a storm drain and is carried, untreated, to the nearest water body. The more impervious surface in a given area, the greater the amount of stormwater runoff and, therefore, the greater potential for pollution to local lakes, rivers and streams.

No Dumping Drains to River

Westbrook's Stormwater Management

The Clean Water Act requires Westbrook, along with 29 other Maine communities, to comply with the Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit (PDF), a set of regulations to minimize harmful impacts of polluted stormwater runoff on local waters. The permit describes permit coverage and limitations, definitions, authorization and notice requirements, stormwater program management plan requirements, and standard conditions for municipalities within the State of Maine. Westbrook’s Stormwater Management Plan identifies specific areas of activity, called minimum control measures (MCMs), to comply with these regulations. 

An annual report submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection tracks our success meeting the regulatory standards each year.

The Small MS4 general permit became effective July 1, 2013. The Stormwater permit language can be viewed on the Department of Environmental Protection website.

Report a Stormwater Complaint

Email Lynn Leavitt
Westbrook Public Services
371 Saco Street
Westbrook, ME 04092
Phone: 207-591-8135

Westbrook Stormwater Documents