Falmouth gives DPW enforcement authority to address stormwater discharges

Town Manager Mike Crenshaw summarized a stormwater discharge article approved at town meeting that gives the Department of Public Works enforcement authority to address harmful discharges into roadways and ponds.

Crenshaw said DPW Director Peter McConnell highlighted two primary concerns: winter freeze hazards that create slick road conditions and damage pavements, and the contamination risk to freshwater ponds from uncontrolled discharges. Crenshaw said the article provides DPW a tool it previously lacked and that the department’s practice will still be to work with property owners first, using enforcement only when cooperation fails.

"This is a tool," Crenshaw said. "Currently, prior to article 20, DPW had no enforcement capability. This is just a tool. As Peter mentioned, DPW's practice has always been to work with the property owner...but when we have to, this will give us that enforcement capability that they've been lacking in the past."

Officials said the new authority is aimed at reducing ice hazards, preventing pavement damage, and protecting pond water quality; administrative procedures and enforcement thresholds will be defined by DPW.