Developers / Construction

Construction activities have the potential to cause significant water pollution, erosion, sedimentation, flooding and other stormwater issues if not managed properly. There are many best management practices (BMPs) that can be used to prevent issues, with a variety of options for both small and large-scale projects. Town staff routinely works with a variety of individuals to ensure the best outcome for projects, including:

  • Contractors
  • Developers
  • Engineers
  • Property owners
  • Wetland scientists
  • Others

Obtain Required Permits

In many cases, permits are required for construction projects, including any land disturbance equal to or greater than 10,000 square feet of land. Land disturbing activities include, but are not limited to clearing, grading, filling, and excavation, as well as landscaping equal to or greater than 500 square feet.

Permits are also required for all work, other than routine maintenance, proposed to occur within floodplain, 100 feet of a wetland, or 200 feet of most streams. See more information on local and state permits. Contact the Conservation Department at 781-270-1655 with any questions.

Construction sites disturbing one acre or more also require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. See more information on federal permits.

Use Best Management Practices (BMPs) During Construction Work

Whether a permit is required for your project or not, everyone is encouraged to use good practices during construction projects or other work involving land disturbance, to keep our water clean and avoid other stormwater-related issues. Contact Town staff or an appropriate professional if you need help determining what measures are appropriate for your project. Here are examples of some BMPs:

  • Containing concrete washout in a designated area
  • Drop inlet protection (a.k.a. silt sacks)
  • Gravel construction entrances
  • Hay bales
  • Immediately stabilizing bare ground and disturbed areas and revegetating within 30 days. Temporarily stabilizing areas that cannot be revegetated within 30 days, using hydroseeding, straw mats, jute netting, sod, etc. Staking temporary stabilization to slopes steeper than 3 to 1.
  • Marking the limit of work and maintaining perimeter erosion and sedimentation controls
  • Protecting and covering material or soil stockpiles. Stockpiling materials more than 100 feet from wetlands and 200 feet from streams. Not stockpiling in floodplain.
  • Regularly sweeping sediment and debris from paved surfaces, including streets
  • Sediment filter fabric fence (a.k.a. silt fence)
  • Silt socks (a.k.a. compost filter socks)
  • Straw wattles