In February 2022, the Stormwater Collaborative, through the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and in partnership with the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP), received a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection MS4 grant of $71,000 to conduct Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) investigations in eight towns using the Stormwater Collaborative’s IDDE trailer funded in an earlier grant. Since 2021, an additional 200 catchments have been evaluated, and over 150 stormwater outfalls have been inventoried and over 100 stormwater samples have been collected.  We have posted an interactive map of the Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative mapping and monitoring efforts, with links including photos and water quality reports for selected discharges. The DEP grant also funded a series of hands-on IDDE workshops in April and May that were conducted by MMA and Buzzards Bay NEP staff. The five all-day workshops attracted 52 participants from 20 municipalities.

The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP) will update its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) in 2023.  The purpose of the CCMP is to define goals and approaches to protect and restore water quality and living resources in Buzzards Bay and its surrounding watershed. Approaches and recommendations contained in the CCMP not only define the work of the NEP and establish eligibility for our grant and technical assistance programs, but priorities in the CCMP are considered by several other state and federal grant programs as well.

As part of the CCMP update, the NEP must undertake a climate change vulnerability assessment to determine how climate drivers might affect our collective ability to meet the goals and objectives in the CCMP. The results of the climate vulnerability assessment will be reflected in the 2023 CCMP update. To read the assessment, participate in workshops, or provide input into the process, go to our 2022 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment page.

The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy are hosting one-day illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) training workshops. These free trainings will include field demonstrations in mapping, sampling, inspecting structures, and using investigation equipment. You will participate in a comprehensive assessment of a stormwater catchment. In addition, the workshops will prepare you to provide IDDE training to others, they fulfill MS4 permit training requirements, and will help propel your IDDE program forward.

Each workshop is eight hours of organized presentations, instructive displays, field demonstrations, professional networking, and informed discussions. These trainings are for anyone involved with an MS4 permit, including municipal leadership, conservation agents, health agents, planners, engineers, consultants, and department of public works staff at all levels.

Workshops will take place 8 AM to 4 PM at the scenic Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) campus in Buzzards Bay. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Please dress appropriately as we expect to spend much of the day outdoors.

Dates: March 24th, April 19th, April 21st, or May 3rd (Rain Date: May 5th). View promotional video here. To RSVP or for more information email: Kevin.Bartsch@mass.gov. Even if you think you will be unable to attend a workshop, please take 3 minutes to answer our Survey.

While we are planning to have all the trainings at the MMA, if we have enough interest from people in Western and Central Mass, one of the workshops will be moved to the Worcester area. We would need a host to help us with a meeting space and a good catchment. Please use the survey to indicate your need for an alternative location.