Stormwater Management

Stormwater management is a critical priority for the Northern Middlesex region. As development patterns, transportation systems, and climate change increase pressures on local waterways, communities must find cost-effective and resilient ways to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and protect natural resources.

Through the Northern Middlesex Stormwater Collaborative (NMSC), NMCOG works with eleven member communities to meet the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (known as MS4) stormwater permit. The Collaborative provides shared resources, technical support, training, and regional initiatives such as public outreach, mapping, and peer-to-peer learning.

Stormwater planning also connects directly to Current Transportation Projects and land use decisions. NMCOG’s Transportation Team incorporates stormwater and flood management into roadway and infrastructure planning, ensuring that new projects are designed with resilience in mind. Similarly, through land use planning and Open Space and Recreation Plans (OSRPs), NMCOG helps communities preserve wetlands, forests, and open space that provide natural stormwater storage and reduce the risks of flooding.

By integrating stormwater management into transportation, land use, and open space planning, NMCOG supports both regulatory compliance and long-term resilience creating healthier waterways and safer communities across the region.

The Northern Middlesex Stormwater Collaborative (NMSC) works to address stormwater pollution and improve water quality through increased coordination, collaboration and communication on a regional level.

• Tools, Trainings, and Resources
  • Resources for Municipalities
  • Resources for Educators, Residents, Businesses, and Youth

For more information on NMCOG's stormwater management activities, contact Meghan Tenhoff.