Stormwater / MS4
Managing Rain -- or "Stormwater" -- Runoff
Stormwater is the rainfall or snowmelt which results from precipitation. Years ago, when rain or snow fell it would be absorbed slowly into the ground. This natural filtration is best for our eco-system. But now, hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, roofs, and streets prevent infiltration. This creates stormwater "run-off" and is why communities have storm sewer systems. Catch basins, underground pipes, and outfalls manage rain & snow by moving it elsewhere. Storm drains keep roads safe and help prevent flooding but can also create problems.
How Groton Manages its Stormwater / MS4* reporting
- Notice of the Public Review period for the 2023 MS4 Annual Report*: Feb. 15 - March 20, 2024
- MS4 2023 Annual Report Draft for Public Review and 2023 Annual Report Catchment Ranking Addendum
- MS4 2022 Annual Report and 2022 Annual Report Catchment Ranking Addendum
- MS4 2021 Annual Report and 2021 Annual Report Catchment Ranking Addendum
- Town of Groton Stormwater Management Plan April 1, 2017
Learn about "Illicit Discharges" to Storm Drains (Illegal Dumping or Accidental Releases)
- How to Report Illicit Discharges
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program and Illicit Stormwater Discharge Ordinance No. 288
- Find Planning or Zoning Commission or Inland Wetland Agency Public Mtg. Notices, Agendas, &/or Minutes
- Check on project applications that disturb 1+ acres & do not require land use approval
- If you live near or enjoy the Mystic River: https://www.alliancemrw.org
- If you live near or enjoy Baker Cove or Birch Plain Creek: https://conservect.org/eastern/watershed-committees
- If you live near or enjoy Thames River: https://thamesriverbasinpartnership.org
- If your interest is Groton area waters & sampling efforts: https://cushinc.org
- If your interest is local Conservation more broadly: https://www.grotonconservationadvocates.org
- If your interest is Groton land conservation: https://www.gosaonline.org
- If your interest is the larger Long Island Sound watershed: Save the Sound or Long Island Sound Study
- If your interest is CT policy & governance: Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection :: Stormwater & Water-Quality
- If your interest is US policy & governance: Environmental Protection Agency