Zoning subcommittee forwards stormwater ordinance to full council to meet MS4 reporting requirements

The Revere City Zoning Subcommittee on Oct. 6 voted to forward an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance addressing stormwater management, saying the change is a housekeeping action to keep the city in compliance with EPA MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) reporting requirements.

Chris Chermel, who addressed the panel as a designee, told the subcommittee: “I believe this is the ordinance, set forth to keep us in check with the MS 4 reporting.” The subcommittee recorded a unanimous favorable recommendation among members present and will send the ordinance to the full City Council for consideration.

Why it matters: The amendment seeks to align the city's zoning regulations with federal MS4 reporting obligations administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which require municipalities with regulated storm sewer systems to implement controls that reduce pollutant discharges.

The subcommittee chair called for the vote after describing the changes as aligned with the new MS4 reporting guidelines. Councilors Argencio, Grama Sawaya, Novosalski and Chairman Zambuto voted yes on the favorable recommendation; Councilor Jaramillo was absent for the vote. The committee did not record any amendments to the proposed ordinance in the subcommittee meeting.

The ordinance as proposed will be forwarded to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation for further consideration and any required public hearings.