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MS4 update: town reports multiple outfalls with E. coli above safe recreational levels
Summary
DPW presented the annual MS4 (stormwater) update and wet‑weather sampling results; one outfall at Angelo Drive measured E. coli >2,419 per 100 mL (safe recreational level ~200), and staff said 4 of 5 samples exceeded safe swimming thresholds; councilors discussed public education and potential future permit-driven costs.
The town’s Department of Public Works presented its annual MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer system) update at the Aug. 21 council meeting and reported preliminary wet‑weather sampling that found elevated E. coli concentrations at several outfalls.
Deputy Public Works Director Leo LaVielette (speaker 10) told the council that of five outfalls sampled this year one—at Angelo Drive—returned a laboratory result of greater than 2,419 E. coli per 100 milliliters, compared with a commonly used recreational safety threshold of about 200 per 100 mL. ‘‘This issue was addressed by the Department of Public Works, and the resident was asked by the property manager to stop disposing of that waste into the catch basin,’’ LaVielette said, describing an investigation that found improperly disposed pet waste at the site.
LaVielette and engineering interns outlined the town’s five MCMs required by the NPDES MS4 permit and explained that the town’s sampling program is still small and not yet sufficient to trend long‑term changes. Councilors discussed catch‑basin labeling, continued sampling, and the possibility that future iterations of the permit will add requirements (including more wet‑weather testing and possibly PFAS sampling), with associated staffing and budget implications.
The council thanked the DPW team for the work and urged public education measures—particularly about pet waste—as staff continue sampling and map priority outfalls.
