The Acushnet Board of Selectmen delved into discussions about the town’s compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitting process, a regulatory requirement aimed at improving stormwater quality. The permit involves six minimum control measures, each necessitating specific actions and progress. Ongoing initiatives include outfall mapping, inspections, wet weather sampling, and data analysis to identify and investigate potential illicit connections indicative of pollutants exceeding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benchmarks.

The board expressed concerns over the current stormwater infrastructure’s capacity to handle both quality and quantity, debating whether it could keep pace with the town’s development. In line with these concerns, the board considered potential upgrades and additions to the system. The management of construction and post-construction site runoff was also debated, with the development of draft stormwater bylaws in progress to prevent large developers from bypassing regulations. The authority for stormwater management could potentially be delegated to the Conservation Commission, which possesses expertise in the Wetland Protection Act.

Financial implications were a significant topic, as the board weighed the ongoing costs of MS4 requirements against the town’s budget. The possibility of establishing Enterprise funds to offset these costs was discussed. Moreover, the board proposed conducting nitrogen load tests in the river to track nitrogen levels and identify sources of contamination, a step in environmental stewardship. Flooding issues in solar fields due to inadequately designed stormwater basins prompted frustration among the board members, who emphasized the need for regulations mandating a safe distance between stormwater basins and groundwater levels to prevent future flooding.

The board also debated the design and maintenance of infiltration basins, acknowledging failures due to improper design and inadequate soil and groundwater level testing. Amendments to the stormwater bylaw were proposed to ensure comprehensive testing before basin design. Additionally, a differentiation in regulations for large-scale solar fields and smaller residential developments was discussed to facilitate individual property development without excessive hindrance.

Infrastructure maintenance surfaced as another issue, particularly the condition of Mle Road, which was reported to have numerous potholes and safety concerns. The board considered short-term solutions, such as overlaying the road with asphalt, and recognized the need for a long-term improvement plan involving fund allocation and coordination with the Department of Public Works (DPW).

Administrative matters were also addressed, including the review of town meeting articles, most of which were deemed housekeeping items or placeholders for finalization. The need to finalize budget figures for the Council on Aging and CATV articles was noted. Furthermore, the meeting touched upon the senior work program’s pay rate, suggesting an increase from 8 to 10 dollars per hour, and the success of the youth program. The board discussed the relocation of monuments from the old Russell Library to Parting Ways. A grant program for workplace safety, requiring a safety audit of town buildings, was also mentioned, along with the upcoming Eagle Scout ceremony and regional cooperation prospects with Fair Haven. Ongoing discussions with representatives about funding for sidewalks and handicapped ramps on Slab Street were acknowledged before the motion to adjourn concluded the meeting.