by Nancy Hammett Belmont, like other urban communities throughout the country, must obtain a “permit” under the Federal Clean Water Act in order to discharge water from its storm drains into local streams and ponds. This permit (the “Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System” or “MS4” permit) imposes a number of responsibilities on the town. These requirements have been in effect in Massachusetts since 2003 and a new version of the permit is in the offing. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expects to issue the new regulations by the end of this year, and they will take effect six months [READ MORE]