Stormwater Mitigation and Implementation Committee

The Stormwater Mitigation and Implementation Committee grew out of, and supercedes, the Lake Wyola Stormwater Erosion Task Force, established by the Select Board on 6/17/2024.  The Committee's five members were appointed at the 5/26/2026 Select Board meeting and given their charge as follows below.

Purpose
The Stormwater Mitigation and Implementation Committee (SMIC) is established as a standing body of the Selectboard.  Its primary mandate is to implement and manage the specific projects, priorities, and funding strategies developed and recommended by the Lake Wyola Stormwater Erosion Task Force to address the adverse impacts of stormwater runoff on Lake Wyola and adjacent infrastructure.  The SMIC moves the effort from the planning phase into the execution phase and expands its reach town-wide.  The first phase of the committee’s work will center on Lake Wyola.

Charge
The SMIC shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following core duties:

1) Project Adoption and Prioritization:

  • Formally review and adopt the final report, priority list, and project proposals (including phasing) submitted by the Lake Wyola Stormwater Erosion Task Force.

  • Maintain the adopted priority list and update it as necessary based on changes in engineering requirements, available funding, or permitting conditions, reporting any significant changes to the Selectboard and Conservation Commission.

2) Engineering, Permitting, and Design:

  • Oversee and collaborate with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) and GZA GeoEnvironmental to develop detailed designs and cost estimates for prioritized projects/phases.

  • Secure all necessary permits and approvals from local, state, and federal agencies, including the Conservation Commission (under the Wetlands Protection Act), MA DCR, and MA DEP.

3) Funding Acquisition and Management:

  • Actively prepare and submit grant applications to secure local, state (e.g., MSBA, state EPA), and federal funding, and manage all associated reporting requirements.

  • Manage dedicated funds received via grants, Town appropriation, or the Lake Wyola Association, ensuring expenditures comply with grant terms and Town accounting procedures.

4) Implementation and Construction Oversight:

  • Solicit bids and contract with qualified contractors for the construction and implementation of the stormwater mitigation projects.

  • Supervise and oversee construction work, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and strictly according to approved engineering specifications and permits.

5) Long-Term Stewardship:

  • Develop and implement a long-term maintenance and monitoring plan for all completed stormwater mitigation infrastructure (e.g., sedimentation basins, check dams, and drainage improvements).

  • Establish a resident education and outreach program to promote best management practices for erosion control on private property.

6) Reporting and Coordination:

  • Maintain regular coordination and liaison with the Town of Shutesbury Highway Department of regarding road maintenance and drainage improvements.

  • Provide quarterly updates and presentations on progress, budget status, and upcoming phases to the Selectboard, Conservation Commission, and the Lake Wyola Association/Advisory Committee.Term and Membership

Term and Membership
The SMIC shall be a standing committee of the Town of Shutesbury. The Selectboard shall appoint no less than five (5) voting members, who shall serve staggered three-year terms.  Membership shall be appointed to ensure representation and expertise in the following areas where possible:

  • One Conservation Commission Member

  • One Lake Wyola Advisory Committee Member

  • One Energy and Climate Action Committee Member

  • Highway Department Superintendent or their designated representative.

  • One member with civil engineering, environmental science, or project management expertise.

The Town Administrator shall serve as a non-voting, ex-officio liaison to the committee.