The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection promulgates 314 CMR 16.00 pursuant to the authority of the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act, M.G.L. c. 21, §§ 26 through 53 including, but not limited to, §§ 27 and 43A, and St. 2020, c. 322, § 2. 314 CMR 16.00 establishes requirements and procedures for notifying the public of sewage discharges and overflows into the surface waters of the Commonwealth to protect and preserve public health. The provisions set forth at 314 CMR 16.04, 16.05, 16.07, and 16.09 are required and enforceable as of July 6, 2022. Compliance with 314 CMR 16.00 does not relieve a person of any other obligations under state or federal law
A Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) is defined as any overflow, spill, release discharge or diversion of untreated or partially treated wastewater from a sanitary sewer system. The discharge or overflow of sewage into a building is not considered an SSO under 314 CMR 16.00.
If you suspect a SSO is occurring please contact Winchester Department of Public Works at 781-721-7109.
Under 314 CMR 16.00 Winchester is required to issue a public advisory notification for
a) any Sanitary Sewer Overflow that discharges through a wastewater outfall, either directly or indirectly, to a surface water of the Commonwealth
b) any SSO that flows into a surface water of the Commonwealth and is the result of the sanitary sewer system surcharging under high flow conditions when peak flows cannot be conveyed to a POTW due to capacity constraints.
c) any SSO that flows into a surface water of the Commonwealth and is the result of a failure of a wastewater pump station or associated force main designed to convey peak flows of one million gallons per day or greater.