Background
In 1993, the Connecticut River Cleanup Committee (CRCC) formed to address combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the Connecticut River. CRCC is composed of representatives from five Massachusetts communities (Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, Ludlow, and South Hadley) and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC). Each of the five member communities are under Administrative Orders from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address negative water quality impacts to the Connecticut River from CSOs. CRCC was formed through the signing of an intergovernmental compact between the communities and PVPC. The committee is an action oriented entity that explores funding sources and opportunities for intermunicipal cooperation on river cleanup.
Stormwater and the Federal Mandate
In response to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Phase II program which came into effect in March of 2003, CRCC decided to form a Stormwater Subcommittee tasked with addressing the Public Education and Outreach requirements of the Phase II program. CRCC also decided to open membership to the Stormwater Subcommittee to any community within Hampshire and Hampden counties that is regulated under Phase II. PVPC mailed letters to all of the Phase II regulated communities in Hampshire and Hampden counties inviting their participation in the Stormwater Subcommittee. In August of 2005, the Stormwater Subcommittee formed between the nine member communities of Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, Ludlow, South Hadley, Agawam, Granby, Longmeadow, and Easthampton. In December 2007, Westfield and West Springfield joined the committee.
