News

On-site data collection during Westford’s town-wide culvert assessment.

Vice President Emily Scerbo and Project Manager Cassandra LaRochelle co-authored an article with partners from the Town of Westford, MA in the Fall 2025 New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) Journal, discussing a decade-long collaborative effort to develop and implement a long-term strategic vision for Westford’s stormwater infrastructure.

The article highlights the Town’s proactive approach to planning prior to the 2016 EPA Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit for Massachusetts, including getting community buy-in for a stormwater utility through education and public outreach efforts.

The adoption of a stormwater master plan was aided by two grant-funded supplemental projects, allowing the Town to leverage its investment in stormwater management with state and federal funding. After the adoption of the master plan, our team conducted a conditions assessment on culvert structures throughout the Town, then identified and prioritized culverts for replacement. Westford took immediate action to address critical culverts, and has replaced two culverts in the past five years, with another three currently in design. Using the annual stormwater quality operating budget, the Town has also replaced other, smaller pipe culverts in poor condition.

This stormwater management master plan can serve as a blueprint for other communities to develop a sustainable and cost-effective stormwater program that addresses water quality, environmental stewardship, and public safety.