Douglas Stormwater Committee Rejects Consultant's Regulation Edits, Demands Explanation

DOUGLAS -- April 14, 2026, Douglas stormwater panel pumps the brakes on consultant's proposed regulation edits. The Douglas Stormwater By-Law Committee voted 5-0 Tuesday to approve its March 17 meeting minutes but declined to advance a package of proposed changes to the town's draft stormwater regulations submitted by the committee's consultant, Nick, who did not attend the April 14 meeting. Members raised consistent objections that the new language, including an expanded section 11 performance standards section and revised definitions, would be inconsistent with the already state-approved stormwater bylaw, potentially confusing applicants and the board. Member Les Stevens produced the original September 18, 2024 EPA compliance order that formed the committee and argued the approved bylaw already satisfies its sole cited requirement, part 2.3.6, letter A, Roman numeral 2 of the 2016 MS4 permit. Town Planner John Chauvinal said he would email the consultant the following morning, copying all members, to ask what the consequences are of not adopting the proposed changes and whether the existing bylaw is sufficient.