Regulation of discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is necessary for the protection of the Town of Lanesborough's water bodies and groundwater, and to safeguard the public health, safety, welfare and the environment. Increased and contaminated stormwater runoff associated with developed land uses and the accompanying increase in impervious surface are major causes of impairment of water quality and flow in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater which result in the contamination of drinking water supplies; erosion of stream channels; alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat; and flooding. This bylaw establishes minimum stormwater management standards for the final conditions that result from development and redevelopment projects to minimize adverse impacts off-site and downstream which would be borne by abutters, townspeople and the general public.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Lanesborough 6-8-2021 ATM by Art. 26. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The objectives of this bylaw are:
A.
To require practices to control the flow of stormwater from new and redeveloped sites into the Town's storm drainage system in order to prevent flooding and erosion;
B.
To protect groundwater and surface water from degradation;
C.
To promote groundwater recharge;
D.
To prevent pollutants from entering the Town's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and to minimize discharge of pollutants from the MS4;
E.
To ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of structural stormwater best management practices so that they work as designed;
F.
To comply with state and federal statutes and regulations relating to stormwater discharges; and
G.
To establish Lanesborough's legal authority to ensure compliance with the provisions of this bylaw through inspection, monitoring and enforcement.
A.
No person may undertake a construction activity, including clearing, grading and excavation, that results in a land disturbance that will disturb equal to or greater than one acre of land or will disturb less than one acre of land but part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb equal to or greater than one acre of land draining to the Town of Lanesborough's municipal separate storm sewer system without a permit from the permit granting authority (PGA). Construction activity does not include routine maintenance that is performed to maintain the original line and grade, hydraulic capacity or the original purpose of the site.
B.
Construction activities that are exempt are:
(1)
Normal maintenance and improvement of land in agricultural use as defined by the Wetlands Protection Act regulation, 310 CMR 10.04;
(2)
Maintenance of existing landscaping, gardens or lawn areas associated with a single-family dwelling;
(3)
The construction of fencing that will not substantially alter existing terrain or drainage patterns;
(4)
Construction of utilities other than drainage (gas, water, electric, telephone, etc.) which will not alter terrain or drainage patterns;
(5)
Work activities of municipal, state or federal agencies or their agents outside of the Phase II boundaries as shown on the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II maps;
(6)
As authorized in the Phase II Small MS4 General Permit for Massachusetts, stormwater discharges resulting from the activities identified in this § 120-3 that are wholly subject to jurisdiction under the Wetlands Protection Act and demonstrate compliance with the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Policy as reflected in an order of conditions issued by the Conservation Commission are exempt from compliance with this bylaw.
A.
The permit granting authority (PGA) under this bylaw shall be the Lanesborough Planning Board. Such special permit shall be granted if the PGA determines in conjunction with the Conservation Commission and Highway Superintendent that the intent of this bylaw, as well as specific criteria, are met. The PGA shall not grant a special permit under this section unless the petitioner's application materials include, in the PGA's opinion, sufficiently detailed definite and credible information to support positive findings in relation to the standards given in this section. The PGA shall document the basis for any departures from the recommendations of the other Town boards or departments in its decision.
B.
The site owner or his agent shall file with the PGA 10 copies of a completed application package for a stormwater management permit (SMP). Permit issuance is required prior to any site-altering activity. While the applicant can be a representative, the permittee must be the owner of the site. The SMP application package shall include:
C.
Entry. Filing and application for a permit grants the PGA or its agent permission to enter the site to verify the information in the application and to inspect for compliance with the resulting permit.
D.
Other boards. The PGA shall give copies of the application package to the Conservation Commission and Highway Superintendent.
E.
Fee structure. The PGA shall obtain with each submission an application fee established by the PGA to cover expenses connected with the public hearing and application review of the stormwater management permit and a technical review fee sufficient to cover professional review. The PGA is authorized to retain a registered professional engineer or other professional consultant to advise the PGA on any or all aspects of these plans. Applicants must pay review fees before the review process may begin. Failure to pay any said fee(s) may result in the rejection of the application.
F.
Actions. The PGA's action, rendered in writing, shall consist of either:
(1)
Approval of the stormwater management permit application based upon determination that the proposed plan meets the standards in § 120-5B and will adequately protect the water resources of the community and is in compliance with the requirements set forth in this bylaw;
G.
Project completion. At completion of the project, the permittee shall submit as-built record drawings of all structural stormwater controls and treatment best management practices required for the site. The as-built drawing shall show deviations from the approved plans, if any, and be certified by a registered professional engineer.
A.
Application. The stormwater management plan shall contain sufficient information for the PGA to evaluate the environmental impact, effectiveness and acceptability of the measures proposed by the applicant for reducing adverse impacts from stormwater. The plan shall be designed to meet the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards and the current edition of the Department of Environmental Protection guidelines and policies. The stormwater management plan shall fully describe the project in drawings and narrative. It shall include:
(1)
Locus map;
(2)
The existing zoning, and land use at the site;
(3)
The proposed land use;
(4)
The location(s) of existing and proposed easements;
(5)
The location of existing and proposed utilities;
(6)
The site's existing and proposed topography with contours at two-foot intervals;
(7)
The existing site hydrology;
(8)
A description and delineation of existing stormwater conveyances, impoundments and wetlands on or adjacent to the site or into which stormwater flows;
(9)
A delineation of one-hundred-year floodplains, if applicable;
(10)
Estimated high groundwater elevation in areas to be used for stormwater retention, detention or infiltration;
(11)
The existing and proposed vegetation and ground surfaces with runoff coefficient for each;
(12)
A drainage area map showing pre- and post-construction watershed boundaries, drainage area and stormwater flow paths;
(13)
A description and drawings of all components of the proposed drainage system, including:
(a)
Locations, cross-sections and profiles of all brooks, streams, drainage swales and their method of stabilization;
(b)
All measures for the detention, retention or infiltration of water;
(c)
All measures for the protection of water quality;
(d)
The structural details for all components of the proposed drainage systems and stormwater management facilities;
(e)
Notes on drawings specifying materials to be used, construction specifications and typicals; and
(f)
Expected hydrology with supporting calculations;
(14)
Proposed improvements, including location of buildings or other structures, impervious surfaces, and drainage facilities, if applicable;
(15)
Timing, schedules, and sequence of development, including clearing, stripping, rough grading, construction, final grading, and vegetative stabilization;
(16)
A maintenance schedule for the period of construction;
(17)
A site-specific erosion and sediment control plan for land disturbance activities; and
(18)
Any other information requested by the PGA.
B.
Standards. Projects shall meet the standards of the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Policy, which are as follows:
(1)
No new stormwater conveyances (e.g., outfalls) may discharge untreated stormwater directly to or cause erosion in wetlands or water of the commonwealth.
(2)
Stormwater management systems must be designed so that post-development peak discharge rates do not exceed pre-development peak discharge rates.
(3)
Loss of annual recharge to groundwater should be minimized through the use of infiltration measures to the maximum extent practicable. The annual recharge from the post-development site should approximate the annual recharge rate from the pre-development or existing site conditions, based on soil types.
(4)
For new development within the MS4 areas, stormwater management systems must be designed to remove 90% of the average annual load (post-development conditions) of total suspended solids (TSS) and 60% of average annual load of total phosphorous. For re-development within the MS4 areas, stormwater management systems must be designed to remove 80% of average annual load of TSS and 50% of average annual load of total phosphorous. It is presumed that this standard is met when:
(5)
Stormwater discharges from areas with higher potential pollutant loads require the use of specific stormwater management BMPs, as outlined in the Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook as amended from time to time. The use of infiltration practices without pretreatment is prohibited.
(6)
Stormwater discharges within Wellhead Protection Areas and to critical areas must utilize certain stormwater management BMPs approved for critical areas (see MA DEP's Stormwater Management Volume I: Stormwater Policy Handbook). Critical areas are outstanding resource waters (ORWs), cold-water fisheries, and recharge areas for public water supplies.
(7)
Redevelopment of previously developed sites must meet the stormwater management standards to the maximum extent practicable. However, if it is not practicable to meet all the standards, new (retrofitted or expanded) stormwater management systems must be designed to improve existing conditions.
(8)
Erosion and sediment controls must be implemented to prevent impacts during disturbance and construction activities.
(9)
All stormwater management systems must have an operation and maintenance plan to ensure that systems function as designed.
(10)
When one or more of the standards cannot be met, an applicant may demonstrate that an equivalent level of environmental protection will be provided.
(11)
All illicit discharges to the stormwater management system are prohibited.
C.
Project changes. The permittee, or their agent, shall notify the PGA in writing of any change or alteration of a land-disturbing activity authorized in a stormwater management permit before any change or alteration occurs. If the PGA determines that the change or alteration is significant, based on the design requirements listed in this § 120-5 and accepted construction practices, the PGA may require that an amended stormwater management permit application be filed and a public hearing held. If any change or deviation from the stormwater management permit occurs during a project, the SPGA may require the installation of interim measures before approving the change.
An operation and maintenance plan (O&M plan) is required at the time of application for all projects. The maintenance plan shall be designed to ensure compliance with the permit, this bylaw and that the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00, are met in all seasons and throughout the life of the system. The operation and maintenance plan shall remain on file with the PGA and shall be an ongoing requirement. The O&M plan shall include:
A.
The name(s) of the owner(s) for all components of the system.
C.
Maintenance schedule for all drainage structures, including swales and ponds.
D.
List of easements, with the purpose and location of each.
E.
The signature(s) of the owner(s).
F.
Stormwater management easement(s).
(1)
Stormwater management easements shall be provided by the property owner(s) as necessary for:
(2)
The purpose of each easement shall be specified in the maintenance agreement signed by the property owner.
(3)
Stormwater management easements are required for all areas used for off-site stormwater control, unless a waiver is granted by the PGA.
(4)
Easements shall be recorded with the Berkshire County Registry of Deeds prior to issuance of a certificate of completion by the PGA.
G.
Changes to operation and maintenance plans.
(1)
The owner(s) of the stormwater management system must notify the PGA of changes in ownership or assignment of financial responsibility.
(2)
The maintenance schedule in the maintenance agreement may be amended to achieve the purposes of this bylaw by mutual agreement of the PGA and the responsible parties. Amendments must be in writing and signed by all responsible parties. Responsible parties shall include owner(s), persons with financial responsibility, and persons with operational responsibility.
The PGA may require the permittee to post, before the start of land disturbance or construction activity, a surety bond, irrevocable letter of credit, cash, or other acceptable security. The form of the bond shall be approved by Town Counsel, and be in an amount deemed sufficient by the PGA to ensure that the work will be completed in accordance with the permit. If the project is phased, the PGA may release part of the bond as each phase is completed in compliance with the permit, but the bond may not be fully released until the PGA has received the final inspection report as required by § 120-8D and issued a certificate of completion.
The PGA or its designee shall inspect the project site at the following stages:
A.
Initial site inspection: prior to approval of any plan.
B.
Erosion control inspection: to ensure erosion control practices are in accord with the filed plan.
C.
Bury inspection: prior to backfilling of any underground drainage stormwater conveyance structures.
D.
Final inspection: After the stormwater management system has been constructed and before the surety has been released, the applicant must submit a record plan detailing the actual stormwater management system as installed. The PGA or its agent shall inspect the system to confirm its "as-built" features. This inspector shall also evaluate the effectiveness of the system in an actual storm. If the inspector finds the system to be adequate he shall so report to the PGA, which will issue a certificate of completion.
E.
If the system is found to be inadequate by virtue of physical evidence of operational failure, even though it was built as called for in the stormwater management plan, it shall be corrected by the permittee before the performance guarantee is released. If the permittee fails to act, the Town of Lanesborough may use the surety bond to complete the work. Examples of inadequacy shall be limited to: errors in the infiltrative capability, errors in the maximum groundwater elevation, failure to properly define or construct flow paths, or erosive discharges from basins.
A.
The PGA may waive strict compliance with any requirement of this bylaw or the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, where such action is:
B.
Any applicant may submit a written request to be granted such a waiver. Such a request shall be accompanied by an explanation or documentation supporting the waiver request and demonstrating that strict application of the bylaws does not further the purposes or objectives of this bylaw.
C.
All waiver requests shall be discussed and voted on at the public hearing for the project.
D.
If, in the PGA's opinion, additional time or information is required for review of a waiver request, the PGA may continue the hearing to a date certain announced at the meeting. In the event the applicant objects to a continuance, or fails to provide requested information, the waiver request shall be denied.
The PGA will issue a letter certifying completion upon receipt and approval of the final inspection reports and/or upon otherwise determining that all work of the permit has been satisfactorily completed in conformance with this bylaw.
A.
The PGA or an authorized agent of the PGA shall enforce this bylaw, regulations, orders, violation notices, and enforcement orders, and may pursue all civil and criminal remedies for such violations.
B.
Orders.
(1)
The PGA or an authorized agent of the PGA may issue a written order to enforce the provisions of this bylaw or the regulations hereunder, which may include requirements to:
(a)
Cease and desist from construction or land-disturbing activity until there is compliance with the bylaw and the stormwater management permit;
(b)
Repair, maintain, or replace the stormwater management system or portions thereof in accordance with the operation and maintenance plan;
(c)
Perform monitoring, analysis, and reporting;
(d)
Remediate adverse impact resulting directly or indirectly from malfunction of the stormwater management system.
(2)
If the enforcing person determines that the abatement or remediation of adverse impacts is required, the order shall set forth a deadline by which such abatement or remediation must be completed. Said order shall further advise that, should the violator or property owner fail to abate or perform remediation within the specified deadline, the Town of Lanesborough may, at its option, undertake such work, and the property owner shall reimburse the Town's expenses.
(3)
Within 30 days after completing all measures necessary to abate the violation or to perform remediation, the violator and the property owner shall be notified of the costs incurred by the Town, including administrative costs. The violator or property owner may file a written protest objecting to the amount or basis of costs with the PGA within 30 days of receipt of the notification of the cost incurred. If the amount due is not received by the expiration of the time in which to file a protest or within 30 days following a decision of the PGA affirming or reducing the costs, or from a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the costs shall become a special assessment against the property owner and shall constitute a lien on the owner's property for the amount of said costs. Interest shall begin to accrue on any unpaid costs at the statutory rate provided in G.L. c. 59, § 57, after the 31st day at which the costs first become due.
B.
Regulation of illicit connections and discharges to the municipal storm sewer system is necessary for the protection of the Town's water bodies and groundwater, and to safeguard the public health, safety, welfare and the environment.
C.
The objectives of this bylaw are:
(1)
To prevent pollutants from entering the Town's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4);
(2)
To prohibit illicit connections and unauthorized discharges to the MS4;
(3)
To require the removal of all such illicit connections;
(4)
To comply with state and federal statutes and regulations relating to stormwater discharges; and
(5)
To establish the legal authority to ensure compliance with the provisions of this bylaw through inspection, monitoring, and enforcement.
For the purposes of this bylaw, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The Lanesborough Planning Board, its employees or agents designated to enforce this bylaw.
An activity, procedure, restraint, or structural improvement that helps to reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.), as hereafter amended.
The addition from any source of any pollutant or combination of pollutants into the municipal storm sewer system or into the waters of the United States or commonwealth from any source.
Water beneath the surface of the ground.
A surface or subsurface sewer or conveyance which allows an illicit discharge into the municipal storm sewer system, including without limitation sewage, process wastewater, or wash water and any connections from indoor drains, sinks, or toilets, regardless of whether said connection was previously allowed, permitted, or approved before the effective date of this bylaw.
Direct or indirect discharge to the municipal storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except as exempted in § 120-19. The term does not include a discharge in compliance with an NPDES stormwater discharge permit or a surface water discharge permit, or resulting from fire-fighting activities exempted pursuant to § 120-19 of this bylaw.
Any material or structure on or above the ground that prevents water infiltrating the underlying soil. Impervious surface includes without limitation roads, paved parking lots, sidewalks, and rooftops.
The system of conveyances designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater, including any road with a drainage system, street, gutter, curb, inlet, piped storm drain, pumping facility, retention or detention basin, natural or man-made or altered drainage channel, reservoir, and other drainage structure that together comprise the storm drainage system owned or operated by the Town of Lanesborough.
A permit issued by United States Environmental Protection Agency or jointly with the state that authorizes the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States.
Discharge to the municipal storm sewer system not composed entirely of stormwater.
An individual, partnership, association, firm, company, trust, corporation, agency, authority, department or political subdivision of the commonwealth or the federal government, to the extent permitted by law, and any officer, employee, or agent of such person.
Any element or property of sewage, agricultural, industrial or commercial waste, runoff, leachate, heated effluent, or other matter, whether originating at a point or nonpoint source, that is or may be introduced into any sewage treatment works or waters of the commonwealth. Pollutants may include, but are not limited to:
Paints, varnishes, and solvents;
Oil and other automotive fluids;
Nonhazardous liquid and solid wastes and yard wastes;
Refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or abandoned objects;
Ordnance, accumulations and floatables;
Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers;
Hazardous materials and wastes; sewage, fecal coliform and pathogens;
Dissolved and particulate metals;
Animal wastes;
Rock, sand, salt, soils;
Construction wastes and residues; and
Noxious or offensive matter of any kind.
Water which, during manufacturing or processing, comes into direct contact with or results from the production or use of any material, intermediate product, finished product, or waste product.
The process by which groundwater is replenished by precipitation through the percolation of runoff and surface water through the soil.
Stormwater runoff, snow melt runoff, and surface water runoff and drainage.
A permit issued by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) pursuant to 314 CMR 3.00 that authorizes the discharge of pollutants to waters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Any material which, because of its quantity, concentration, chemical, corrosive, flammable, reactive, toxic, infectious or radioactive characteristics, either separately or in combination with any substance or substances, constitutes a present or potential threat to human health, safety, welfare, or to the environment. Toxic or hazardous materials include any synthetic organic chemical, petroleum product, heavy metal, radioactive or infectious waste, acid and alkali, and any substance defined as toxic or hazardous under G.L. c. 21C and c. 21E, and the regulations at 310 CMR 30.000 and 310 CMR 40.0000.
Any sanitary waste, sludge, or septic tank or cesspool overflow, and water that, during manufacturing, cleaning or processing, comes into direct contact with or results from the production or use of any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, by-product or waste product.
A natural or man-made channel through which water flows or a stream of water, including a river, brook or underground stream.
All waters within the jurisdiction of the commonwealth, including, without limitation, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, springs, impoundments, estuaries, wetlands, costal waters, and groundwater.
This bylaw shall apply to flows entering the municipally owned storm sewerage system.
This bylaw is adopted under the authority granted by the Home Rule Amendment of the Massachusetts Constitution and the Home Rule Procedures Act, and pursuant to the regulations of the Federal Clean Water Act found at 40 CFR 122.34 and the Phase II ruling from the Environmental Protection Agency found in the December 8, 1999, Federal Register.
The Planning Board, in conjunction with the Highway Superintendent, shall administer, implement and enforce this bylaw. Any powers granted to or duties imposed upon the above may be delegated in writing by the above to employees or agents of the above.
The Planning Board may promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this bylaw. Failure by the Planning Board to promulgate such rules and regulations shall not have the effect of suspending or invalidating this bylaw.
A.
Illicit discharges. No person shall dump, discharge, cause or allow to be discharged any pollutant or non-stormwater discharge into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), into a watercourse, or into the waters of the commonwealth.
B.
Illicit connections. No person shall construct, use, allow, maintain or continue any illicit connection to the municipal storm sewer system, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under applicable law, regulation or custom at the time of connection.
C.
Obstruction of municipal storm sewer system. No person shall obstruct or interfere with the normal flow of stormwater into or out of the municipal storm sewer system without prior written approval from the Planning Board.
A.
Discharge or flow resulting from fire-fighting activities;
B.
The following non-stormwater discharges or flows are exempt from the prohibition of non-stormwaters, provided that the source is not a significant contributor of a pollutant to the municipal storm sewer system:
(1)
Water line flushing;
(2)
Flow from potable water sources;
(3)
Springs;
(4)
Natural flow from riparian habitats and wetlands;
(5)
Diverted stream flow;
(6)
Rising groundwater;
(7)
Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration as defined in 40 CFR 35.2005(20), or uncontaminated pumped groundwater;
(8)
Water from exterior foundation drains, footing drains (not including active groundwater dewatering systems), crawl space pumps, or air conditioning condensation;
(9)
Discharge from landscape irrigation or lawn watering;
(10)
Water from individual residential car washing;
(11)
Discharge from dechlorinated swimming pool water (less than one ppm chlorine), provided the water is allowed to stand for one week prior to draining and the pool is drained in such a way as not to cause a nuisance;
(12)
Discharge from street sweeping;
(13)
Dye testing, provided verbal notification is given to the Planning Board prior to the time of the test;
(14)
Non-stormwater discharge permitted under an NPDES permit or a surface water discharge permit, waiver, or waste discharge order administered under the authority of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Environmental Protection, provided that the discharge is in full compliance with the requirements of the permit, waiver, or order and applicable laws and regulations;
(15)
Discharge for which advanced written approval is received from the Planning Board as necessary to protect public health, safety, welfare or the environment; and
(16)
Discharge or flow that results from exigent conditions and occurs during a state of emergency declared by any agency of the federal or state government, or by the Town of Lanesborough Planning Board or Board of Health.
The Planning Board may suspend municipal storm sewer system access to any person or property without prior written notice when such suspension is necessary to stop an actual or threatened discharge of pollutants that presents imminent risk of harm to the public health, safety, welfare or the environment. In the event any person fails to comply with an emergency suspension order, the authorized enforcement agency may take all reasonable steps to prevent or minimize harm to the public health, safety, welfare or the environment.
Notwithstanding other requirements of local, state or federal law, as soon as a person responsible for a facility or operation, or responsible for emergency response for a facility or operation, has information of or suspects a release of materials at that facility or operation resulting in or which may result in discharge of pollutants to the municipal drainage system or waters of the commonwealth, the person shall take all necessary steps to ensure containment, and cleanup of the release. In the event of a release of oil or hazardous materials, the person shall immediately notify the municipal fire and police departments and the Planning Board and Board of Health. In the event of a release of nonhazardous material, the reporting person shall notify the Planning Board no later than the next business day. The reporting person shall provide to the Planning Board written confirmation of all telephone, facsimile or in-person notifications within three business days thereafter. If the discharge of prohibited materials is from a commercial or industrial facility, the facility owner or operator of the facility shall retain on-site a written record of the discharge and the actions taken to prevent its recurrence. Such records shall be retained for at least three years.
The Planning Board, in conjunction with the Highway Superintendent or an authorized agent, shall enforce this bylaw, regulations, orders, violation notices, and enforcement orders, and may pursue all civil and criminal remedies for such violations.
A.
Civil relief. If a person violates the provisions of this bylaw, regulations, permit, notice, or order issued thereunder, the Planning Board may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction restraining the person from activities which would create further violations or compelling the person to perform abatement or remediation of the violation.
B.
Orders.
(1)
The Planning Board or an authorized agent of the Planning Board may issue a written order to enforce the provisions of this bylaw or the regulations thereunder, which may include:
(2)
If the enforcing person determines that abatement or remediation of contamination is required, the order shall set forth a deadline by which such abatement or remediation must be completed. Said order shall further advise that, should the violator or property owner fail to abate or perform remediation within the specified deadline, the Town may, at its option, undertake such work, and expenses thereof shall be charged to the violator.
(3)
Within 30 days after completing all measures necessary to abate the violation or to perform remediation, the violator and the property owner will be notified of the costs incurred by the Town, including administrative costs. The violator or property owner may file a written protest objecting to the amount or basis of costs with the Planning Board within 30 days of receipt of the notification of the costs incurred. If the amount due is not received by the expiration of the time in which to file a protest or within 30 days following a decision of the Planning Board affirming or reducing the costs, or from a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the costs shall become a special assessment against the property owner and shall constitute a lien on the owner's property for the amount of said costs. Interest shall begin to accrue on any unpaid costs at the statutory rate provided in G.L. c. 59, § 57 after the 31st day at which the costs first become due.
C.
Criminal penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this bylaw, regulation, order or permit issued thereunder shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300. Each day or part thereof that such violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense.
D.
Entry to perform duties under this bylaw. To the extent permitted by state law, or if authorized by the owner or other party in control of the property, the Planning Board, its agents, officers, and employees may enter upon privately owned property for the purpose of performing their duties under this bylaw and regulations and may make or cause to be made such examinations, surveys or sampling as the Planning Board deems reasonably necessary.
E.
Appeals. The decisions or orders of the Planning Board shall be final. Further relief shall be to a court of competent jurisdiction.
F.
Remedies not exclusive. The remedies listed in this bylaw are not exclusive of any other remedies available under any applicable federal, state or local law.
The provisions of this bylaw are hereby declared to be severable. If any provision, paragraph, sentence, or clause of this bylaw or the application thereof to any person, establishment, or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions or application of this bylaw.