Learn how to manage fallen leaves and protect local waterways this fall. Capital Strategic Solutions shares seasonal stormwater tips and highlights MS4 support for communities like Sudbury, Westminster, Plainville, and more.
The Fall Challenge: Beautiful Leaves, Big Impact
As the vibrant colors of fall blanket our communities, it’s easy to appreciate the beauty of the season, until those same leaves start clogging gutters, storm drains, and catch basins. Fallen leaves may seem harmless, but when left unmanaged, they can block stormwater flow, increase localized flooding, and introduce excess nutrients into our waterways.
At Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS), we work closely with communities across Massachusetts to support compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, helping towns and cities manage stormwater responsibly while keeping residents informed.
Keep Leaves Out of Storm Drains
Leaves and yard waste don’t belong in the street or near storm drains. When leaves pile up on curbs, they can block stormwater from flowing properly and carry pollutants into local rivers, streams, and ponds. Sweep leaves away from storm drains and dispose of them through your town’s yard waste program.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Take time to clean out gutters and downspouts. This helps prevent blockages and water backup that can damage your home and send debris into the stormwater system.
Compost Your Leaves
Instead of bagging leaves for disposal, consider composting! Composting turns leaves and other organic material into nutrient-rich soil, a sustainable solution that reduces waste and keeps leaves out of storm drains.
Avoid Piling Leaves Near the Road
When raking, avoid piling leaves directly along the roadside. Wind and rain can wash them into catch basins, where they decompose and release nutrients that fuel algae growth in waterways.
CSS’s Role in Stormwater Management
CSS proudly assists communities across the Commonwealth with public education, outreach, and compliance support under the MS4 permit. Our team works together with:
- Sudbury Department of Public Works
- Westminster Department of Public Works
- Plainville Department of Public Works
- The Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition (CMRSWC)
We’ve also collaborated with the Think Blue Massachusetts campaign, a statewide effort focused on educating residents about how everyday actions can make a big difference for clean water.
From designing seasonal outreach materials to developing community education campaigns and managing social media posts, CSS helps municipalities meet MS4 requirements while building stronger engagement with residents.
Protecting Water Starts at Home
Every small action, from cleaning a gutter to composting a pile of leaves, contributes to the health of our stormwater systems and the environment. As autumn continues, let’s all take a few moments to keep our neighborhoods clean, our drains clear, and our waterways protected.
If your community is looking for assistance with MS4 stormwater outreach, communications, or compliance support, Capital Strategic Solutions is here to help.
Contact us to learn how our team can partner with your municipality this season and beyond.
About Capital Strategic Solutions
CSS is a certified woman-owned, disadvantaged business enterprise of municipal experts delivering creative, cost-effective solutions that maximize success and minimize risk. With deep local government expertise, we craft tailored strategies to meet each community’s unique needs.
Our capabilities span public administration, municipal finance, human resources, policy development, emergency management, public safety, public works, water operations, interim municipal services, public relations, community engagement, project management, grant writing, and onsite support. We partner with clients to define clear goals, overcome challenges, and implement human-centered plans that drive performance and transform communities.