Drainage Projects

Catch Basin / Drain Manhole Repair

This involves adjusting and repairing existing drainage structures throughout Town. There are over 3,300 catch basins in Town. If you notice damage to a catch basin, please notify the Department of Public Works at Phone: 978-640-4440 or use our Public Service Request portal.

Catch Basin Cleaning

Catch basin cleaning in the Town of Tewksbury includes the removal of trash and sediments collected in the sump using a clamshell bucket truck. It is important to maintain catch basins to prevent blockages and minimize the number of pollutants entering the storm drain systems which may eventually discharge into local streams, wetlands, and waterways. Catch basin cleaning is also part of the Town's ongoing effort to fulfill the Environmental Protection Agency National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (EPA's NPDES MS4) Stormwater Regulations requirements. For more information please visit the Town's Stormwater Management page: Stormwater Management Program

Catch basin cleaning is completed yearly by a contractor and alternates between catch basins located in different sections of the Town. With the establishment of the stormwater enterprise fund, the goal is to clean all the basins annually.

In addition annual catch basin cleaning minimizes clogs that result in the ponding of water along streets causing a nuisance to motorists, pedestrians, and businesses.

Outfall Mapping & Testing

The stormwater drainage system, which includes the outfalls, has been completed. All mapped outfalls will then be periodically tested as required under the EPA's NPDES MS4 Stormwater Regulations. The tests are used to detect contaminants that may be discharged from an outfall to our local streams, wetlands, and waterways.

Detention Basin Inspection & Rehabilitation

Throughout the Town of Tewksbury, there are nearly 50 publicly-owned detention basins. These serve the purpose of temporarily holding stormwater runoff to prevent flooding, filter out sediments from stormwater before it can flow into streams and rivers, and allow for groundwater recharge. Each of these basins is inspected on an annual basis to make sure that they are properly cleaned and maintained.

Rehabilitation is the process of clearing and cleaning out detention basins that have not been regularly maintained, and have become overgrown. Each year, a handful of basins are rehabilitated, bringing them back to a functioning state.