The Town of Westford has historically had a local bylaw (Chapter 61: Hazardous Materials Storage), the purpose of which is to protect, preserve, and maintain the existing and potential groundwater supply, groundwater recharge areas, and surface water within the Town of Westford from contamination, and to protect public health, safety, and the environment in general.

Current Bylaw

Chapter 61: Hazardous Materials Storage Bylaw (PDF)

• This is the current bylaw which was approved at spring 2014 Town Meeting and subsequently through the MA State Attorney General's Office on October 30, 2014.
• The BOH is currently developing regulations to accompany the approved bylaw which will provide specifics including a timeline for implementation.

Current Hazardous Materials Storage & Underground Tank Regulation

• Approved February 19, 2015, Effective April 1, 2015 and Made to Accompany and Be Used With the Above Bylaw
• Hazardous Materials Storage and Underground Tank Regulation (PDF) (PDF)

Important Bylaw Points

The highlights include:

• Owners of above or below ground tanks and containers that store liquid Hazardous Materials in quantities greater than 50 gallons need to obtain a permit
• Fire and the Health Department will inspect permitted non residential establishments who store these Hazardous Materials for proper containment, labeling, and record keeping
• Owners of underground tanks containing No. 2 home heating oil tanks need a permit
• Owners of underground tanks storing hazardous materials or No. 2 home heating oil that are more than 15 years old will need to test the tanks, and repeat testing regularly in accordance with the by-law.