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City updates public on stormwater utility study; awarded private grant to complete technical analysis
Summary
City staff briefed the commission on stormwater planning, federal/state MS4 obligations and a $50,000 private grant to fund AE2S-led spatial analysis of impervious surfaces and billing options as the city prepares for potential stormwater utility development.
City staff told the Livingston City Commission on Sept. 16 that the city is preparing for state and federal stormwater obligations and has contracted outside experts to complete a spatial and billing analysis that would underpin any future stormwater utility.
City Manager Shannon Gager summarized prior work and regulatory context: municipalities with certain population or lodging levels must comply with the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) program under the Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, part of the federal Clean Water Act structure. Gager said the American Community Survey shows Livingston approaching a population figure that would trigger MS4 requirements.
Gager said the city was briefly in line for an EPA grant that was later rescinded, but that a private foundation associated with Headwaters Economics awarded $50,000 to fund a study. “We were awarded $50,000, again, from a nonprofit associated with Headwaters Economics to continue this evaluation,” Gager said.
Consultants from AE2S will work with city IT and public-works staff to map impervious surface on every commercial, industrial and multifamily parcel and a representative sample of single-family lots; staff will also review the city billing system and draft ordinances needed to operate a utility. The analysis will inform several options, including a flat fee, an impervious-area charge, or a hybrid approach.
Public commenters described local flooding that they said demonstrates need for action. Michelle Lamley of 326 South K Street showed a photo and said the street floods after minor rainfall: “That picture was taken after just a quarter inch rainfall… our major concern is that it is coming up our driveway after a quarter inches of rain, and we’re very concerned about flooding risks to our home.”
Staff said AE2S’s draft findings and a recommended path forward are expected in late October or early November; commissioners asked staff to continue outreach and noted that a utility, if pursued, would require policy and ordinance work and follow-up hearings before any billing begins.
