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Oro Valley reports ADEQ approval of MS4 annual report; Sierra Wash work under way, FEMA reply awaited on Glover Road grant
Summary
Town staff told the Stormwater Utility Commission that the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality reviewed and confirmed the town met Phase 2 MS4 annual-report requirements for July 2023–June 2024; the town has issued a notice to proceed on Sierra Wash repairs and is awaiting a FEMA decision on a Glover Road grant.
Dennis Roberts, director, told the Oro Valley Stormwater Utility Commission on March 20 that the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality reviewed the town’s Phase 2 MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer system) annual report for the July 2023–June 2024 reporting period and “have confirmed that it met all criteria.”
Roberts said the ADEQ review included related materials such as the town stormwater management plan website and the illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) activity summary. “The department expressed their appreciation for the town's effort to comply with the environmental requirements,” he said.
The director reported the town issued a notice to proceed for the Sierra Wash erosion-mitigation and infrastructure-rehabilitation project near Via Mandarina and Sierra Wash. Roberts said the notice to proceed was issued March 20 and that construction is scheduled to be completed June 30.
Roberts also said the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs is expecting a response from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the town’s grant application for the Glover Road at Sierra Wash project “by late April.” He described the Glover Road project as an erosion-mitigation and infrastructure-rehabilitation effort and said staff will share updates when FEMA’s decision is received.
On utility finances, Council liaison Harry Green told the commission that the Oro Valley Town Council voted earlier in the week “6 with 1 abstention to go out for private bonds to fund the water utilities,” and that the town secured a very good rate. Separately during the meeting Roberts said the planned stormwater utility rate increase was postponed so the utility could coordinate with other departments; staff will continue outreach and provide updates.
Roberts also told commissioners that the commission’s previous ADEQ MS4 audit comments had been resolved following the department’s inspection of town facilities on Nov. 14. He said public works, planning and zoning, and community and economic development had coordinated to address technical questions and that staff will provide outreach materials about the rate proposal when appropriate.
Votes at a glance: The commission approved the Jan. 16, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote (motion moved by Richard, seconded; no opposition recorded). The meeting later adjourned on a voice vote after a motion to adjourn.
The director concluded his report with a timeline of near-term events and projects and said staff will follow up with the commission as FEMA and other partners respond to pending grant and design inquiries.
