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City warned new MS4 permit could require costly inspections, prompting resubmitted comments
Summary
Public Works Director Jason Mitchell told council the DEQ's draft MS4 permit would require inspections covering 80% of the stormwater system within five years and sanitary-sewer inspections that staff estimate could cost nearly $1,000,000 annually; Hampton plans to resubmit two major comments during the public comment period.
Public Works Director Jason Mitchell briefed the council on the draft municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit and warned that two requirements in the draft would significantly expand inspection responsibilities and costs. He said the draft would require the city to inspect 80% of its stormwater system within the five-year permit term. "The proposed MS4 permit requires the city to inspect 80% of our stormwater system within the 5 year permit term," Mitchell said.
Mitchell also highlighted a separate draft requirement to inspect a large portion of the sanitary sewer system for illicit discharges; staff estimated inspecting 240,000 linear feet annually could cost almost $1,000,000. He noted the city had inspected about 40% of the system in 2023 at a cost of approximately $4,000,000 using ARPA funds, and that the city's stormwater fund currently spends about $13,000,000 a year. Mitchell said staff had met with DEQ, requested adjustments on those two items, and would resubmit comments during the public comment period (public notices were published 12/29/2023 and 01/05/2024; the comment period closed Jan. 30).
