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Stormwater briefing: MS4 compliance, 14 of 20 watershed studies complete; fees to remain steady for now
Summary
The city's water resources engineer reported on MS4 permit obligations, a FY17 stormwater budget of about $9.6M and progress on watershed studies (14 of 20 complete). Staff said fee increases recommended two years earlier are not required this year partly due to the regional SWIFT initiative.
Brian Lewis, the city's new water resources engineer, briefed council on the stormwater program and municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit obligations. He said the city operates on a FY17 stormwater budget of roughly $9.6 million and has completed 14 of 20 watershed studies used to prioritize projects.
Lewis explained the MS4 permit requires TMDL (total maximum daily load) reductions for the Chesapeake Bay and Back River and that watershed studies will inform project selection that maximizes pollutant‑reduction credits at the lowest cost. He listed Phase 3 and other FY17 projects, including Air Power Park water‑quality improvements, Lynnhaven Lake outfall work and Old Northampton drainage improvements.
Staff told council the stormwater fee will remain steady for the next few years based on current forecasts and because the regional SWIFT proposal may change future capital needs. Lewis described the ERU (equivalent residential unit) basis for billing (2,429.9 sq ft) and said businesses are billed on multiples of that unit. He said staff will return with comparative ERU information for peer localities and with additional detail for the public presentation.
