stormwater public meeting 2nd draft
TRANSCRIPT
August 19, 2021
Warminster Municipal Authority Stormwater Public Meeting
Agenda1. What is Stormwater Management
2. Warminster Stormwater System
3. Stormwater Purchase
4. Warminster Stormwater Challenges
5. Stormwater Advisory Group (SAG)
6. Next Steps and Meeting Follow Up
1. What is Stormwater?
After a rainstorm water that does not seep into the ground is stormwater.
Stormwater flows from streets, construction sites, parking lots and buildings into local streams and rivers.
Any water runoff can transport pollutants into streams and rivers.
Stormwater 101-Urban Environment
Stormwater Runoff Pollutants Industrial/Commercial
Residential
Agricultural
Open Space
2. Warminster Stormwater System• Consists of stormwater pipes, inlets and related
infrastructure located throughout the Township
• 268,179 Linear Feet of Pipe, 2131 Inlets, 96 Outfalls
• Condition of system – NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
Example Capital Improvement Needs
Example Capital Improvement Needs
Example Capital Improvement Needs
3. Stormwater Purchase An agreement of sale was finalized between the
Township and Authority boards in September 2020 for $6 million.
Previous value estimates of the stormwater system by Public Financial Management (PFM) ranged between $0-$10 million.
Township was not in financial position to sell the system for $0.
Why Transfer Stormwater Program to WTMA?
Provide dedicated funding to properly operate, maintain and improve facilities in addition to complying with federal and state regulations.
Dedicated funding derived from stormwater fees based on equitable considerations.
Authority is structured and best equipped to maintain and operate the stormwater system.
WTMA Stormwater Program
Operation & Maintenance
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Compliance
Administrative
Capital Improvements
4. Warminster Stormwater Challenges
Challenge #1: Tightening Regulations
Challenge #2: Aging Infrastructure
Challenge #3: Dedicated Funding
Challenge #4: Reduce Pollution in Streams
Challenge #1: Tightening Regulations MS4 Permit requires implementation of a Pollutant
Reduction Plan over next 5 years.
2018 MS4 Permit requires funding and staffing necessary to fully comply with increased regulations, including Best Management Practices (BMP).
Growing number of communities will be fined for non-compliance.
Regulatory Requirements Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
Operates under Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permit.
Permittee must develop and implement a stormwater management program to reduce the contamination of stormwater runoff and prohibit illicit discharges.
Fines will be imposed for non-compliance.
DEP Permit Requirements A complete map is required for submittal.
Plans need to be fully implemented and documented.
Pollution Reduction Plan for local impairments must be included.
Budget for additional staff for required administration, inspections and document review.
MS4 Minimum Control Measures (MCMs)
1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Involvement and Participation
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management
6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
Challenge #2: Aging Infrastructure
A portion of system has operational infrastructure
Significant portions of pipes and facilities have reached the end of their useful life
Challenge #3: Dedicated Funding
Historically, the township has funded stormwater management through tax revenues, but stormwater management has not had dedicated funding since 2013.
Why is Dedicated Funding Needed?
Meet and comply with increasing regulatory requirements.
Effectively manage aging stormwater infrastructure.
Prioritize and strategically implement capital improvements.
Why Implement a Stormwater Fee? Provides a dedicated source of funds
Funds directed solely to stormwater management
Fairly (equitably) apportions stormwater fees to each property based upon its contribution of stormwater to the system.
Based upon impervious area = “contribution to the problem”
Grant Opportunities
DCED Watershed Restoration Grant
• Applied in May 2021 -$300,000.00
PADEP Growing Greener Grant
• Awards up to $300,000.00 w/15% Match
DCED Flood Mitigation Program
• Awards up to $500,000.00 w/15% Match
Challenge #4: Polluted Streams
Urban stormwater runoff is the number one source of surface water pollution in the United States.
Unlike wastewater, stormwater does not get treated.
Roles & Responsibilities – Warminster Township
Enforcement of Township Stormwater Management Ordinances
Management of all land development projects
Establishing new stormwater operation and maintenance agreements
Before/After
Before/After
Before/After
Before/After
Before/After
Before/After
Before
Before/After
5. Stormwater Advisory Group (SAG)
Provide guidance for the Stormwater Management Program
Evaluate Fee Structure, Appeal Process and Credit Policy
Stormwater Advisory Group (SAG) State Senator Maria
Collett
Ann’s Choice
Archbishop Wood
Brixmore Shoprite Shopping
Center
Centennial SD
Christ’s Home
Double H Plastics
Nativity of Our Lord
O’Neil Nissan
Petrucci Properties The Station at Bucks Jacksonville Station
SEPTA Warminster Township
Park & Rec
Five Ponds Golf Club
EAC Committee
Westover Companies Giant Shopping Center
6. What is Next? Stormwater engineer is finalizing Impervious Area (IA)
calculation
Finalize fee structure
Develop Operation and Maintenance Schedule
Billing System Updates
Develop a Stormwater Fee Resolution for Adoption
Thank you for attending!
For more information visit:www.warminsterauthority.com
Contact:Daulton George, Assistant Manager/ Stormwater Program Manager
Vanessa Nedrick, P.E., MSEM, Senior Associate, Regional ManagerRemington & Vernick Engineers