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1. What benefits do stormwater services provide?

Stormwater services protect people and property from flooding during storm events. Stormwater facilities are also an important roadway management tool because they allow for better roadway design to prolong roadway life.

2. What is a stormwater fee?

A stormwater utility fee would be used to pay for stormwater-related activities such as ongoing maintenance of the storm drain system, storm drain construction projects, street sweeping, and federal regulatory compliance for stormwater discharge.

3. Will the fee be used for anything other than stormwater improvements?

No, revenue collected through the stormwater fee can only be used for stormwater utility activities.

4. What is MS4 Permit compliance?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Water Sewer System. This refers to drainage systems that are not treated in a sewage treatment plant (nearly all stormwater systems in the western U.S. (including the MSD). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for stormwater runoff to reduce the discharge of pollutants from MS4s into surface waters such as rivers and streams. To maintain MS4 Permit Compliance, the justification must create and follow through with a plan to adhere to stormwater quality standards. Compliance includes litter prevention and cleanup, public education and involvement, regular water testing, code enforcement, and other pollution monitoring and prevention activities. The MSD is currently in compliance with all MS4 permit requirements.

5. Who would impose the stormwater fee?

The metro townships would impose the storm drain utility fee (along with the county for the unincorporated areas) and the MSD would use the revenue to provide the service.