The DC Department of the Environment (DDOE) has proposed new stormwater fees to be effective October 1, 2008. The increase is necessary to raise the approximately $13 million the District will need to meet federal requirements for controlling stormwater pollution. This fee has not been raised since 2001.
DDOE is accepting public comment on the proposed fee increase and will hold a public hearing September 15, 2008 at 6 pm at the Metropolitan Council of Governments, 777 North Capitol Street, NE. To testify, provide your name, address, telephone number and organization (if any) by September 12 to Dr. Hamid Karimi at this address.
For more details on stormwater fees and how to submit comments or testify at the hearing, please view the following documents:
Stormwater is a problem because it carries a lot of pollution along with it. Stormwater is defined as rainfall that does not soak into the ground, but instead flows over the land’s hard surface into the nearest water body through storm drain channels. In urban areas such as the District, much of the land is covered by impervious surfaces such as streets, buildings, parking lots and driveways. During rain storms, these impervious surfaces prevent rainfall from soaking into the soil. Instead, this stormwater drains into manmade drainage systems consisting of inlets and underground pipes commonly referred to as “storm sewers.” These storm sewers are not to be confused with sanitary sewers that transport human and industrial wastewaters to a treatment plant before discharging to surface waters. Stormwater entering storm sewers does not receive any treatment before it enters the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and Rock Creek.