With each passing year, cities and towns are faced with increased requirements, under the federal Clean Water Act, to protect and restore water quality in our streams, rivers, lakes and coastal waters. These mandates require communities to ensure they appropriately operate and maintain stormwater public drainage systems that collect, store, treat, and discharge stormwater runoff in order to reduce water pollution. They must also encourage and require that property owners reduce their impacts on water quality. All while accommodating growth and development, which may require an expansion of the public stormwater management system. The future sustainability of these public systems depends on a steady stream of revenue, which more equitably shares the costs of stormwater management and pollution prevention by tying them directly to the sources of stormwater runoff and pollution. So in response, a stormwater service charge program has been implemented by the City of Portland, similar to other municipalities, in order to fund the required upgrades and on-going maintenance of its stormwater management systems and water quality programs.
Stormwater utilities or service fees are often based on a property’s impervious area and can become substantial for property owners with large building footprints and parking lots. But many municipalities offer credit programs that can reduce the amount a property owner has to pay, providing they implement and maintain stormwater management and pollution prevention systems that reduce the community’s overall cost of meeting its Clean Water Act obligations. This panel discussion will focus on the City of Portland Stormwater Service Charge – why it is needed by the City and what measures property owners can take to qualify for credits. Participants will also learn what fees/credits other municipalities in Maine such as Bangor and Lewiston, and in other areas of the United States have implemented and/or are planning, and hear first-hand how property owners have successfully improved the quality of their stormwater runoff while reducing their stormwater service bills.
Meet our Presenters:
- Scott Collins: Managing Principal and Senior Engineer at St.Germain Collins
- Brian DesMarais: Environmental Protection Manager at Waste Management
- Doug Roncarati: Stormwater Program Coordinator with the City of Portland
About the Event:November 10, 2016 – 7:30AM to 9:00AMDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel363 Maine Mall RoadSouth Portland, MEBuffet Breakfast: 7:30-8:00 amProgram: 8:00-9:00 amRegistering for this Event:Member: $45 pp | Non-Member: $55 pp Prices increase by $10 after November 3Your RSVP is requested by November 3, 2016. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend or who cancels after November 3. Visit www.mereda.org for more information and to register.This MEREDA “Morning Menu” Breakfast Event is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank and St. Germain Collins
