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Stormwater

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1. Has stormwater utility been used anywhere else?

Yes. There are many stormwater utilities in large and small communities throughout the nation, with many more in the planning stages. Locally, there are 32 municipalities in South Carolina who have implemented stormwater utilities based on a survey conducted in 2012.

2. Why do we need a Stormwater Utility?

There are two main reasons. First, additional revenue is needed for stormwater operations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring the Town of Fort Mill, and numerous other municipalities, to improve stormwater operations to prevent pollution and improve stormwater quality as part of the "National Pollution Discharge Elimination System." Second, dedicated revenue is needed to maintain and improve the stormsewer system.

3. What is a Stormwater Utility?

A stormwater utility is similar to water, sewer and other utilities that you are familiar with. These utilities charge a fee for services provided. In this case, the service is the control of storm water runoff through construction, operation and maintenance of the stormwater system within the Town’s municipal limits.

4. What is stormwater and why does it need to be managed?

Federal laws regulating stormwater runoff require Town of Fort Mill to manage the stormwater that runs off impervious surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or rooftops. Stormwater runoff carries pollutants directly to our streams and rivers creating flooding issues and contaminating our local waterways.

To learn more about the impacts of stormwater runoff, please visit the Stormwater Department website.

5. What is the concern about stormwater quality?

A major storm water quality concern is "non-point source pollution". As the name implies, non-point source pollution comes from numerous locations and is carried through runoff. The types of pollutants include:

• Fecal coliform bacteria from leaking sanitary sewers, farm animal and pet waste
• Metals
• Nutrients
• Oils
• Toxins

These directly impact water quality and now represent the number one pollution source to our waterways. Activities such as street sweeping, elimination of leaking sanitary sewers, and increased cleaning of storm drains can control these pollutants.

6. What are some examples of drainage problems?

Drainage problems may include roadway or structural flooding, clogged or failing underground pipes and culverts, stream bank erosion and stormwater pollution affecting a stream.

7. Doesn't stormwater runoff go into the sanitary sewer?

No. Only sewage is collected and transported to Town’s Wastewater treatment plant by the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater flows through the storm sewer systems, ditches, and channels. It empties into our streams, ponds, and lakes. It would be too expensive to size the sanitary sewers to convey and treat stormwater in the same manner as sanitary sewage.

The volume of sewage generated by our homes and businesses each day is insignificant compared to the volume of stormwater runoff generated during a rainstorm. The better solution is to prevent the entry of pollutants into the stormwater system in the first place.

8. Why do we need to spend more for stormwater?

Historically, the allocation of funds has not been sufficient to address all of the Town’s storm water service needs. State and federal laws also require that municipalities address the environmental impacts of stormwater pollution, but do not provide the funds to do it. Consequently, the Town must investigate alternative means for raising revenue.

9. What is the Town’s responsibility for stormwater?

The Town is also responsible for the water quality of natural streams within its jurisdiction as defined by the State and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Town does not maintain facilities that are located on private property or that fall under the jurisdiction of other governmental jurisdictions.

10. What services are funded by money collected from the Stormwater Utility fee?

The stormwater utility will provide the funds necessary to provide for the administration, maintenance, and improvement of the Town’s stormwater systems. Some of the services tied to the stormwater program include:

• Capital improvement projects
• Construction inspection
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Increased street sweeping and leaf collection
• Public education and outreach
• State and Federal regulatory compliance
• System routine inspection and maintenance within the Town owned right-of-way
• Water quality monitoring of local waterways
• Watershed planning

11. What is the basis for the fees?

The stormwater utility fee charges properties in Fort Mill based on that property’s contribution to the need for stormwater management. The utility uses the square footage of impervious surface, or surface that water is unable to soak into, on a property as the primary basis for the fee.

The vast majority of utilities across the country have found this to be the most equitable way to charge and collect revenues for this program. A stormwater utility fee is similar to a water or sewer fee. In essence, customers pay a fee related to the amount of runoff generated from their site, which is directly related to the amount of impervious surface on the site.

12. What is impervious surface?

Impervious surface means a surface composed of any material that significantly impedes or prevents natural infiltration of water into the soil. Impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, roofs, buildings, streets, parking areas, and any concrete, asphalt, or compacted gravel surface.

13. How do you determine what I owe?

The Town measures the amount of impervious surface (roofs, sidewalks, driveway, parking lot, etc.) using the number of Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) per property. 1 ERU is equal to 3,473 square feet, which is the median amount of impervious area found on a typical single-family residential property in Fort Mill. All single-family residential properties are charged one ERU.

Other properties are charged in proportion to this billing unit based on the calculated number of ERUs for the existing impervious area multiplied by the ERU rate. For example, if your property has four times the amount of impervious area of one ERU, you will be charged four times the base rate of $72 per year (i.e. 4 ERUs or $288 per year). This billing methodology is typical for other stormwater funding programs in the United States. The impervious surface is calculated using the County’s 2009 aerial photography. If a property owner believes that the area of impervious surface has changed since the 2009 aerial photography was produced, the property owner can apply for an evaluation.

14. Why do I have to pay a stormwater fee?

The Town is responsible for compliance with new Federal and State regulations on water quality as well as providing stormwater management facilities and services. These services are done to protect personal and public property as well as provide for a healthy environment. Funding is not provided by Federal or State government for these services. These requirements are unfunded federal mandates that have been imposed upon all cities similar in size to Fort Mill.

15. Who pays the Stormwater Utility fee?

All developed properties are charged a stormwater fee. Properties paying the fee will include residential, commercial and industrial properties, non-profit organizations, federal, state and Town owned properties, and schools. The only exceptions are public streets, which are designed to collect and carry storm water runoff.

16. Do tax exempt properties have to pay?

Yes, because it is a user fee, just like water and sewer fees which are based upon the cost of services provided. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of the property. The Stormwater Utility Fee is based on the amount of impervious surface area a property has. Because this is not a tax, it is collected from all customers who receive service. Tax exempt properties contribute a significant amount of runoff to the Town because of their size and amount of hard surface. They will be treated like all other customers under the rate structure.

17. Are there any properties that are excluded from this fee?

Yes, these include:

• Public roadways
• Undeveloped properties

18. My property is not connected to the Town's drainage system. Why should I have to pay?

Your property may not be physically connected to the drainage system in the same manner as water or sewer but you are still provided service. How? The Town’s stormwater program improves and maintains stormwater facilities throughout the Town.

It establishes design criteria, and regulates development that helps control off site stormwater problems. This program is taking steps to reduce stormwater pollutants that degrade our culinary water quality and the environment of the Town. Every property owner in Fort Mill is served by these activities.

19. Why do I have to pay when I do not have any drainage problems?

Everyone in the Town benefits from the Stormwater Management Program. The fees collected through the stormwater utility are dedicated solely to managing the Town’s stormwater program. This program brings us into compliance with State and Federal regulations and safeguards our community through improved drainage and protection of our local waterways.

20. Do I have to pay for any unoccupied developed properties that I own?

Yes, as long as that property contains impervious area.

21. I am a renter; do I pay the fee or does my landlord?

Under most conditions, the bill will go to whoever pays the tax bill for the property.

22. What if I don't pay the stormwater fee?

The stormwater fees are subject to the same payment deadlines and penalties as your property taxes.

23. How will I be billed?

The stormwater fee will appear as a line item on your annual tax bill.

24. Why not add this to my property taxes?

Property taxes are based upon the assessed valuation of land and their improvements. These values have little relationship to an individual property’s use of the storm drainage system. A service fee, applied to all parcels, is a more equitable method of funding the program. Many tax-exempt properties, such as schools, churches and government agencies are large contributors to the storm water runoff problem. They will pay their share of the utility fee.

25. Does the stormwater utility maintain ditch, pipe or channel that cross private property?

No. The responsibility for maintaining the ditch, pipe or channel falls on the property owner. Stormwater Utility crews can only maintain ditches or other drainage facilities on private property if the facility is within the drainage easement granted to the Town. Without an easement, the responsibility for maintaining the ditch, pipe or channel falls on the property owner.

26. When are storm drains cleaned?

The Stormwater Department is planning to hire a two-man crew who will regularly inspect and maintain the stormwater system for the Town maintained system. If you have noticed a stormwater drainage problem please call the Stormwater Manager at 803-396-9730. Residents are encouraged to help by keeping storm drains near their homes and businesses clear of debris.

27. Is it possible to have my fee reduced?

Yes. Property owners who reduce the amount of runoff leaving their property may have their fee reduced by a percentage. This can be accomplished by using specially designed systems such as detention ponds or rain gardens that manage stormwater runoff and clean pollutants in the stormwater.

To learn more about the credit system, please read the Credit Policy Manual (PDF).

28. How can I be sure this fee won't pay for other Town projects?

Under law, stormwater fees may not exceed the cost of providing stormwater improvements and services. Your fees will go into an "enterprise" or special fund that will be used only for the stormwater program.

29. What if there is an error on my bill?

Users who do not agree with the amount of the stormwater charge they receive should contact the Stormwater Manager at 803-396-9730. If after contacting the Stormwater Manager and you still feel your Stormwater Fee is incorrect, you may provide a written request for reduction to the Stormwater Advisory Board. Your request should detail any information which supports your position about property ownership, the amount of impervious surface area on your property, or your stormwater class.

30. Where can I get more information regarding the stormwater utility?

Any questions regarding the Town of Fort Mill Stormwater Utility should be directed to the Stormwater Manager at 803-396-9730. You can also obtain information calling the Stormwater Hotline 803-548-9098.

31. How do I apply for a Land Disturbance Permit?

For information on how to apply for a land disturbance permit can be found on the Land Disturbance Page. For specific questions about your project please use the contact information on our home page.

32. How much does a Land Disturbance Permit cost?

$250.00 per disturbed acre, rounded up to the nearest acre.

33. Who needs a land disturbance permit?

Everyone. A project requiring any type of land disturbance will require a permit application.

34. How do I report a Stormwater issue?

Stormwater issues can be reported through our hotline number at 803-548-9098 or our online form.

35. How can I become more involved in public outreach for Stormwater?

We have 2 separate Adopt-A-Stream programs currently (link to page here)! We are also open to coordinating specific service projects with groups! We can sign off for volunteer hours for school clubs. Please contact our Stormwater Management Coordinator at jmartin@fortmillsc.gov for specific questions.

36. How can I have Drippy visit my school/classroom?

Please email our Stormwater Management Coordinator for all inquiries about Drippy the Friendly Water Drop!

37. How do I know if a road is owned by the town, county, or state?

To find out who owns a particular road you can contact South Carolina Department of Transportation or you can use the York County GIS. The Town can only assist with town owned roads, but we are happy to answer any questions.

38. What is an Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water, except for discharges allowed under a NPDES permit or waters used for firefighting operations. Illicit discharges occur through either direct connections, such as piping mistakenly or deliberately connected to the storm drains, or indirect connections such as infiltration from cracked sanitary sewer pipes and degradation of older manholes.

39. Why is illicit discharge a problem?

As a result of these illicit connections, contaminated wastewater enters into storm drains or directly into local waters before receiving treatment from a wastewater treatment plant. Illicit connections may be intentional or may be unknown to the owner. Additional sources of illicit discharges can be failing septic systems, illegal dumping practices, and the improper disposal of sewage from recreational practices such as boating or camping.

40. What are some examples of illicit discharges?

Pollutants from the example sources below are harmful to the environment and degrade the beauty and health of our community. They need to keep them out of our lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

41. What are not considered Illicit Discharge?

The following discharges are allowed in Town of Fort Mill:

• Air conditioning condensate
• De-chlorinated swimming pool discharges
• Discharges from potable water sources
• Discharges or flows from firefighting activities
• Diverted stream flows
• Footing drains
• Foundation drains
• Individual residential car washing
• Irrigation water (not consisting of treated, or untreated, wastewater)
• Landscape irrigation
• Lawn watering
• Natural flows from riparian habitats and wetlands
• Rising ground waters
• Springs
• Street wash water
• Uncontaminated ground water infiltration to separate storm sewers
• Uncontaminated pumped ground water
• Water from crawl space pumps
• Water line flushing