Stormwater FAQs

Overview of Stormwater Management in Ebensburg

This document provides frequently asked questions regarding stormwater management, fees, and regulations within the Ebensburg Borough. It explains why stormwater is a problem locally, how the utility fee works, and who is responsible for payment.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater refers to runoff from rain and snowmelt. In natural settings, this water soaks into the ground through pervious surfaces like grass and meadows. However, in urbanized areas like Ebensburg, natural landscapes are replaced by impervious surfaces such as houses, streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. This prevents water from soaking in, causing it to flow faster over hard surfaces, collecting chemicals and debris. Uncontrolled stormwater can overwhelm streams, cause flooding, soil erosion, and surface water pollution.

The Stormwater Problem in Ebensburg

Most areas of Ebensburg lack adequate stormwater collection systems. Very few residents have catch basins near their homes, and existing mains are often old, undersized, and in poor condition. This leads to:

• Flooding of yards, basements, garages, and intersections during routine storms.
• Water shooting up out of the ground due to deteriorated mains.
• Soil and debris washing into streets, obstructing basins.
• Threats to downstream neighbors from excessive runoff.

Funding and Fees

The Borough has implemented a stormwater utility fee to fund drainage needs, viewing it as the most equitable solution.

• Why a Fee? Billing based on impervious surface area is the widely accepted method for stormwater management. Funding solely through real estate taxes would require an 8½ mill (60%) tax increase, which is considered too expensive and unstable.
• Who Pays? All owners of developed property in Ebensburg Borough pay the fee, regardless of tax-exempt status (e. g. , churches, schools, government properties). The fee is based on the property's impact on the stormwater system (impervious area), not its value.
• Exemptions: Undeveloped properties with less than 400 square feet of impervious area are exempt. Cemeteries of human remains are also exempt.
• Fee Structure:
  • The fee is based on Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs).
  • 1 ERU = 2,830 square feet of impervious area (average for a single-family residence).
  • Cost: $16 bi-monthly or $96 annually per ERU.
  • Other Properties: The fee is calculated by dividing the actual square feet of impervious surface by 2,830 to get a factor, then multiplying that factor by $96.
  • Historical Note: Prior to January 1, 2016, the fee was assessed at 50% ($8 bi-monthly).

Billing and Calculation

• Billing Method: The fee appears as a separate line item on the bi-monthly utility bill alongside water and wastewater charges.
• Data Source: Information on impervious surfaces was obtained from high-resolution aerial photography.
• Updates: Data is updated every few years with new aerial photography, but fees can be amended if changes occur (e. g. , new buildings or paved surfaces).
• Disputes: If a customer believes the fee is calculated incorrectly, they must file a written appeal with the Borough Manager within 30 days of the bill being mailed. If they disagree with the Manager's ruling, they may appeal to Borough Council in writing within 10 days of receiving that ruling.

Definitions and Usage

• Impervious Surface: Any surface that prevents or retards water infiltration into the ground. This includes roofs, patios, garages, driveways (pavement, concrete, pavers, brick, compacted aggregate), private streets, sidewalks, and any travel areas initially proposed as gravel or crushed stone.
• Fee Usage: Funds are strictly limited to the stormwater system, including:
  • Regulatory compliance (water quality monitoring, floodplain management).
  • Capital improvements (storm sewer installation/replacement, culvert upgrades, curbing, stream restoration).
  • Storm planning and engineering.
  • Operation, maintenance, and administration of the system.

Additional Information

• Credits: Residents may be able to earn credits to reduce their fee. A copy of the Borough’s Stormwater Fee Credit Policy is available via a link in the original document.
• Tax vs. Fee: Unlike property taxes, which are based on assessed value for general government services, this fee is a utility charge based on the quantifiable impact (impervious area) of the property on stormwater runoff.
• Drain Maintenance: Storm drains are cleaned on an as-needed basis. Residents are encouraged to keep drains near their homes clear of debris and to report problem drains to the Borough.