Delmont Borough Council has authorized the formation of the Delmont Stormwater Authority. The purpose of the Delmont Stormwater Authority is to fund all stormwater related expenses that are incurred within the borough. Currently, the funding for stormwater projects and improvements comes from the general fund, which is primarily funded by the Earned Income Tax (EIT) and property taxes.

Delmont Borough, as an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer) Community, is required to submit a Pollutant Reduction Plan that requires a reduction of pollutants that enter the waters of the Commonwealth. As a result of this permit, Delmont Borough is required to reduce sedimentation loading to the various waters of the Commonwealth. To achieve a reduction in sediment loading, Delmont Borough has planned multiple projects throughout the borough. These projects are large scale excavation based projects, which average $150,000 each, creating a large strain on the available resources needed in the general fund.

For more information on the requirements from the state, please follow the links below:

https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/PRPTMDL-Plans.aspx

https://www.stormwaterpa.org/ms4-program.html

https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/delmont-stormwater-fees-will-start-in-2025-newly-formed-authority-president-says/

 

Delmont Borough Stormwater History and Background

  • Since all properties impact stormwater runoff, the cost of conforming to the PRP needs to be shared across all properties and are assessed for their impacts equitably.
  • Delmont Borough Council has commissioned a stormwater fee study by Morris Knowles & Associates (MKA)
  • The fee study looked at current Borough expenses for stormwater maintenance and required upgrade as part of the PRP plan.
  • Expenses were added for maintenance department personnel time (maintaining the current infrastructure) and equipment.
  • The average total annual stormwater operating fees, including maintenance and new projects, were $190,000/year
  • Analysis of different fee structures were considered.
  • The fee study determined that the most equitable way was a flat rate Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU).
  • 1 ERU is equal to the approximate impervious area for each single-family residential lot (3035 ft2)
  • The fee for one ERU (all single-family residential units) is $10/month
  • Non-Single Family Residential lots are charged based on their number of ERUs as determined by aerial photography.
  • All fees that are collected will be used to fund the operating and expansion costs of the stormwater infrastructure within Delmont Borough
  • The fee structure will be reviewed periodically to assure that the fund is correctly funded to cover all costs associated with the maintenance, operation, and improvement of the stormwater system.

 

  • PA DEP has mandated stormwater projects within the borough
  • Monthly stormwater fee to be implemented starting Jan 1, 2025 to fund these projects
  • All properties in the Borough will have the fee assessed, regardless of tax status
  • All single family residential parcels will be assessed a $10/month fee
  • All other parcels will be assessed a fee based on impervious area
  • All properties are able to apply for a credit