A recent ruling made in Harrisburg may help to protect our waterways and reduce stormwater run-off in Philadelphia. The Independent Regulatory Review Committee recently passed two new regulations to improve water quality standards for our rivers and streams. The first rule limits the level of total dissolved solids (TDS) that natural gas drillers and other industry can discharge into waterways. The second rule requires a 150-foot buffer separating new development from streams and creeks to reduce pollution and prevent flooding  

EPA Sees Success in Philadelphia

As The EPA’s Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) recently released a video, “Building Green: A Success Story in Philadelphia,” showcasing forward-thinking green builders in Philadelphia whose efforts are helping to protect our environment and enhance the livability of our city. The video features the work of local companies using innovative technologies and materials like porous pavers, solar panels, and Energy Star appliances to abate stormwater runoff, provide alternative energy, and/or reduce energy consumption.

The EPA isn't the only one noticing the trail Philadelphia is blazing when it comes to reevaluating how we build our environment.  Next American City recently caught up with Howard Neukrug, Director of Philadelphia’s Office of Watersheds, to learn more about the importance of using green infrastructure to manage stormwater in order to protect water quality, and improve public health and quality of life.
 

EPA Grants for Urban Watershed Protection  

Many urban waters have a wide range of environmental challenges including polluted runoff, sewer overflows, and other contamination. Recognizing the distinct challenges cities face around water issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing an Urban Waters Initiative with the goal of helping communities – especially disadvantaged communities – access, restore and benefit from their waters and the surrounding land.
As part of this initiative, the EPA has announced a $600,000 urban watershed grant to promote community stewardship by increasing the capacity of local watershed and community groups.

Philadelphia Water Commissioner Approves New Rate Structure

Next The Next Great City coalition can check another agenda item off our list! Philadelphia Water Commissioner Bernard Brunwasser has approved a new rate structure and regulations for stormwater management that will provide incentives to businesses and institutions to reduce their water runoff.

“Managing stormwater is vital to our economy, our environment and the public health,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “And this decision moves us one giant step forward in meeting the federal clean water standards and implementing our Greenworks Philadelphia goal: to make our city the greenest in the nation.”

Previous stormwater charges were based on how much water a property used, which bears little relation to its contribution to stormwater runoff. The new charges will be based on the size of and amount of impervious surface. The decision will make it profitable for property owners to address stormwater runoff by planting more trees, installing a green roof or using porous pavement. PWD will also work with Next Great City on a pilot program to study expanding the credit program to residential customers.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

Big Win for NGC Stormwater Action!

Next Great City has now achieved a victory in our recommendation to Stop Sewer Backups & Flooding. The hearing officer appointed to evaluate proposed changes to the Water Department’s rates for stormwater services agreed with our recommendation to change the way stormwater fees are assessed for nonresidential properties.  

The hearing officer recommended that stormwater fees be based on the amount of a property’s impervious surface rather than on water usage, a much more accurate reflection of the burden each property places on the sewer system and our rivers and streams.  The hearing officer also recommended implementation of a credit program, which will allow non-residential customers to reduce their bills by taking steps that reduce the stormwater runoff that their properties generate.  Finally, he also adopted our recommendation that PWD work with Next Great City to develop a residential stormwater credit pilot program and produce a written report and recommendation for such a program to be addressed in the next rate proceeding.

The Philadelphia Water Commissioner should issue his decision on whether to accept this recommendation shortly, and we have every reason to expect a good outcome. Stay tuned!

Green Model Neighborhoods

As part of the rate case, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has agreed to create pilots to  green Philadelphia neighborhoods to better manage stormwater (rain or melting snow) runoff before it enters storm drains. This would consequently improve our quality of life by improving water quality, making neighborhoods cooler in the summer and increasing home values. As part of this effort they are introducing a pilot program, Model Neighborhoods, in conjunction with their “Green Cities, Clean Waters” initiative.

Backwater Valve Program

Starting in July of 2007, the Philadelphia Water Department began installing "backwater" valves in flood-prone homes in South Philadelphia, Northern Liberties and Old Kensington and Washington Square West. PWD is spending $3 million to provide the valves at no cost to the homeowner.

To qualify for a valve, an applicant must be a propety owner of record, live in the affected neighborhoods, be up to date on water and sewer payments, and sign an agreement that once the work is done the homeowner will be responsible for maintaining the devices. A hotline has been set up for inquiries about the valves- 215-685-6300.

Fair Use Fee Proposed in 5-yr Plan

In his 5-year Financial Plan for the City, Mayor Nutter supported the recommendation to pass an ordinance to reallocate the way that stormwater fees are collected to be based on gross and impervous area. This change would incentive stormwater best practices while also making sure that those that contribute to stormwater problems pay a fair fee.