Rockville to Improve Stormwater Management
City Currently Evaluating Its Environmental Program

In keeping with the Mayor and Council’s vision for Rockville, the City is currently evaluating its environmental program to move Rockville toward being a sustainable, energy saving, and environmentally sensitive community.

The Mayor and Council voted in November 2006 to develop a funding plan, based on a new annual fee, that will help to meet the City’s environmental responsibilities with regard to stormwater management. To meet costly federal requirements and proactively protect Rockville’s environment, the City is proposing to join other local governments, such as Montgomery County, Takoma Park, and 600 communities across the country in establishing a Stormwater Management (SWM) Utility. The utilitiy’s services would include providing and maintaining storm drains, reducing existing stream erosion and pollution, and protecting water resources through better municipal operations.

A new fee will provide ongoing revenue dedicated solely to water resources management. Without additional funding, the stormwater fund is projected to run out of money by Fiscal Year 2012.

Stormwater runoff is generated when rain flows over impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, driveways and rooftops. The runoff carries pollutants like fertilizers, oil and bacteria into storm drains and then into streams and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. It also can cause erosion and flooding that damages stream health and may affect nearby trees, homes and businesses.

Enabling legislation will be introduced to the Mayor and Council this spring. The SWM Utility rates are expected to be set in early 2008. For more information, contact Lise Soukup, Public Works Dept., at 240-314-8515.