The Pioneer Post Volume IV Issues 7/8/9 Marriott-Slaterville City Newsletter July-August-September 2002 1195 West 400 North, Marriott-Slaterville, Utah 84404 *Important Information* EPA Issues Mandate to Local Governments The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule in October 29, 1999, resulting in an unfunded mandate upon local governments across the nation. The rule requires all affected local governments in the United States to develop storm water regulations which provide for funding and apply for a EPA storm water permit by December 8, 2002. All of the cities and the unincorporated county areas along the Wasatch Front, including Marriott-Slaterville, must comply with this unfunded mandate. The EPA indicates these regulations are needed because growth in many areas of the country creates problems. Storm water problems occur because "roads, buildings, and parking lots restrict the ability of storm water to soak into the soil. Instead it [water] runs off directly into streams or into sewer systems which dump into our streams. This storm water can carry a heavy load of pollutants, including sediments, oil and grease, fertilizers, and bacteria. These pollutants can seriously harm our water and many animals that depend on our streams and lakes." All the cities in the county are co-permitting with Weber County for this EPA mandate. By co-permitting much cost is saved. However, as part of the EPA permit all cities and the county are required to have a storm water management plan which identifies six control measures and provides funding for the measures. The six control measures are as follows: 1. Public education and outreach - materials such as pamphlets, brochures, and television commercials designed to educate the public on the impact of pollutants on water quality. 2. Public involvement and participation - communities must seek involvement from citizens in a storm water program. 3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination - the plan must show storm water facilities and drainage ways; and inform the public of hazards of improper disposal by prohibiting illegal discharges and utilizing enforcement, inspection, and testing. 4. Construction site runoff control all new construction site over one acre must identify mechanisms to control erosion and sediment. Regular inspection must occur and noncompliance penalties apply. 5. New development and redevelopment - all new project over one acre must comply with local best management practices (BMPs) to maintain water quality. 6. Pollution prevention and good municipal housekeeping - qualified maintenance personnel must be employed and trained to follow regular maintenance schedules for equipment and operations, identify illicit discharges and inspect facilities. Marriott-Slaterville must comply with this unfunded mandate. The city is doing its best to mitigate the impact that this EPA Rule will have in the community and upon its residents. However, there will be some changes, most notably, the EPA Rule requires a local funding source to cover the costs of the mandate. Therefore, the city will follow the example of other cities and unincorporated Weber County in imposing an EPA Storm Water Utility Fee which will appear on monthly water billing statements. City leaders are just as frustrated by unfunded mandates as many of the public. However, the city leaders realize they must comply with Federal Law and costs for compliance with the EPA mandate must be recouped. Presently a study is being conducted by an engineering firm as to what storm water needs must be met and what cost the community can expect from the EPA mandate. The city will inform the public as the rules are implements and fees imposed. Although the city is minimizing the costs of the EPA regulations, it is anticipated that the fees could range from $3 to $9 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) per month. Further, residents and business should recognize that Marriott-Slaterville must do its part along with the county and other cities to ensure that the Federal Clean Water Act is followed according to EPA mandates. 105