Stormwater is runoff that is a direct result of precipitation, such as rain or snowmelt. It flows in concentrated forms (pipes, gutters, channels, etc.) and diffuse forms (sheet flow) over or within all land forms. Stormwater infiltrates into the soil and becomes ground water, is used by vegetation, evaporates, or flows into lakes or streams as surface flow.

Urbanization causes significant changes in stormwater runoff characteristics, including increased volume and rate of runoff entering streams and the storm sewer infrastructure and reduced amounts of water filtering into the soil.

Such changes cause:

• increased erosion and formation of gullies in upland areas,
• increased in-stream scour and erosion,
• increased sediment deposition in lower areas,
• degradation of water quality,
• peak storm flows that are higher and faster,
• more frequent flooding, and
• ·negative effects on stream ecological communities.

These impacts on both man-made structures and natural systems require continuous management, maintenance, repair and replacement of the Town's stormwater management system, and careful planning to mitigate existing and future problems.

A stormwater utility is a legally authorized "public enterprise fund", adopted by ordinance and similar to a water or sewer utility. It is established to finance stormwater management program activities exclusively.

With a utility, the Town can develop and plan for a cost effective stormwater management program. The utility allows for a more reliable and equitable source of funding that is based on the demand that a given property places on the stormwater management system. Alternative funding sources include general revenues, fees and bonds. However, general revenues are based on the value of property and not the demand placed on the stormwater system.

The following are some of the primary services and activities:

• program master planning
• public drainage and storm sewer maintenance, repair, and improvement
• street sweeping and cleaning
• public/private Drainage Assistance Program
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participation 
• flood mitigation activities (elevation, acquisition, floodproofing)
• water quality improvement activities (regulatory and local needs based)
• watershed and basin plans
• public education and participation
• Upper Cape Fear River Watershed prioritization project
• Land Use Management Ordinance administration
• stream restoration, open space acquisition and other beneficial programs

A stormwater management master plan is a comprehensive document that guides the stormwater management program. It takes a holistic approach by integrating all aspects and areas that may impact stormwater management. This includes decision-making tools, policy criteria guidelines, watershed or basin plans, services, regulatory and land use considerations, capital improvements programming and maintenance programming. The plan will be reviewed annually and any changes will be recommended through the Advisory Board.

You can subscribe to stormwater e-notifications on the Town's main webpage. Other ways to contact the Town stormwater management staff:

Telephone: 919-969-RAIN (7246)
Fax: 919-969-7276
e-mail: stormwater@townofchapelhill.org

The enacted ordinance establishes a nine-member Stormwater Management Advisory Board, similar to other Town Advisory Boards, that meets monthly to review program development and policy recommendations. Board representation includes five single-family residential property owners, three owners or employees of companies owning commercial, multi-family, or non-profit property, and one representative from UNC. Responsibilities of the Board include:

• providing recommendations for identifying and implementing new stormwater management activities,
• reviewing and providing recommendations on the stormwater management master plan,
• providing recommendations on gaps or inconsistencies in Town stormwater management activities and recommending alternatives,
• providing recommendations on watershed master planning activities,
• assisting Town staff in working with stakeholder groups, and
• assisting Town staff with public outreach activities.

The Town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that requires administration of the federal regulations pertaining to floodplain management and other flood study related issues.

The Town submits its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System - Phase 2 stormwater permit for approval to the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). This permit requires the Town to meet the measures outlined in the permit to reduce and mitigate non-point source stormwater pollution

The Town administers the state's Water Supply Watershed development regulations.

The Town ensures that state and federal jurisdictional waters and wetlands are not impacted without proper certification from the Army Corps of Engineers and the state's Wetlands Certification Unit.

Impervious surface on your parcel places a certain demand on the stormwater system. Stormwater runoff generated by your property must be controlled and conveyed once it leaves your property so that it does not create problems for others.

Stormwater management activities with broad benefits include:

• keeping the public streets drained and cleared,
• making necessary stormwater infrastructure upgrades,
• reducing erosion and other pollutants that enter streams and lakes,
• protecting and restoring streams and other aquatic habitat areas, and
• collecting and conveying stormwater safely through all parts of the Town.

A portion of the fees also provide for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for water quality improvements; administration of the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) through development review, inspections, bonding, and stream classifications for the Resource Conservation District; public involvement and educational programs; and responding to public health and safety issues that benefit all property owners.

The Town's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activities and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood map activities and associated administrative duties also fall under the utility.