public works
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is stormwater “runoff”?
A: Rainfall becomes stormwater when it can no, longer soak into the ground. As rain falls to earth in agricultural and undeveloped areas, it is either absorbed or it slowly runs off and dissipates. In an urban city like Altamonte Springs, where rooftops and paved areas not only prevent the water from being absorbed, but also help it run off at a much faster rate, problems arise. Unmitigated, the stormwater could accumulate in many areas of the city, causing nuisance flooding and possible threats to public health and safety. Flooding is only a part of the problem. As the rain falls onto our streets and runs off, it carries with it pollutants such as gasoline, oil, and heavy metals. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are washed from lawns and other green spaces. With the passage of time, these pollutants will buildup in our waterways and underground drainage systems causing significant environmental damage to our rivers and lakes. These pollutants could also threaten our drinking water supply.
Q: What is impervious surface?
A: Impervious surface means those disturbed or hard surfaced areas that either prevent or retard the natural entry of water into the soil. Rooftops, buildings, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, other paving, driveways, gravel, patios, artificial turf and storage areas are all examples of impervious surfaces. These improvements effect natural infiltration, creates more runoff, increases the rate of runoff and alters runoff patterns of stormwater that drains from an area.
Q: What is NPDES?
A: NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which is the compliance system for the Clean Water Act. NPDES requires that all stormwater discharges that enter waters of the United States meet minimum federal water quality requirements.
Q: What is the ultimate goal of the NPDES Program?
A: The goal of NPDES permitting is to improve and protect the quality of our nation's waterways by eliminating pollution from storm water runoff to the maximum extent practicable.
Q: What is a stormwater utility fee?
A: A storm water utility fee is the result of unfunded Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates on stormwater discharge. This fee is used to finance annual compliance with the NPDES permitting standards. This fee is similar to a water or sewer fee. In essence, customers pay a fee to convey storm water from their properties.
Q: How is the stormwater utility fee calculated?
A: The City’s stormwater utility fee is based on the amount of impervious area on each property and is developed using an Equivalent Drainage Unit (EDU). All single family units are counted as one EDU, which is equivalent to 2,492 square feet of impervious area, and is billed $5.75 per month. Each non-residential property will be a minimum of 2 EDU, the charges to non-residential properties with large impervious areas will be substantially more than single-family properties because they create much more runoff.
Q. Who has to pay the fee?
A. All developed property within the City will pay the stormwater utility fee. That includes houses, schools, public facilities, churches and businesses.
Q. Why should I have to pay the fee? I don’t have any drainage problems.
A. You may not have a problem, but the runoff generated from your property is contributing to problems downstream. The approach being taken through this program recognizes that everyone contributes to the problem (runoff and pollution) and everyone will share in the results (improved water quality, reduced flooding, unimpaired access to roads, etc.).
Q. What is the money spent on?
A. The stormwater utility fee pays for the City to maintain the roadways we all use to help prevent flooding and impacts to homes and businesses from stormwater. Funds are also allocated to various programs, such as the NPDES Program, the Lake Management Program, and education/outreach and community involvement. The City also engages in numerous Capital Improvement Projects to enhance treatment (water quality) and reduce the quantity of stormwater coming off our roadways and discharging into rivers and streams. Some of the other important components of the stormwater program include:
- Improve stormwater quality through monitoring and reduction of illicit discharges and pollutants
- Public information and education concerning stormwater issues
- Increased maintenance/repair of the City's stormwater system
- Development of stormwater design standards and regulations
- Field inspection/enforcement of these standards
- Construction of stormwater projects.
Q. What is a storm drainage easement?
A. A storm drainage easement is a legal document, which allows for both access during construction and future maintenance. Granting an easement to the City does not reduce the size of one's property, but it does create some limitations within the easement area.
Q: What is a catch basin?
A: A catch basin is a curbside receptacle whose sole function is to serve as a rainwater drainage device.
Q: Do catch basins and storm drains get cleaned out?
A: Yes. The stormwater crew checks catch basins and storm drains throughout the year and clean them out as needed.
Q: Can filters or screens be installed in front of catch basins?
A: It sounds like a good idea, but during a rainstorm, trash is quickly swept to the catch basin and any screen or filtration device placed in front of the catch basin would cause trash to accumulate and clog the grate, preventing proper drainage and end up flooding the street.
Q: What kind of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
A: Paint thinner and paint products, motor oil, pesticides, styrofoam cups, paper, human and animal feces, antifreeze, golf balls, dirty diapers, and dead animals are but a few of the pollutants found in the system on a daily basis.
Q: Yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don’t cause any problems, right?
A: Grass, leaves and yard clipping that are repeatedly swept into catch basins can clog the drain, causing flooding and the potential for becoming a breeding ground for rodents and insects. Additionally, grass and leaves decompose and contribute to new plant growth which deprives aquatic animals of their oxygen, and die.
Q: How can I get a stencil for a catch basin near me or in my neighborhood?
A: Please contact the Compliance Coordinator in the Public Works Department at (407) 571-8331 or by email at dmarshall@altamonte.org to be placed on the list for stenciling.
Q: How do I report stormwater problems (flooding, erosion, pollution, etc.)?
A: Please contact the Compliance Coordinator in the Public Works Department at (407) 571-8331 or by email at dmarshall@altamonte.org.
Q: How do I report illegal dumping or a hazardous spill?
A: Click here
