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A model stormwater ordinance is in draft form and must be done by September.
The ordinance sets up all issues related to complying with the Chesapeake Bay regulations to keep the waterways clean of contaminants.
Williamsport's public works committee held a discussion on the draft model of the multi-municipal storm water (MS4) ordinance in development this week.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all municipalities to update their stormwater ordinance, according to Wendy Walter, safety and compliance officer with the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority (WMWA).
Bill Scott, city engineer, has been working with the authority staff, including its engineers, on the draft of the stormwater ordinance. Michael Wiley, the authority attorney, also has reviewed the language.
Walter said she provided it to EPA on Dec. 22 and received notice on Jan. 19 without any comment, which was unusual and appreciated.
The authority is under a consent order issued Sept. 23, 2023, as a result of inspections done in prior years and must complete a model stormwater ordinance.
Councilman Randy Allison observed how he and the council are appreciative of the authority staff and engineer Scott. The ordinance will require a second reading.
In another decision by council, a WSP engineers' work order was amended as part of additional work for the semi-quantitative risk assessment and ongoing work on the levee recertification and accreditation.
The city budgeted $175,000 from Act 13 or natural gas impact fees for this work required by the Army Corps of Engineers.
The amendment is for $92,000 for additional input as required by the ACE that will justify the use of federally-earmarked funds for additional work on the levee.