Stormwater FAQs

Stormwater Management in Ebensburg Borough

What is Stormwater?

• Runoff from rain and snowmelt.
• In natural areas, it soaks into the ground; in urbanized areas like Ebensburg, hard surfaces (roads, parking lots) prevent absorption.
• Uncontrolled stormwater causes flooding, erosion, and pollution.

Why Is It a Problem in Ebensburg?

• Most areas lack stormwater collection systems.
• Existing mains are old, undersized, and deteriorated — causing flooding even during routine storms.
• Water sometimes shoots up out of the ground; debris blocks basins.
• Sending excess runoff downstream threatens neighbors’ property and safety.

Why a Stormwater Utility Fee?

• Most equitable solution: those who contribute more runoff pay more.
• Based on impervious surface area — larger areas = more runoff.
• Avoids reliance on general tax dollars, which have been inadequate and unstable.
• Billing by impervious surface is widely accepted across the U. S.

Who Pays?

• All developed property owners in Ebensburg Borough, including:
  • Churches, schools, government properties, nonprofits — even if exempt from property taxes.
• Exemptions:
  • Cemeteries of human remains.
  • Undeveloped properties with <400 sq ft of impervious area.

What Is an “Impervious Surface”?

• Any surface that prevents water from soaking into the ground.
• Includes: roofs, patios, garages, driveways, sidewalks, paved parking areas, compacted aggregate, gravel/crushed stone travel areas.

How Is the Fee Calculated?

• Based on Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs).
  • 1 ERU = 2,830 sq ft of impervious area (average single-family home in Ebensburg).
  • Single-family homes: $16 bi-monthly ($96/year).
  • Other properties: Fee = (actual impervious sq ft ÷ 2,830) × $96 annually.
• Prior to Jan 1, 2016: fee was 50% of full rate ($8 bi-monthly).

How Is the Fee Billed?

• Appears as a separate line item on your bi-monthly utility bill (alongside water and wastewater).

What If You Think Your Bill Is Wrong?

• File a written appeal with the Borough Manager within 30 days of billing.
• If still disagree after manager’s ruling, appeal to Borough Council in writing within 10 days of receiving the ruling.

How Did They Get Property Data?

• From high-resolution aerial photography.
• Updated every few years or when changes occur (e. g. , new buildings, paved surfaces).

Why Pay If You Don’t Have Drains Near Your Property?

• All runoff from your property eventually enters the borough’s stormwater system.
• You’re assessed because your runoff contributes to maintenance needs.
• Community-wide system benefits everyone’s health and safety.

When Are Storm Drains Cleaned?

• On an as-needed basis.
• Residents encouraged to report clogged drains and keep areas near homes/businesses clear of debris.

What Does the Fee Pay For?

• Regulatory compliance (water quality monitoring, floodplain management).
• Capital improvements: storm sewers, culverts, curbing, stream restoration, planning/engineering.
• Operation, maintenance, and administration of the stormwater system.

Can You Earn Credits to Reduce Your Fee?

• Yes — see the Borough’s Stormwater Fee Credit Policy (link provided in original document).

Do Tax-Exempt Properties Pay?

• Yes — because the fee is based on runoff contribution, not property value.
• Unlike property taxes (based on assessed value), this fee measures impervious area.

How Is This Different From a Tax?

• Taxes fund general services (police, fire, etc. ) based on property value.
• Fees support specific services (like stormwater) and vary by usage — here, measured by impervious area.

Where Can You Find the Official Ordinance?

• Link provided in original document (“Click here” for Ebensburg Borough Stormwater Fee Ordinance).