Storm Water Management Frequently Asked Questions
What is storm water?
Storm water is the water produced during precipitation events, typically during rain events but it is also produced when snow and ice melts.
What is the city's responsibility for storm water?
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), in accordance with the Clean Water Act, issues the city a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge storm water. In accordance with this permit the city is required to implement measures to minimize the potential for contamination of storm water. In additional to the storm water permit requirements, the the city is responsible for conveying the storm water produced throughout the city through drainage ways for eventual discharge into local streams.
What is the Storm Water Enterprise Fund?
The Storm Water Enterprise Fund was established by ordinance #11-03 and became effective in May 2011 to provide funding to implement the storm water permit, construct and maintain storm water drainage systems and implement measures for flood control and protection. Every owner pays a storm water fee for developed property.
What is impervious area?
Impervious area is a surface that does not allow water to migrate through it. Examples of impervious area include surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, gravel (allows pollution to seep through) and roof tops.
What is an equivalent residential unit (ERU)?
The average impervious area of single family residential properties in Springfield is 3,465 (based a a review of over 7,000 properties). This 3,465 value is designated as an ERU (equivalent residential unit). One ERU is equal to 3,465 square feet of impervious area. The number of ERUs for a property is used to calculate the amount of the storm water fee.
How is the storm water fee calculated?
All single family residences will pay a flat fee of $2.00 per month. Commercial properties will pay a storm water fee based on how many equivalent ERUs of impervious surface that are on their property. For example, a commercial property with 34,650 square fee of impervious surface would pay a fee of $10 per month: 34,650 square feet of impervious surface divided by 3,465 (number of square fee per ERU) x $2.00 - 34,650/3,465 = 10 ERUs x $2.00 = $20.00
What do I do if I think my storm water fee is incorrect?
If you believe that you are being charged too much for commercial storm water fee you can call our office at (615) 384-2746 or submit an online form. Please be prepared to provide us with your utility account number, name and address. We will review your account and provide an explanation of the charges. If it is determined that you are being charged too much, your fee will be adjusted accordingly.