PWD wants input on proposed 5,000 square-foot disturbance threshold for stormwater
FixItPhilly/BIA Government Affairs Coalition
Representatives from the Philadelphia Water Department attended the FixItPhilly/BIA Government Affairs Coalition meeting to answer questions about an impending change to the earth disturbance threshold that triggers stormwater management in Philadelphia from 15,000 to 5,000 square feet and in the process, dramatically increase the cost of infill development. PWD wants input from the building industry on strategies for providing on-site stormwater management on small lots where there are few if any options for green infrastructure. Coalition chair Bob Rosenthal explained the building industry’s position. “Going down to 5,000 square feet takes capital away from private developers,” Rosenthal said. “It makes sense in Bucks and Montgomery counties, but not in dense urban areas where the lot size is too small to accommodate cost-effective stormwater solutions. We need to come up with something creative, a model program.” PWD’s Christine Marjoram agreed, “We see this change as an opportunity.”
Joanne Dahme, PWD Director of Public Affairs, provided background on Act 167, the Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Act that requires counties to prepare watershed-based stormwater management plans to address flooding and water quality and requires municipalities, including the City of Philadelphia, to adopt ordinances that implement those plans. PWD started its Act 167 planning with the Darby-Cobbs Watershed and established a 5,000 square-foot threshold for that area, but has not yet reduced the threshold in any of the City’s other six watersheds. PWD will complete the Pennypack Watershed in about four to six months and is considering making the 5,000 square-foot threshold a citywide regulation over the next year once their studies are complete.
Bob Rosenthal questioned whether the 5,000 square-foot threshold on small infill sites would really help achieve that goal. “Wouldn’t that money be better spent addressing the issue on a broader scale, not on individual lots or small development projects?” he asked. “The separate pipes on each small lot will still feed into a combined sewer system.” PWD acknowledged that it is considering a fee-in-lieu approach when on-site facilities are not a viable option. The department is also looking at a set of pre-approved and pre-designed options, the potential for community facilities that manage stormwater within a defined area, and stormwater credits for residential development. PWD has been researching best practices in other cities and is developing a number of pilot programs to evaluate alternatives, including an analysis of long-term maintenance issues and the cost-effectiveness for rate-payers.
Coalition members also raised concerns about the impact of the new regulations on review time. Christine Marjoram explained that although PWD anticipates the number of projects reviewed to double, the department will be well-equipped for the increase, provided the new policy includes a less burdensome process.
Mr. Rosenthal thanked PWD for engaging the coalition in this effort and reiterated that the group wants to work with PWD to make positive change. The coalition has formed a subcommittee to sift through options and make recommendations to PWD over the next few months.