Stormwater Management Fees
Questions and Answers
Upper Southampton Township: Population: 15,239
- Which entity is imposing the fee and making stormwater management improvements to the system?
Upper Southampton Municipal Authority (“USMA”) – USMA also imposes fees for the collection and disposal of sanitary sewer and the supply of water.
- What is the USMA?
It is a municipal authority created by Upper Southampton Township in 1946. It operates independently from Upper Southampton Township with its own Board of Directors, budget and employees.
- How will the stormwater fees be spent?
All stormwater fees are required to be used for stormwater infrastructure projects, upgrades and replacements in the Township. Projects include additional MS4 improvements in Tamanend Park and the Southampton Creek, replacement of a large failing pipe in Hogeland Road, replacement of a large failing pipe in Buck Road, rebuilding inlets throughout the township and replacement of any other failing stormwater facility in our community as they may happen.
- Why is the USMA performing this function?
The Pennsylvania Legislature recently amended The Authorities Act to allow authorities to operate this type of program. USMA has expertise in these projects and can assess fees which is the fairest way of paying for the projects. If the Township operated the program, it would need to raise taxes as it is not permitted by law to charge fees for this type of program. Raising taxes was determined to unfair and inequitable for this type of program.
- Are the fees assessed to help the Bethanna Redevelopment?
No. The planning of the Tamanend Park Project, downstream from the Bethanna property, commenced almost a decade ago. Toll Brothers was required to construct basins in the development, at their cost, and each property will be subjected to the Stormwater Fee imposed by the USMA.
- Is the USMA being purchased by a private water and sewer company?
No. USMA is not for sale.
- Why is a stormwater program and associated fee necessary?
The majority of the Township was developed 50 to 70 years ago. In addition, the stormwater infrastructure, consisting mainly of corrugated metal pipes of various sizes, have a life span of approximately 50 years. The system is failing which results sediment entering the streams as well as flooding and collapsing roads. The federal government and state government has imposed an unfunded mandate that municipalities remove sediment and pollution.
- Will there be additional Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (“MS4”) educational presentations that count towards a 15% public education credit?
Yes. The Township is required to hold a least one a year, usually in the spring, but will hold additional presentations as needed.
- Do other local municipalities impose a stormwater fee?
Yes, at this time, Northampton, Warminster, Middletown, Lower Makefield and Lower Moreland impose this fee.
10. Are all properties subject to the fee?
Yes. All residential and non-residential properties, including non-profits that have impervious surface are subject to the fee. This includes township properties, school district properties, religious institutions and all properties owned by members of the Board of Supervisors and Board of Directors.
- How were the fees calculated?
A drone was used to fly the entire township and photograph the impervious surface of all properties. This information is used to calculate impervious surface and the applicable fee. A copy of your drone flyover is available upon email request to: info@usauthorities.org.
- Why is the fee based upon impervious surface coverage?
The fee must have a uniform calculation and application to all residential and non-residential properties.
- Can I appeal my fee?
Yes. An appeal process is available if you disagree with the impervious surface calculation. The USMA will review the information and make adjustments as justified. Appeal forms are available online at www.usauthorities.org.
- Are discounts available?
Actions that assist in the reduction of stormwater flow will reduce the fee by up to 30%. Education, rain barrels, rain gardens and seepage pits are just a few ways to enjoy the discount. Please see the USMA website for more information at www.usauthorities.org.
