(Nampa, March 24, 2011) – The City of Nampa started meeting with business owners this week
about a new stormwater management program and what it will mean for property owners. Because of
the city’s growth, the Clean Water Act requires Nampa to develop a program to manage stormwater,
and this program is designed to meet the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
Concern is over pollution that takes place when rain and drainage water (i.e., from watering our
lawns) picks up oil, trash and chemicals before going into the storm drains. The storm drains empty
into Indian Creek, Mason Creek and Wilson Drain. Over time this pollution can significantly affect
health and water quality in Nampa.
Nampa’s new program is designed to include new services such as:
• Maintaining and improving the city’s aging storm drain system
• Repairing stormwater pipelines, catch basins, swales and dry wells
• Identifying accidental spills
• Working to prevent illegal dumping
• Educating residents, businesses and city employees about how to reduce pollution
“The city made it a priority to reach out to local businesses when developing this program,”
explained Stormwater Program Manager Cheryl Jenkins. “One thing we heard was the desire to keep
program costs low. This feedback helped us design a cost-effective program that still meets the
minimum federal requirements.”
Nampa’s stormwater services will be funded with a new utility. The City Council is expected to set
the utility billing rate in May, with monthly utility fees anticipated to be between $3 and $4 for
residents. The utility rate for non-residential property owners will be based on the level of
stormwater treatment done on site and the amount of pavement, rooftops and other hard surfaces on
the property.
The city is holding one-on-one meetings with large businesses and non-residential customers this
month. An open house will be scheduled in April for customers who want to learn more about the
program.
Media Contact:
- Sharla Arledge
- 468-5411
- [email protected]
- www.cityofnampa.us