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From page 18... ... 18 This chapter provides guidance for airports that are not currently paying stormwater fees but either know about a stormwater utility in development or are concerned about the potential for one to be established that would affect them. Airports already paying stormwater fees should move to Chapter 3. Read the entire page →
From page 19... ... Strategies for Fee Mitigation for Airports Anticipating Stormwater Fees 19 The answers to these questions should identify whether a stormwater utility is developing or is likely to develop near the airport. Even if the development of a stormwater utility does not seem imminent, it is still good practice to reevaluate these questions every year. Read the entire page →
From page 20... ... 20 Strategies for Airports to Reduce Local Stormwater Utility Fees important to note that specifics regarding public meetings and schedule of announcements and public vote for a proposed stormwater fee vary based on state and local regulations. If the local stormwater utility is under development, an airport should take steps to communicate with the municipality and county, work to become involved in the development process, and prepare for fee implementation. Read the entire page →
From page 21... ... Strategies for Fee Mitigation for Airports Anticipating Stormwater Fees 21 share details among airport staff and keep long-term records. The development, implementation, and active life of a stormwater fee program are long-term, and it is important to have relevant information available and complete in the case of airport staff turnover. Read the entire page →
From page 22... ... 22 Strategies for Airports to Reduce Local Stormwater Utility Fees Designate a staff coordinator for internal communication: Airports may designate a representative from the airport staff to be responsible for the internal communication with the relevant departments. This employee should be well versed in the airport's stormwater management system and have knowledge of the airport's permits and regulatory obligations. Read the entire page →
From page 23... ... Strategies for Fee Mitigation for Airports Anticipating Stormwater Fees 23 Confirm airport stormwater management responsibilities: Other information regarding organizational responsibilities for stormwater management include the airport's stormwater permits and whether the airport discharges runoff to a municipal or county MS4 or treats runoff on-site and discharges to a receiving water. Appendix C includes an example table for tracking an airport's stormwater drainage and treatment. Read the entire page →
From page 24... ... 24 Strategies for Airports to Reduce Local Stormwater Utility Fees outreach and advocacy necessary for airports not yet paying fees are also needed for those already paying fees. Distinguishing Airport Properties from Other Commercial Properties As an airport establishes a relationship with a proposed stormwater utility, it is important to explain how airports are unique from other commercial or industrial areas. Read the entire page →
From page 25... ... Strategies for Fee Mitigation for Airports Anticipating Stormwater Fees 25 Involvement in Development of Fee Structure presents a situation where an airport was able to advocate for a cap on fees. • The REF structure is probably the most complex, but it is considered equitable in most cases. Read the entire page →
From page 26... ... 26 Strategies for Airports to Reduce Local Stormwater Utility Fees It may be more effective to advocate for a dual fee in some situations because it would provide more equity for residential customers without being too burdensome to nonresidential customers. • Consider meeting with other organizations with similar fee issues, such as schools, power utilities, large-scale manufacturing entities, sea ports, or other large land holdings, to develop a common message. Read the entire page →
From page 27... ... Strategies for Fee Mitigation for Airports Anticipating Stormwater Fees 27 Common Stormwater Fee Credit Program Elements Stormwater fee credit programs are tailored to meet local stormwater issues (e.g., stormwater quantity and/or quality) and are influenced by state and local legislation. Read the entire page →
From page 28... ... 28 Strategies for Airports to Reduce Local Stormwater Utility Fees Examples of Fee Credit Programs at Airports Example 2 A large general aviation airport in the northwestern United States pays fees to a county stormwater utility. The utility offers a stormwater credit to commercial properties that have detention on-site and the property then is charged a category lower in the county's tiered stormwater fee structure. Read the entire page →
From page 29... ... Strategies for Fee Mitigation for Airports Anticipating Stormwater Fees 29 Requesting Stormwater Management Services Airports should understand whether the proposed stormwater fee program will have the authority to provide stormwater management services to the airport, and, if so, which services would be most appropriate. In some cases, the utility may not be able to provide services given ownership or property type (e.g., if an airport is considered commercial property) Read the entire page →
From page 30... ... 30 Strategies for Airports to Reduce Local Stormwater Utility Fees and SMP can be vetted against utility credit programs and can serve as a starting point to work with utilities for effective use of credit programs or to negotiate agreements by clarifying specific stormwater BMPs, regulatory responsibilities, and the degree to which the airport will or will not need to use the county or municipal stormwater infrastructure. Airports can consider incorporating GSI to treat and reduce site runoff volumes (see Example 4) Read the entire page →
From page 31... ... Strategies for Fee Mitigation for Airports Anticipating Stormwater Fees 31 2.6 Tools for Airports Anticipating Stormwater Fees Questions to Stay Informed about Stormwater Utility Developments Answer the Following Questions: Does the municipality/county in which the airport is located have the legal authority to implement a stormwater fee program or establish a stormwater utility? (See Table 6 for suggested information sources.) Read the entire page →
From page 32... ... 32 Strategies for Airports to Reduce Local Stormwater Utility Fees Advocating for Your Organization – Local Agency Positioning (Continued) Advocating for a Credit Program Check when completed Make a convincing argument for credit programs by noting that its inclusion provides a more equitable fee structure and can protect the stormwater fee program from legal challenges Advocate for credits that can apply to stormwater management at airports Advocating for Exemptions Check when completed Make the argument for exempting runways and taxiways if a stormwater fee program is considering exemptions, particularly for public roadways Requesting Stormwater Management Services Check when completed Clarify whether the stormwater fee program can provide services to the airport Determine which services are most appropriate for the airport Questions to Ask a Utility about Stormwater Services Some questions the airport may want to ask pertaining to services include: Is the utility authorized to provide the airport with maintenance? Read the entire page →

From page 18...

... 18 This chapter provides guidance for airports that are not currently paying stormwater fees but either know about a stormwater utility in development or are concerned about the potential for one to be established that would affect them. Airports already paying stormwater fees should move to Chapter 3.