Charlottesville residents, businesses and institutions could be forced to pay a new tax for an expensive rebuilding of the Charlottesville stormwater management system.
In a proposal discussed by city officials Monday, the fee would be calculated based on the extent of each property's impervious surfaces, from roofs to sidewalks.
Charlottesville's current system is outdated, which has prompted serious health and environmental concerns, University Environmental Compliance Manager Jeff Sitler said, noting that deteriorating pipes contaminate the water, which then runs off into waterways in which many residents swim, fish and boat.
According to Sitler and Charlottesville Mayor David Brown, stormwater management is also an important environmental issue. In a developed area like Charlottesville, stormwater becomes contaminated with pollutants such as motor oil and pesticides. Developed areas also have a greater number of impervious surfaces, which causes the stormwater to travel more quickly to the stream overwhelmed by water not absorbed by the natural environment. This results in streambank erosion and the destruction of biological communities.
In addition to concerns about the infrastructure and environment, the proposal was prompted by a new federal requirement extending regulation and maintenance of stormwater management systems in small cities.
"We have to invest in stormwater management, but it's expensive", Brown said.
Although the University has its own innovative stormwater system that has been functioning since 2003, it could still be subject to the fee.
"It all drains into the same watershed as the rest of the city, so we need to work together," Charlottesville Environmental Administrator Kristel Riddervold said .
According to Sitler, the fee would take into account any environmental features aimed at controlling stormwater, such as the biofiltration grass strips outside the John Paul Jones Arena.
The city's new system may model certain elements based on the University's current infrastructure, Riddervold said.
According to its Web site, the University stormwater management system received praise in 2003 from state officials for its innovation and regional approach. It incorporates elements designed to improve and regulate water quality as well as quantity.
"We're trying to mimic the natural environment using vegetation, grass trips, special soil to help filter and absorb the water", Sitler said.
Riddervold stressed the importance if improving Charlottesville's stormwater management system.
"The [Charlottesville] system needs to be in good working condition", Riddervold said. "It affects everyone and everyone affects it, whether you're driving to class or not"
Read More
Winsome Earle-Sears talks higher education in first U.Va. event of the campaign
By Ford McCracken | 6 hours agoA Jamaican immigrant and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Earle-Sears is the first female lieutenant governor of Virginia,
U.Va.'s Earth Day Eco-Fair 2025 spotlights sustainability advocacy
By Leigh Bailey | 7 hours agoStudents from Contracted Independent Organizations and University Office of Sustainability leadership programs each shared their unique perspectives about sustainability advocacy on Grounds.
Student Council votes to relocate Hereford orchard and basketball hoop
By Lauren Seeliger | 17 hours agoStudent Council passed a resolution Tuesday to relocate the orchard and basketball hoop of Hereford Residential College due to construction in the surrounding area.
