Administrative Order: Stormwater Compliance Unit within the Sewer Division

The Mayor issues an Administrative Order to create a Stormwater Compliance Unit (SCU) within the Department of Public Works, Sewer Division. The SCU’s mission is to ensure Amesbury’s stormwater program complies with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and to improve water quality by reducing pollutants entering waterways. To fund SCU activities, the City will establish a quarterly flat stormwater utility fee paid by sewer account holders, with revenues deposited into the Sewer Enterprise Fund. Funds will support tasks such as stormwater sampling, ordinance development and enforcement, inspections, public education, storm sewer mapping, compliance consulting, and EPA reporting. The City plans to hire a Junior Sanitary Engineer to manage the unit and pursue staff expansion in the future. The SCU will also develop an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program, maintain BMPs, and map and prioritize storm sewer infrastructure and capital improvements, all in coordination with MADEP and USEPA permit requirements. The order emphasizes public outreach, compliance with permits, and potential updates to the City Code (§453-6) for fee adjustments. The Administrative Order becomes effective 30 days after notice to the City Council, unless acted upon otherwise.