§ 105-142. Findings.

(a)

Uncontrolled stormwater drainage/discharge may have a significant adverse impact on the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city. More specifically, surface water runoff can carry pollutants and nutrients into receiving waters. The potential impacts of these pollutants and nutrient loadings include:

(1)

Changing natural ecosystems through sediment and pollutant deposits which affect the quantity and quality of water flow, the destruction of habitats, and the loss of plant and animal life;

(2)

Posing significant health risks through increased bacteria;

(3)

Accelerating eutrophication of receiving waters by introducing excessive nutrient loads;

(4)

Increasing metal deposits creating toxicity for aquatic life;

(5)

Reducing oxygen levels because of oil, grease and organic matter; and

(6)

Affecting animal and plant life, adversely, due to changing temperatures of receiving waters.

(b)

Uncontrolled stormwater drainage can increase the incidence of flooding and the level of floods which occur, endangering roads, other public and private property and human life.

(c)

Altered land surfaces can change the rate and volume of runoff as follows:

(1)

Erosion and slumping of streambanks, resulting in widening of streams;

(2)

Undercut root systems;

(3)

Increased erosion rates; and

(4)

Uniform and shallow streambeds, providing less varied aquatic habitats.

(d)

Adverse water quality and quantity consequences described above may result in substantial economic losses. Potential losses include, but are not limited to, increased water treatment costs, as well as state and federal fines associated with water quality violations.

(e)

Many future problems can be avoided through proper stormwater management.

(f)

Every parcel of real property, both public and private, either uses or benefits from the maintenance of the city's stormwater system.

(g)

Current and anticipated growth will contribute to and increase the need for improvement and maintenance of the stormwater system.

(Ord. No. 207, § 3, 9-18-1995)