Reviews 11 key considerations to keep in mind when developing a stormwater utility.

Project location: Towson, MD

Problem:  The residential streets of West Towson have historically been lined with large oak trees, which beautify the community, buttress property values, and assist with stormwater management.  However, many of these trees were being lost each year due to environmental stresses and the trees’ age. 

Project Location: Bethesda, MD

Problem:  Poorly-managed pet waste not only can be a nuisance to pedestrians but it also poses public health hazards (as it carries bacteria and parasites) and it is a source of water quality impairment due to its high nutrient content.

Project location: Silver Spring, MD

Problem:  Breewood Stream receives most of its flow from four storm drains that convey stormwater runoff from surrounding neighborhoods.  Flowing unmitigated into the creek, stormwater was eroding the streambanks and carrying pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers.  In addition, Breewood Stream suffered from exposed sewer lines and fish passage blockages along its length.

Project location: Colesville, MD

Problem:  Portions of Hollywood Branch, a tributary of the Anacostia River, were becoming severely eroded from stormwater during rain events, creating unsafe and unsightly conditions in addition to damaging water quality in the stream.

Project location: Silver Spring, MD

Problem:  Sligo Park Hills, a neighborhood in Silver Spring, was experiencing severe flooding and erosion during rain events, with portions of speed bumps breaking away and washing down the street.  Road debris, silt, and pollutants were washing into Sligo Creek, which feeds into the Anacostia River. 

Project location: Hyattsville, MD and Landover, MD

Problem:  The school grounds of two Prince George’s County schools – the G. James Gholson Middle School in Hyattsville and the Cora L. Rice Elementary School in Landover – were experiencing erosion and pollution challenges due to stormwater from the surrounding area.

Project location: Berlin, MD

Problem:  Berlin had been experiencing significant stormwater problems at a busy intersection in the heart of downtown.  The area was prone to erosion and flooding, putting both businesses and residences at risk.  In addition, poorly-managed stormwater conveyed pollutants to Trappe Creek, a tributary of Newport Bay.

Project location: Annapolis, MD

Problem:  In Annapolis’ Bay Ridge neighborhood, a culvert at Cat Hole Creek had become overwhelmed by the volume of stormwater flowing from surrounding areas during rain events.  Excess water had eroded the hillside near the culvert and caused sinkholes to form, making the area unsafe for Bay Ridge residents who had enjoyed swimming in the Creek.