Storm Water Abatements

Stormwater Abatements

The Town of Reading is required to comply with the NPDES Phase II Storm Water General permit established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This permit required the Town to develop a Stormwater Management Plan that reduces the discharge of pollutants to the storm drain system and water ways.

In order to properly manage this program, the Town has established a Stormwater Utility, which is funded by an enterprise fund, not unlike that of the water and sewer utilities. Properties will be assessed an annual fee based on the amount of impervious surface on the lot, which will be billed quarterly. Undeveloped property will not be assessed a stormwater fee.

In an effort to encourage property owners to minimize the amount of runoff from their properties, which will help reduce the amount of pollutants entering the Town's waterways, an abatement program has been instituted.

ABATEMENTS

Residential properties that install infiltration systems or other means to reduce runoff will be eligible for an abatement of up to 50% of their total assessment.

Commercial/Industrial/Multi-family properties that install and maintain state-of-the-art storm water treatment and infilitration systems will be eligible for an abatement of up to 50% of their total assessment.

TYPICAL STORM WATER DEVICES THAT QUALIFY FOR ABATEMENTS

Drywells

Infilitration chambers

Detention ponds

DEVICES THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR ABATEMENTS

Drinking water filtration systems

Rain barrels

Sump pumps

Property owners seeking additional information or anyone wishing to file an abatement should contact the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division.