Stormwater

Stormwater is rainwater that collects on our rooftops, parking lots, roadways, and other impervious (hard) surfaces. This water flows into the storm drainage system to our local rivers and streams UNTREATED. As stormwater flows along, it picks up harmful pollutants (such as automotive fluids, trash, pet waste, fertilizers, and pesticides) which can harm our drinking water and the wildlife that live in and near our rivers and streams.

The City of Fayetteville Stormwater Management Program is mandated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA to have a comprehensive program to address stormwater issues (both flooding and pollution) through its NPDES MS4 Permit. A copy of this permit can be found here. Permit compliance activities of the Stormwater Program are reported annually to DEQ. A copy of the most recent report can be found here. The Stormwater Program plays an integral part in the City of Fayetteville's vision of providing its citizens with quality services in an efficient manner, the Stormwater Program will, to the maximum extent practicable:

• Safeguard the public welfare through the proper collection, conveyance, and storage of stormwater runoff in a non-damaging and non-life-threatening manner.
• Ensure compliance with the State issued NPDES municipal stormwater discharge permit and with all other applicable water quality regulations related to stormwater runoff.
• Provide maintenance and repair to ensure that all infrastructures are properly functioning and well maintained.
• Provide inspection and monitoring of industrial activities.
• Maintain an inventory of the major stormwater drainage system outfalls.
• Conduct field sampling and screening of drainage outfalls including laboratory analysis.
• Provide public awareness and volunteer programs to educate on pollution reduction.
• Coordinate erosion control for construction activities.

The Stormwater Program maintains a 24-hour HOTLINE at 910-433-1613 to answer your stormwater questions and/or report stormwater problems related to drainage or pollution!

Stormwater inquiries in unincorporated Cumberland County should be directed to County Engineering 910-678-7636. Stormwater inquiries that involve an NCDOT maintained road should be directed to the local NCDOT Maintenance Division at 910-364-0602.

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rainwater that collects on our rooftops, parking lots, road ways and other impervious (hard) surfaces. This water flows into the storm drainage system to our local rivers and streams UNTREATED. As stormwater flows along, it picks up harmful pollutants (such as automotive fluids, trash, pet waste, fertilizers, and pesticides) which can harm our drinking water and the wildlife that live in and near our rivers and streams.

What is impervious surface?

Any hard or disturbed surfaced area that either prevents or slows down the natural entry of water into the soil. Rooftops, buildings, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, other paving, driveways, compacted gravel, patios, artificial turf and storage areas are all examples of impervious surfaces. These improvements affect natural infiltration, create more runoff, increase the rate of runoff and alter runoff patterns of stormwater that drains from an area.

Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?

No. They are two separate independent collection systems. The sewer system, also known as the sanitary sewer system, carries household, commercial and industrial wastewater through a separate system into an underground system. This system then takes the water to a waste water treatment plant (such as the Cross Creek Reclamation Facility, or the Rockfish Reclamation Facility) where the water is treated and then returned to the Cape Fear River. This water is extensively treated in order to make sure that no pollutants enter the Cape Fear River. Types of waste water include: water in your sinks, toilets, washing machines, and water from commercial car washes.

Does stormwater get treated at the waste water treatment plant?

No. Stormwater does not get treated at the waste water treatment plant. Stormwater flows untreated to our local rivers and streams.

Why do we need to manage stormwater runoff?

Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in North Carolina. Stormwater is not treated before it enters our waterways. This pollution creates numerous costs to the public and wildlife. Fayetteville uses surface water that accumulates from runoff for drinking water, and it can be much more expensive to clean up polluted water than clean water.

Polluted water can also hurt wildlife that lives in and around creeks, streams and rivers. Soil erosion covers up fish habitats, fertilizers can cause algae to grow, and oil and chemicals can make fish and animals sick. Having pollutants entering our waterways not only hurts our drinking water, but also harms our environment as well.

The amount or quantity of stormwater is also a problem. When rain water falls on hard surfaces, such as parking lots and roads, it cannot seep into the ground. It runs off to lower areas. This water runoff can cause flooding if there is not adequate drainage to safely carry the water from these hard surfaces to rivers, lakes and streams. Flooding can cause damage to yards, buildings, and vehicles. Flooding can also lead to health hazards, such as mold and disease.

How is stormwater pollution managed?

Stormwater is managed by using “Best Management Practices” or BMPs. BMPs are designed to help keep pollutants out of runoff and slow down high volumes of runoff. However, preventing pollution from entering waterways is much more affordable than cleaning it up afterwards. This is the basis of our public education program, and is one of the BMPs that are used.

There are also laws that require people and businesses that disturb the soil to take steps to prevent erosion, as well as laws that make dumping materials into waterways illegal. There are laws about litter, picking up after pets, and dumping materials into storm drains that also help to prevent pollution.

How much does it cost me?

Under the City’s current stormwater rate, a single-family residential property will be billed $84 per year. All single-family residential properties are charged a flat fee. Single-family residential properties include: single-family detached houses, mobile homes on an individual lot, individual duplexes, and residential condominiums.

The stormwater fee for non-single family and business property is based on a calculated number of Equivalent Residential Units (ERU). One ERU is the average amount of impervious area found on a typical single-family residence within the stormwater service area. It was determined that the average single-family residence in our area contains approximately 2,266 square feet of impervious area. Therefore, one ERU=2,266 square feet of impervious area.

Why do we have to pay a fee?

Again, the City of Fayetteville has chosen to implement a fee rather than raise taxes or cut services. The City Council felt a fee was the best alternative for the City and community. The users of the stormwater system are charged equitably based on their contribution of runoff from their property.

How does a fee differ from a tax?

It is all dollars paid, but there are some differences between a fee and a tax.

• User equity: Fees are more proportional and give users more control. With fees, larger users pay more, and smaller users pay less.
• Dedicated funding: Fee income is segregated, and a stormwater fee can only be used for stormwater related costs. Tax dollars are available for almost any use, and competition for tax dollars usually results in infrastructure being under-funded.
• Tax exempt property: Many properties in Fayetteville are granted tax exempt status, such as property owned by the City, County, School Board, FSU and churches. Many of the tax exempt properties have large amounts of impervious area. This places more property tax burden on residents and local businesses, while a fee is charged to all users. There are no exemptions.

Why not use property taxes pay for stormwater?

The City could certainly increase our tax rate to pay for stormwater program. We have ample property tax authority. However, the burden would not be distributed as widely or proportionately. There would likely be no regular dedication of money towards stormwater needs, and no financial incentive for property owners to control stormwater.

How is the money used?

The revenues raised provide the City with a dedicated funding source to make drainage system improvements and better maintain it. The stormwater fee generates over $6 million annually. The fee also allows the City to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater quality requirements to reduce pollution.

The generated funds will be allocated to three primary areas:

• Funding for larger drainage projects or capital improvements
• Increased maintenance and repair for the drainage system
• Compliance with Federal water quality regulations

How do I benefit?

You always benefit from adequate, properly functioning drainage and flood control systems which decrease the likelihood of flooding, erosion, and unlimited pollutants from surface and stormwater runoff. You also benefit from the regulation and monitoring of the properties above and around you. Finally, efforts to protect our water system improve our environment and quality of life and provide benefits to everyone.

Can the Stormwater Fee be lowered?

The City of Fayetteville offers a credit for commercial, industrial, and multifamily property owners if they manage their stormwater runoff through onsite water quality or quantity structural best management practices.

What are the requirements for the fee credit?

Requirements include:

• Having an onsite stormwater detention or retention pond that reduces the quantity of stormwater runoff from the property that is designed and maintained according to the standards of the City of Fayetteville’s Stormwater Control Ordinance.
• Having an onsite Best Management Practice (BMP) that reduces the impact of pollution on water quality and meets the design and maintenance standards in the City of Fayetteville’s Stormwater Control Ordinance. A BMP temporarily stores and/or treats urban stormwater runoff to reduce flooding, remove pollutants and provides other amenities.
• Being classified as industrial and covered by either an individual or general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. 

Where can I find more information?

You can download a copy of the Stormwater Fee Credit Manual here.

For additional information, please click here.

How does the City prioritize stormwater problems?

The City addresses projects with the greatest health and safety risks and community impact first. Areas where there is chronic flooding are considered high priorities. The City is responsible for maintaining its current drainage system, performing repairs and completing drainage improvement projects.

Why are BMP’s required for new development?

Environmental regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality require that new developments use BMP’s to control the runoff rate, so that it is not more than before development began. This can be done using a variety of ways, from detention ponds to underground filtration units. Our ordinance also states the requirements and that new development must manage and control stormwater.

What should I do if my street/property is flooding?

If you experience flooding, and you live in the city limits of Fayetteville, you can call our stormwater hotline, 910-433-1613, and a stormwater inspector will come out and assess the situation to determine if it is something that the City can help with.

What should I do if I notice something or someone blocking a storm drain or ditch?

You should call our stormwater hotline at 910-433-1613. Staff will investigate the concern and take any appropriate action.

Are catch basins and storm drains cleaned regularly?

Catch basins are cleaned on an as needed basis. If you notice a problem with a catch basin or storm drain that is not working properly, you can call our Stormwater Hotline at 910-433-1613 to report the problem. Someone will come out to investigate and clean the storm drain if needed.

Our streets are swept on a regular basis, which helps to keep the amount of material flowing into a storm drain or catch basin to a minimum.

What is a catch basin?

A catch basin is a curbside receptacle whose function is to convey water from streets and other urban surfaces into the storm drainage system. These basins can be easily seen throughout the City.

What types of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?

We can find a lot of different pollutants in the storm drainage system, including: paint thinner, paint, used motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides and fertilizers, sediments containing heavy metals, paper trash and bottles, human and animal feces, dead animals, and food wrappers.

I see people dumping used oil into storm drains, what can I do?

If you see someone dumping used motor oil into the storm drainage system, you can call our hotline at 910-433-1613 to report the illegal dumping. When you call, please be specific as to the location, and it is helpful if you can take a picture of the activity.

How do I report trash being thrown into the storm drain?

If you see trash being thrown into the storm drainage system, you can call our hotline at 910-433-1613 to report it. When you call, please be specific as to the location, and if someone is actively throwing trash. Please take a picture if possible to help in our investigation.

How do I properly dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze, paint, etc.?

Household hazardous materials such as paint, antifreeze, oil, pesticides and fertilizers can be taken to the Cumberland County Household Hazardous Waste Facility on Wilkes Road for proper disposal. If you have any questions about what they will accept, you can contact them by calling 910-485-3867.

What should I do if I see debris or garbage piled up in the creek?

If you see debris or garbage accumulating in a creek that could cause a disruption or blockage of flow, please call our stormwater hotline at 910-433-1613 to report the location. Someone will be out to investigate the problem and take any appropriate action.

How is stormwater polluted?

As rainwater flows over hard or impervious surfaces, it accumulates pollutants such as oils, grease, chemicals and nutrients. This water flows into the storm drainage system and is discharged into our local rivers and streams.

What is the number one source of stormwater pollution?

In North Carolina, sediment is the number one source of stormwater pollution. Erosion from construction sites and other areas of disturbed land causes soil to wash into the storm drainage system. Sediment has numerous impacts on the water quality of our local rivers and streams, including turbidity and habitat impacts. Sediment can often carry other pollutants to our local rivers and streams such as heavy metals and nutrients.

What is non-point source pollution?

Non-point source (NPS) pollution refers to water pollution from diffuse sources. Non-point source water pollution affects a water body from sources such as polluted runoff from agricultural areas draining into a river, or wind-borne debris blowing out to sea. Although these pollutants have originated from a point source, the long-range transportability and multiple sources of the pollutant make it a non-point source of pollution. Non-point source pollution can be contrasted with point source pollution, where discharges occur to a body of water or into the atmosphere at a single location.

How do nutrients such as nitrogen get into stormwater?

Nutrients can enter stormwater in a variety of ways, including activities from landscaping, leaks from sanitary sewers and septic systems, and animal wastes.

The City of Fayetteville has partnered with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and installed two real-time stream gages and three real-time precipitation gages at selected locations in the city. The stream gages measure and record stream flow data, and are the first permanent USGS gages in the City of Fayetteville. They help to augment the existing gage located on the Cape Fear River at the Grove Street Bridge. The stream gages measure the stage (height) of the stream, which the USGS uses to compute stream flow rate (discharge) of the two creeks and gives the City valuable data on how rainfall from storms affects flow.

Locations of the stream gages are as follows:

• Blounts Creek at Winslow Street
• Cross Creek at Blue Street
• Cape Fear River at Grove Street Bridge
• Beaver Creek at Cumberland Rd

In addition to the stream gages, four precipitation gages have been installed in the City.

The precipitation gages monitor the rainfall amount and intensity , and allow us to understand how rain events affect stream flow, as well as giving us an idea of conditions in different parts of the City. The gages help staff understand how a storm’s rainfall intensity affects stream flow. For example, if a storm is short, but has a high rainfall rate (high-intensity storm), we will be able to see how quickly the stream responds and rises, versus a storm that lasts longer and allows for a slower stream rise over time (low-intensity storm).

Locations of the precipitation gages are as follows:

• Fire Station 11
• Fire Station 19
• Cape Fear River near Grove Street Bridge
• Beaver Creek

Currently, the City has entered into a five-year operating agreement with USGS and will continue supporting the gages as funds are available. The City uses the data for calibrating and validating the watershed models, which will help optimize spending on projects that are identified through the Watershed Master Plan. Eventually, these gages will be used as part of the City's more extensive early flood warning system. The data from these new gages are transmitted every hour and can be found on the USGS real-time website at: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/rt. Additionally, data from the five gages are accessed by the NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN). FIMAN is managed by the NC Department of Emergency Management and provides the public information about current stages of streams across the state, and will soon be partnered with DOT to provide information to the public about flooded roads.

Gages Data

• Blounts Creek Stream Gage
• Cross Creek Stream Gage
• Cape Fear River Gage
• Fire Station 19 Precipitation Gage
• Fire Station 11 Precipitation Gage

Watershed Map(PDF, 8MB)

NC 303(d) List

The NC 303(d) list contains information on the State's impaired waters. The City uses this list to determine what areas to watch and focus certain monitoring efforts on in its Impaired Streams Program, which you can read about below. To find more information out about the NC 303(d) List, and the Statewide program, please click on the links below.

NC 303(d) Home

Impaired Streams Program

Stormwater developed an Impaired Streams Program to monitor streams that have been classified as impaired within the City limits in 2014. In many cases, it is possible that an impaired stream could progress negatively over time, and may have a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) assigned to them to improve their water quality. In order to be proactive, Stormwater has developed this program on a voluntary basis to monitor impaired streams and make necessary adjustments to improve their water quality prior to the potential issuance of a TMDL.

This program will allow Stormwater to assess the effect pollutants may have on streams, as well as determine how the streams are impacted by their surrounding environments. Stormwater uses several methods to analyze the health of a stream, such as analytical laboratory sampling, field sampling, site inspections, and walking the stream. The Stormwater Division samples for 20 to 32 parameters at each sample site depending on what related issues are found during the inspection. These methods allow staff to assess both the chemical and biological conditions of a stream. Information obtained through sampling and inspection is then recorded on an Excel Spreadsheet. Using the spreadsheet, staff will be able to analyze the results over time to determine patterns and possible pollution issues within a stream.

The Stormwater Division identified the sample sites based on stream segments that the state has deemed as impaired, along with input from the PWC Watersheds Group, to ensure that there is no duplication of sample sites. From these efforts, 20 sample sites were identified. This program allows Stormwater to understand the characteristics of our impaired streams.

Previously, Stormwater staff developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for inspecting and collecting sampling data from our designated impaired stream segments. The document outlines the City’s efforts to monitor and reduce pollutants in local streams classified as impaired by NCDEQ. The written document is also highly effective in showing procedural consistency and the process when audited by DENR and EPA. While there are no TMDLs currently assigned to the City, the collected data, and a validated process will be great tools and provide historical information to hopefully avoid or at least delay future TMDLs in the local area.

Commercial, industrial and multifamily property owners in Fayetteville may be credited a portion of their City stormwater fee if they manage their stormwater runoff through onsite water quality or quantity structural Best Management Practices. Some owners may be eligible to receive as much as an 80 percent fee credit if they meet one, two or all of three requirements.

Applications must be received by April 15 of each year to be considered for the credit. If you have any questions, please contact the Stormwater Program at 910-433-1613.

In 1995, the City of Fayetteville and unincorporated areas of Cumberland County implemented a stormwater utility to provide a mechanism to fund a federal mandate resulting from the 1972 Clean Water Act. The Stormwater Program initially took the lead role in the joint city-county stormwater program to ensure pollution reduction and permit compliance. Some limited drainage management activities were also provided. Focused resources toward deliberate efforts in areas of creek cleaning, street sweeping, system maintenance, and water quality programs provided an effective means to maintain our infrastructure and also comply with environmental regulations.

In 2007, the Fayetteville City Council recognized the growing stormwater infrastructure needs typically inherent to an urbanized area and made a serious commitment for future funding. An additional stormwater "drainage" fee was implemented for properties within the City limits to address capital projects that were not previously funded. The "drainage' fee was assessed to all developed properties (residential/non-residential/business) within the city limits. This fee supports a higher level of maintenance of the existing infrastructure, develop drainage plans and flood control measures, and fund major capital expenses. Previously identified capital projects were prioritized and planned to be built over a period of several years.

Late in 2008, the Fayetteville City Council further recognized the need to better control stormwater runoff and also prepare for new Phase II stormwater requirements. After extensive review, an ordinance was adopted to establish minimum requirements and procedures for new development, and control the adverse effects of increased stormwater quantity and runoff quality.

In early 2009, it was determined that Cumberland County's future stormwater requirements would be administered by the State of North Carolina, and the County's involvement in the joint utility was no longer necessary. The City of Fayetteville continues to independently maintain its stormwater utility to fund its program activities.

In 2011, the City realized a need to accelerate capital projects for identified drainage infrastructure needs and responded by successfully initiating its first issue of stormwater revenue bonds for $10.5 million dollars. City staff identified over a dozen significant projects that were designed and constructed with those proceeds.

In 2013, the City received its newly reissued NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. Permit negotiations with DWQ and the US EPA had been ongoing for a period of years. In addition to the original Permit components for compliance, the reissued Permit contained a number of new requirements related to Stormwater Phase II regulations that the City will aggressively address.

In 2015, the City’s Stormwater Program marked the 20th anniversary of its commitment to protect stormwater quality.  A few accomplishments include continued permit compliance, the development, and implementation of a dedicated funding source, a comprehensive stormwater management ordinance, public education, drainage system inspections and stream monitoring programs.  Infrastructure improvements also continue to help quality and quantity.

In recent years, the Fayetteville City Council has continued to recognize the growing stormwater infrastructure and regulatory needs by adopting a modest stormwater fee increase to help fund those efforts.  The additional revenue will help in addressing capital drainage projects that were not previously funded as well as maintaining continued compliance of new and expanded environmental permit requirements. 

With the passage of the Fiscal Year 2019 budget, the City Stormwater Program will be will be accelerating its capital improvement project program to help reduce flooding on local roads and reduce the potential for damage to property.  The first phase of this effort will involve the completion of watershed studies throughout the City.  The City has 15 watersheds, of which 2 have been studied.  The Beaver Creek 2 watershed study is currently underway.  The remaining 12 studies will take place over the next 5 years beginning in 2019.  These studies will allow engineers to identify stormwater projects and prioritize them for design & construction.  They will also identify water quality issues within the City and provide information that may allow for future grants.  All of the information will be aggregated into a City-wide masterplan. This will be the largest effort ever undertaken by the Stormwater Program and promises to create a long-term plan for the development of the City’s Stormwater utility.  It is estimated that the City may need well over $100-million dollars in stormwater capital improvements to resolve all of the problems that may be uncovered through the studies.  Over the years, the fee has been increased to meet growing needs of the community, however, the majority of Fayetteville remained un-studied due to funding constraints.  Through the decisive action of the City Council, the Stormwater Program can now move forward with a comprehensive plan to evaluate the whole City and develop a path forward.