Why did Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen vote to establish a Storm Water Enterprise Fund (SWEF)?

The Town of Reading is required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a stormwater management plan that reduces the discharge of pollutants to our storm water drain system and waterways. The Town is required to be in full compliance with the terms of our National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit by 2008 to meet federal and state mandates. The Town established a SWEF to provide a dedicated and adequate source of funding for our stormwater management program.

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1. What is storm water?
2. Why did Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen vote to establish a Storm Water Enterprise Fund (SWEF)?
3. Why is storm water management necessary?
4. How is the Storm Water Enterprise Fund (SWEF) fee calculated?
5. How is total impervious surface area determined?
6. For what purposes will (SWEF) fee revenue be used?
7. Will residents be assessed a (SWEF) fee if their property is located on a private way or on a town accepted street that does not have catch basins or storm drains?
8. Are there certain types of properties that are exempt from the storm water fee?
9. Has the Town made any provisions for storm water abatements?
10. What are some typical storm water devices that qualify for abatements?
11. What are some typical devices that do not qualify for abatements?
12. Where can I obtain more information or file for an abatement?
13. Is the storm water abatement permanent?