BALTIMORE MD (December 11, 2013) - Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx reminds Baltimore property owners that applications for credits against their first Maryland Stormwater Fee bill will be accepted through Sunday, December 15. Applications may be hand delivered to the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 Holliday Street, through 4:30 PM this Friday. They may also be mailed (postmarked prior to December 15), or they may be faxed or emailed through Sunday.

Applications received after that date may be applied toward subsequent Maryland Stormwater Fee bills.

The first bills to include the Maryland Stormwater Fee were mailed to customers in September. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has made available a variety of information related to the implementation of this fee under the Stormwater tab of DPW's cleanwaterbaltimore.org website. This site includes details about the fee for individual properties, explanations of credits to reduce the fee, and the credit application. The faxing and emailing contact information is on the application.

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works is making credits available for customers who take steps to reduce the impact of stormwater, either on their property or through community programs. These include tree planting, rain gardens, rain harvesting, and participation in organized community cleanup activities. Low-income residents may be able to qualify for hardship exemptions or other forms of assistance.

The Maryland Stormwater Fee was mandated by a 2012 State law that requires the 10 largest jurisdictions, including Baltimore, to provide a sustainable, dedicated revenue source for maintaining and improving the stormwater management system. Stormwater runoff spreads litter, bacteria and chemicals from streets and yards, and poses pollution, flooding and erosion hazards.

Additional fee structures have been established for non-single family properties. These properties also have different types of credits and fee reductions available. Owners of these properties may also find additional information by visiting the Stormwater tab at cleanwaterbaltimore.org.

For applications or for answers to questions, property owners may contact the Customer Support and Services Division at 410-396-5398.