Rising Sun Town Commissioners approve new stormwater management code

During the Town of Rising Sun meeting on February 14, 2023, officials discussed a significant ordinance aimed at enhancing local stormwater management practices. Ordinance 2023-01 proposes that the town take over the responsibilities for stormwater management plan review and inspection, which were previously managed by Cecil County's Department of Public Works.

The ordinance is a response to the town's designation as a Phase 2 small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This designation requires Rising Sun to implement specific control measures to manage stormwater effectively. By adopting this ordinance, the town aims to streamline the process of ensuring that all development projects comply with Maryland's stormwater management regulations.

The new ordinance will replace the existing stormwater management code, which has been updated to reflect current environmental standards. The town administrator explained that the changes will allow Rising Sun to manage stormwater projects internally, similar to practices already in place in nearby Elkton. This shift is expected to facilitate better coordination and oversight of stormwater management, ultimately leading to more informed decisions during the land development approval process.

The ordinance includes a comprehensive attachment detailing the updated stormwater management code, which consists of 35 pages. This extensive documentation is necessary due to the complete overhaul of the existing regulations, ensuring transparency and accessibility for future reference.

In conclusion, the adoption of Ordinance 2023-01 marks a pivotal step for Rising Sun in managing its stormwater responsibilities. By bringing these functions in-house, the town aims to enhance its regulatory framework, improve compliance with state laws, and better protect the local environment. The next steps will involve implementing the new code and monitoring its effectiveness in managing stormwater within the town's limits.