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Storm Water Management
Storm water management is a critical part of keeping our water safe and clean and curtailing flooding.
It's not just a job for government or large construction sites; we all can help keep the water clean by following rules, avoiding pollutants and making sure our water goes where it is supposed to when it rains.
In Mt. Lebanon, we have what's called a municipal separate storm sewer system (also called MS4 for short). That means our storm water doesn't go down the same drains as sewage from our bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
To help keep our system clean, we will post tips for residents on this page. Some of the tips might not seem water related -- such as curtailing use of lawn fertilizers or rock salt for icy sidewalks. Even properly raking leaves keeps catch basins clear and free to do their work. This page also will list capital projects that upgrade our infrastructure.
Storm Water Management Ordinance:
In October, 2020, the Mt. Lebanon Commission approved an ordinance stating that, beginning in 2021, newly installed sump pumps must direct water discharges into the storm sewer system when possible, or onto absorbent surfaces, such as grass, mulch or soil, or a sump pit, to ensure that water does not find its way onto the street or onto neighboring properties. Property owners need a permit for a sump pump, and owners must be able to demonstrate that the water will discharge more than 10 feet from the property line and the municipal right of way.
Existing sump pumps that continue to pose a problem need to be brought into compliance with the new ordinance. Property owners are to assume the cost. This ordinance was created to help prevent dangerous ice spots that are caused by improper sump pump discharge during the winter months.
Click here for FAQs explaining the ordinance.
Click here to view a Water Discharge Flowchart, detailing different scenarios relating to the ordinance.
Storm Water Fee
Approved Ordinance
The Mt. Lebanon Commission approved the Ordinance below on August 9, 2011 and amended the Ordinance on August 27, 2018 and October 25, 2022. In addition, links to the credit manual and application approved on September 13, 2011 can be found below:
Storm Water Fee Ordinance
Storm Water Credit Manual (appendix A)
Storm Water Credit Application (appendix A)
Storm Sewers Budget
Prior to 2011, funds for repairing and maintaining the storm water system came from the General Fund of the operating budget or from bond issue debt. This is no longer feasible because of the severity of the storm water issues; unfunded state and federal mandates to control these problems and meet standards; an aging conveyance system, and the competition for municipal tax dollars with other municipal needs. The Storm Sewers unit of the budget encompasses the repair of, and debris removal from, more than 75 miles of storm sewers and over 3,000 storm inlets throughout Mt. Lebanon.
Responsibilities include:
- Periodic inspections of the municipal storm drain system
- Storm inlet construction and reconstruction both scheduled and emergency
- Response to general storm sewer problems including point repairs
- Necessary storm sewer improvements identified in the capital budget
For More Information
If you have any questions, regarding current year storm water management fees, please contact the Treasurer's Office at 412-343-3405.
If you have any questions, regarding delinquent or liened storm water management fees, please contact Jordan Tax Service.
MS4 Tips and Information
To learn how you can help the environment and for fun educational activities for the whole family, go to our MS4 Tips and Information Page.Storm Water Infrastructure Goal
Project Status Updates
Stormwater Utility Fund - September 2016
Stormwater Utility Fund - November 2015
Stormwater Utility Fund - September 2014
Street Sweeping
In order to maintain municipal roads in a safe and clean condition, the public works department utilizes a variety of equipment to remove dirt, debris and leaves from nearly 100 miles of residential and business district streets and roadways. In the fall leaves are collected weekly, one day prior to regular refuse collection.Other Details
- Business District Sweeping. The business areas are swept once a week except during sub-freezing temperatures.
- Contractual Sweeping. Residential and main roads are swept three times a year starting in late April.
- Leaf Collection. Leaves are collected at the curb in residential areas using six vacuum units, and are collected weekly one day prior to regular refuse collection during the fall season, utilizing part-time seasonal employees to supplement the public works crews. Leaves are turned and shredded then hauled out of the municipality for composting.
- Complete Leaf Collection. Main roads and various dead end streets, utilizing a paper bag collection system, are scheduled and performed on an overtime basis on Saturdays.