Stormwater Management

Stormwater 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 stormwater 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.

Stormwater Infrastructure Goal

Mt. Lebanon repairs and removes debris from more than 75 miles of storm sewers and over 2,500 catch basins throughout the municipality. Responsibilities include periodic inspections of the municipal storm drain system, catch basin construction and reconstruction, and response to general storm sewer problems.

Stormwater Fee

Approved Ordinance
The Mt. Lebanon Commission approved the Ordinance below on August 9, 2011 and amended the Ordinance on August 27, 2018, October 25, 2022 and December 12, 2023. In addition, links to the credit manual and application approved on September 13, 2011 can be found below:
Stormwater Fee Ordinance
Credit Manual
Credit Application

Stormwater 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.

A chart explaining water discharge and what is required. Properties may only discharge water into municipal storm sewers or onto their own properties or a municipally approved location. Stormwater from your property cannot be a nuisance

Stormwater FAQs

Stormwater Discharge Maintenance

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What do I do if I have an existing sump pump or pipe discharge from my property?

If the discharge is not causing a buildup of ice in the public right-of-way, including the sidewalk or street, or is NOT adversely impacting an abutting property, nothing is required. Otherwise, its discharge must be addressed by doing one of the following:

Direct the discharge to a municipal storm sewer system that can accommodate the flow from the sump or pipe.

Move the discharge to another point on the owner’s property where the discharge can be dissipated without issue.

Move the discharge to a point 10 feet from the property/street right-of-way line.

Who pays for the work required to move existing sump pump and drain discharges?

The property owner operating the sump or pipe.

What if I want to install a new pipe or sump pump that will discharge into the street?

Since discharges into the street are not allowed, for cases where there may be no other choice, the municipal engineer or his designee may permit an exception when it can be proven through documentation that the discharge will not be a nuisance.

How do I discharge the contents of my sump or pipe?

The discharge of the pipe or sump may be handled in several different ways. It may be directed onto the ground surface at a minimum of 10 feet from any property/street right of way line and in a manner that is approved by the municipal engineer. It may also go directly into a storm sewer conveyance system with adequate capacity to convey the discharge. If neither method is available, the discharge can be made in a location approved by the municipal engineer.

What determines a good location for a sump pump or pipe discharge?

The discharge must not cause a nuisance such as street icing or erosion.

Storm Sewers Budget

Prior to 2011, funds for repairing and maintaining the stormwater 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 stormwater 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 about 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.

Summary of Stormwater Projects

Each year, Gateway Engineers updates the municipality on all of its stormwater projects. Read the comprehensive report covering 2012 through 2024.

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.

A car driving on the street is seeing pushing through flood waters — Stormwater projects aim to keep scenes like this from happening.

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.