Alabama AGC on behalf of its members spoke publicly against 3 recent ordinances adopted unanimously by the Storm Water Management Authority, Inc. (SWMA) at a Public Hearing on February 12, 2018.

SWMA is a public corporation which coordinates storm water, erosion, and sediment control practices for more than 40 municipalities throughout Jefferson County, Alabama to comply with the federal Water Quality Act of 1987.

SWMA passed 3 ordinances for illicit discharge, erosion and sediment control, and post-construction at a meeting on December 20, 2017.  These ordinances would add additional fees and controls with uncertain terms that would impact developers, contractors, and owners alike.

While Alabama AGC supports the intent and promotion of Low Impact Development and Green Building practices, these ordinances conflict with regulations already in place through the MS-4 permit program issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In conjunction with the Business Alliance for Responsible Development, Inc. (BARD) and other interested parties, Alabama AGC provided letters from its members and encouraged SWMA to reconsider the adoption of the ordinances given existing mechanisms in place to provide funding and regulation. 

Eleven total parties including the Jefferson County Commission, the Cahaba River Society, Habitat for Humanity, the Southern Poverty Law Center, various homebuilders, a state utility company, BARD, and Alabama AGC spoke at the Public Hearing, all either opposed to the ordinances as drafted.