11/26/2013

Proposal for stormwater runoff grant gains conditional approval

A funding request for a project to alleviate effects of stormwater runoff into Trout Brook has been conditionally approved by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

In a Nov. 22, 2013 letter to Town Manager Michael McGovern, the DEP's Bureau of Land and Water Quality informed the town of conditional grant approval for the project proposed for the Walnut Hill Equestrian Center and at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both abutters of Trout Brook near the South Portland line.

Cape Elizabeth's project proposal is among 10 conditionally selected for the "2014 Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects, Watershed-based Plan Implementation."

In September the town submitted a package of proposed improvements for funding, including construction of a manure-storage shed and collection of water from the barn roof at the equestrian center; construction of two gravel wetlands, and rehabilitation of a detention basin upland of the brook; and, installation of an underdrain planted soil filter to capture parking-lot stormwater before it enters the brook. The grant would also include public outreach and education components.

Total cost of the project is estimated at $182,567. At its September meeting, the Town Council agreed to contribute $22,000 from its Community Fee Utilization Program fund, which holds development fees to help compensate for stormwater impact. The equestrian center is providing $10,000, and all parties, including the City of South Portland and the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, are making in-kind contributions toward the 40-percent match requirement..

This award decision is subject to the final approval of the State Procurement Review Committee and the successful negotiation of a grant award, the letter says.