The new city fee comes compliments of the federal government, according to city manager Eric Sorensen. As part of an effort to control nonpoint source water pollution from runoff, the federal government is looking at putting water-quality standards on the discharge from city storm sewers. Runoff from lawns, streets and parking lots can carry a wide range of contaminants, including dog droppings, lawn chemicals, fertilizers, gasoline, oil and an assortment of litter.
Councilman Dieter Mielimonka said when the charge is billed there should be a note added to every bill -- "This charge due to a federal mandate."
If it was true that this was due to a federal mandate then why isn't every municipality doing it?
Same reason that not every business in America has been forced to comply with the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act). We don't have enough lawyers.
It's just a matter of time, though. There are more lawyers in law school than there are practicing law today.