What a crazy, busy year it's been for our stormwater program. Between outreach activities, system maintenance, construction projects, and responding to 1,000-year rain events, what we accomplished is truly amazing. Here's a look at some of the more notable outreach events of 2021, in spite of the ongoing pandemic.

Introduction

MUB manages stormwater flows for the City of Morgantown (and occasionally the surrounding area when expertise is required). Exactly how stormwater is managed depends on the location of the stormwater drain. While some stormwater flows to our Star City Wastewater Treatment Plant, other stormwater flows directly to the Monongahela River or local streams. You can learn more about our stormwater program here.

Stormwater Rate Increase

On August 24, 2021, Morgantown City Council approved three ordinances related to MUB rate increases. One of these ordinances addressed stormwater by providing a 18% rate increase for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, in all areas served by MUB. In addition, the ordinance included a 3% inflationary rate increase for fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026. This was the first adjustment to stormwater rates in nearly ten years! These new rates will assist not only in budgeting but ensuring that our stormwater system and management remains the best statewide.

Rain Barrel Workshops

In coordination with our partner Friends of Deckers Creek, we conducted two rain barrel workshops of 15 participants each. By hosting the workshop in our maintenance bays with four large bay doors open, we were able to social distance and ensure an adequate supply of fresh air. During the workshops we discussed our stormwater program and provided an overview of how to install the diverter kits for the rain barrels.Rain Barrel Workshop Hopefully next year (if the price and availability of barrels and kit supplies normalize) we can get back to hosting four workshops with 20 attendees in each class. Keep your eyes out for future information.

City Council Committee of the Whole

In September, MUB Stormwater Senior Engineer Ken Hacker provided Morgantown City Council with an overview of the stormwater program. The presentation included a review of Morgantown Utility Board responsibilities, the stormwater area, as well as ongoing challenges and upcoming projects. The presentation can be viewed here in PDF format.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

This was another record setting year for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. We collected nearly 13 tons of material from 477 vehicles. Given the three-hour period for which the event is held, that’s a remarkable 24 seconds per vehicle!

Here’s a look at some of the materials we received (in pounds)…

  • Bulk paint – 7,136
  • Flammable Liquids – 3,524
  • Pesticides - 3,049
  • Putty & Adhesives – 2,384
  • Bulk fuels – 2,085
  • Bulk used oil – 1,645
  • Antifreeze – 1,185
  • Batteries, dry cell, Ni Cd - 979
  • Aerosols – 943
  • Fluorescent Bulbs - 625
  • Household Cleaners - 266

And the remarkable outcomes (in percentages)…

Recycled - 46%
Energy Recovery - 35%
Treatment - 14%
Incineration - 5%
Landfill - 0%




Special thanks to our partners. This event is truly a community effort...

  • Morgantown Utility Board
  • Republic Services
  • City of Morgantown
  • Mon Co Commission
  • City of Westover
  • Mon County Solid Waste Authority

Solid Waste Authority Board of Directors Discussion

MUB Director of Communications Chris Dale discussed Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day with the Solid Waste Authority Board of Directors at their October meeting. The results of this year's event, additional funding opportunities, and the possibility of hosting a spring HHWC event as early as 2023 were discussed.

Rain Garden

This year, we not only constructed a rain garden but engaged a group of homeschoolers to assist in planting it. During the event we also discussed our stormwater system and the role rain gardens play in managing stormwater runoff. The rain garden, located at our water treatment plant right next to the rail trail, contains more than 100 plants. In the future we plan on installing a kiosk that discusses the plants as well as the importance of rain gardens. A special word of thanks to Rich's Farms for providing the plants and mapping the layout.

Deckers Creek Cleanup

What a day it was along Deckers Creek when a number of community groups and dozens of individuals came together to remove rubbish from along the rail trail and Deckers Creek itself. Together we collected 76 contractor size bags of rubbish along with shopping carts. doors, tires and more than 100 needles. The area is not only cleaner but safer!

A shout out to our event partners...

Morgantown Utility Board
Friends of Deckers Creek
City of Morgantown - City Hall
BOPARC
Mon River Trails Conservancy
WV Department of Environmental Protection

Popenoe Run Investments

MUB is working toward a partnership to complete stream restoration projects along Popenoe Run with funding of $1 million from both the Monongalia County Commission and City of Morgantown. These projects will restore roughly 3,000 feet of the Popenoe Run stream and replace 3,000 feet of 60-year-old, clay sanitary sewer lines in the area.


Morgantown Watershed Flood Control Study

As a result of the historic rain events of 2021, our Board of Directors authorized staff to proceed with preparation of a Request for Qualifications for Professional Services to hire a Consultant to conduct a Flood Control Study for the Morgantown MS4 area.

The Consultant selected shall study the entire Morgantown MS4 watershed and develop a comprehensive system wide Flood Control Plan that lays out technically feasible and cost-effective solutions that, if implemented, will reduce flooding and associated backups. The plan will also help reduce damages from flooding to an acceptable risk and cost level.

Dog Splash Day

Unfortunately, Dog Splash Day was cancelled due to a widespread outbreak of kennel cough. We look forward to next year!

Kids Day

For the second consecutive year, Kids Day was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. While unfortunate- we really enjoy the event- the safety of our kids obviously comes first..