To comply with

new environmental regulations, Peachtree City must develop a stormwater

management program.

A consultant

will be hired to evaluate the system and develop a plan to manage it.

The City Council approved spending an additional $25,000 for the study

at its regular meeting last week.

The consultant

will evaluate current spending on the stormwater system and how to fund

future stormwater improvements. City officials have discussed the possibility

of creating a stormwater utility and assessing a minimal charge on local

residents to fund the maintenance of the system which is currently handled

There was also

speculation that the city's Water and Sewer Authority would take over

the stormwater maintenance duties since much of the equipment it has could

be used, avoiding the need to purchase much new equipment.

City Engineer

Troy Besseche said the city is aware of flooding problems in several areas

of town but the study should identify any such trouble spots. Mayor Bob

Lenox said the city is fortunate because its stormwater system isn't as

old as those found in other cities.

In studying

the city's stormwater system, the consultant will also conduct a series

of public meetings to develop a direction for the program.

The consultant

will be expected to file a report at the end of February so the information

can be presented to council at its annual retreat.

Besseche said

the state Environmental Protection Division expects the program to be

implemented in 2003, but there are indications that date could be delayed.