As part of its ongoing effort to protect area waterways and to meet state and federal regulations, the City of Monroe, NC will conduct a stormwater infrastructure inventory throughout Monroe beginning this fall and is expected to be completed by next summer. During the inventory, city personnel will collect information on stormwater pipes and other structures.
As part of the process, city personnel will be on public and private property identifying and assessing stormwater pipes and structures. City staff will contact property owners if personnel are unable to gain normal access onto private property. Unlike wastewater, which is treated before it is released back into the environment, stormwater flows through the structures into a community’s ponds, streams and lakes. The inventory data is expected to help identify and resolve any stormwater issues that may impact the city’s water quality.
During the inventory, city personnel will be operating in two person crews, wearing florescent green vests and also possessing picture badges identifying them as City employees. These crews will primarily be focused on locating drainage structures and measuring pipe openings. The crews will not be clearing or cutting any vegetation on private property unless it is needed to assess stormwater structures or outfalls. If a stormwater structure or outfall is obstructed, city personnel will obtain the property owner’s permission before using any special tools and/or construction equipment to obtain access. City personnel conducting the inventory will not be able to address stormwater concerns. Residents should continue to report any drainage problems or concerns by calling the city’s Engineering Department at (704) 282-4515.
The inventory is part of the city’s effort to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Regulations. The City of Monroe, NC received its NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit in October 2005, which mandates mapping the City’s drainage system. Monroe has previously completed a partial inventory of its stormwater drainage system, but a more comprehensive inventory is now required.
The completed inventory will help the city meet its goal of creating a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) map of the stormwater drainage system. Information collected during the inventory will further help in the development of an infrastructure maintenance schedule, identify illegal discharges and provide assistance in addressing localized flooding and drainage problems. The inventory will also help develop priorities for watershed master planning and identifying future capital improvement needs.
If you have any questions about the inventory or stormwater in general, please contact the City of Monroe Engineering Department at (704) 282-4515.
