After last Spring’s rainy season, the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) ran an article highlighting local municipalities efforts to bring forth regulatory changes to slowdown stormwater runoff and pollution. It doesn’t take much rain to turn small tributaries running through Johns Creek into rushing rivers. Fortunately, we are seeing local governments take a stand.
Ben Song, community relations director for Johns Creek, said “the city has focused more on stormwater management over the past year and recently completed a citywide stormwater system assessment. The City Council is currently reviewing the results and considering changes to the city’s stormwater maintenance policy.”
Last fall, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, composed of 15 counties and 95 cities including metro Atlanta, updated a sample ordinance to align with the regulatory changes. The ordinance requires new and redeveloped properties in these areas to use methods that absorb the first inch of rainfall on site rather than allowing it to run into streets or storm drains.
“People only think about stormwater when their house is flooding, and until it becomes a citywide issue, it won’t get a lot of attention,” said Jason Dozier, vice president of the Mechanicsville Civic Association. “What is really needed to move forward on stormwater management is leadership.”
Stormwater 101: It’s great to see that local municipalities are updating their approach to stormwater maintenance. At Aquascape Environmental, we have put together the following summary document to help you better understand the basics of stormwater maintenance.
Download the Stormwater 101 Guide
If you have questions about your current municipalities requirements or are looking for an assessment, please give us a call.
