Most people pay little attention to the storm drains that are along curbs and in parking lots all over the city. That is, until they accidentally drop their keys or phone down one, or their kid’s favorite toy heads straight for one of the structure openings.
On National Stormwater Day, celebrated this year on November 16, the City of Nicholasville wants everyone to think about storm drains, understand the important purpose they serve, and take steps to keep them clear of debris and contaminants.
Storm drains keep our streets and paved areas from ponding when the rains come. Water that enters the stormwater drainage system is not treated like the sanitary sewer, which removes and treats the water that is generated in kitchens and bathrooms. As a result, dirt and organic materials that enter the stormwater system flow directly into lakes, streams and rivers.
In fact, everything that the rain picks up along the way, such as oils, hazardous chemicals, cigarette butts and other litter, goes into our waterways. That’s contamination that we can prevent by taking a few simple steps.
The federal government mandates that communities develop programs to educate the public about urban runoff pollution and implement stormwater control measures. The EPA doesn’t provide funding for this required effort, so it is left to the municipality to figure out how to adhere to the regulations. Nicholasville has made strides over the past five years in this area. The City has created more awareness of stormwater issues and instituted new safeguards and began enforcing them in the community.
“Our health and our economy rely on clean water. Just think about how water is used for farming, tourism, recreation, and even manufacturing,” said Nicholasville City Commissioner Pete Sutherland. “We are asking individuals and businesses to do their parts on their own properties to protect our streams and rivers.”
City Engineer Brian Claar is charged with overseeing stormwater quality initiatives, also referred to as the MS4 program, for the City.
“The most important things the general public can do is to not litter and to put all types of yard waste in the trash rather than in the street,” said Claar. “On the commercial side, it’s imperative that developers and contractors properly implement and maintain erosion control measures during construction activities.”
Erosion problems, such as sediment-laden water flowing off of developing properties onto neighboring property and/or the public right-of-way, are a source of complaints that the City hears.
Claar also said the City will be adding new procedures for enforcing stormwater management requirements within city limits. Failure to comply may result in Notices of Violation (NOV) and/or fines. This information will be shared with the business/commercial community as these steps are adopted.
More information is available on our Streets & Stormwater page, Learn More.