Overview of Stormwater Division

Our Stormwater Division protects the Laguna Madre by requiring new developments to include drainage ponds and green spaces that naturally manage excess runoff. We actively engage the community through public awareness campaigns, specialized contractor training, and storm drain marking to prevent pollution at the source. To maintain a clear system, our team conducts regular street sweeping and community cleanup events to remove debris before it enters our waterways. Additionally, we rigorously monitor construction sites to ensure compliance with environmental laws, keeping sediment and pollutants out of our local drainage canals.

Services

• Planning - We are requiring new developments to set aside land that will handle the excess water created by the construction. You see this around town in the ponds located around new developments. These ponds capture the runoff from the developed site and give it time to either percolate into the ground naturally or be transported to larger ditches. We have also increased the requirements for green spaces to decrease potential runoff from developing areas.
• Public Involvement & Awareness - We are informing the public about the drainage system, how it functions and how to take care of it. We are also providing training classes to contractors, builders & engineers on the requirements of the state’s construction permit and what they must do when building within the City to be in compliance with State and local stormwater laws.
• Cleanup Events - We are also sponsoring Community Cleanup events within areas where the City notices an increase in dumping to keep our drain ditches clean.
• Street Sweeping Services - As part of our Stormwater Division, our Street Sweeping Program plays a vital role in protecting local waterways and maintaining a clean, safe environment. Routine street sweeping removes debris, pollutants, sediment, and trash from roadways before they can enter storm drains and pollute our drainage canals that eventually discharge into the Laguna Madre.
• Stormwater Marking Program - The City is implementing a stormwater marking program and is planning on beginning marking storm drains within the City in October of 2011. These markers will be installed at inlets letting people know that what they put into the drain goes directly to the Laguna Madre.
• Construction Site Monitoring - The City monitors large construction sites to assure compliance with State and Federal Laws. Construction sites are required to implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and make sure that the dirt stays on the construction site and does not run into the street where it can be washed away into the storm system.

NOTE: To report grass clippings on streets, illicit discharges, illegal dumping, or drainage issues, please contact:

• Stormwater Hotline: (956) 388-8999