Stormwater Pollution
Responsibilities:
The Public Works Department manages the City's stormwater program by:- Maintaining the stormwater infrastructure, including storm pipes, catch basins, curbs, and gutters located in the City's rights of way
- Inspecting stormwater ponds for business, industrial, and residential developments
- Ensuring compliance with all State and local ordinances with regard to upkeep and maintenance of those structures and monitoring these structures for potential pollution hazards
- Participating in community educational activities about stormwater run-off and pollution control and prevention
Stormwater Pollution:
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas, bare soil, and sloped lawns. As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil & grease, soil and other pollutants to our streams and lakes. Stormwater pollution can cause illness, impact fish populations, increase the cost of water and wastewater treatment and lower our quality of life.
The City of Hiram is dedicated to protecting and preserving our critical water resources for current and future residents and businesses. The Public Works Department manages the City's stormwater program by:
- Inspecting and maintaining the stormwater infrastructure, including storm pipes, catch basins, outfalls, curbs, and gutters located in the City's rights of way;
- Inspecting and encouraging maintenance of private stormwater ponds for business, industrial, and residential developments through education and code enforcement.
All reported problems will be addressed during regular office hours.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
- Never dump anything down a storm drain or drainage ditch.
- Recycle motor oil and other vehicle fluids.
- Throw litter in its place.
- Clean up after your pet.
- Check your vehicles for leaks (repair them!)
- Reduce the amount of household hazardous wastes generated at home.
- Compost yard clippings.
- Use fertilizer and pesticide only when needed. (Read the label!)
- If you wash your vehicle at home, do so on the lawn rather than on pavement.
- Tell a friend or neighbor about how to prevent stormwater pollution and get involved in your community by participating in a cleanup and recycling event.
- Report stormwater pollution and illegal dumping to the City.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Keep Paulding Beautiful
Paulding County Recycling Locations
Learning and Teaching about the Environment
Georgia Stormwater Management Manual
Georgia River Network
How to Recycle Your Plastic Containers
Ten Tips to Start Living Green in Your Home
How do I build a rain garden?
Only Rain in the Drain
USGS Water Science for Schools
Kids Environmental Health
GA Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book)
Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia (Green Book)
Erosion Control that Works for your Property and Farm
Contact Information:
Clifford McGrady
Phone:(770) 943-3726 ext. 2004
E-mail: cmcgrady@hiram-ga.gov