For questions contact:
Scott Wilson, Maintenance and Operations at (360) 397-6118 ext. 1615. Learn more about Public Works Maintenance and Operations
- Status of project related work
- When is my street going to be swept
- When will the swale behind my home be mowed
Where does stormwater drain?
The rain falling on streets, roofs, and parking lots has to go somewhere. Much of it runs off into storm drains and ditches. These natural and manmade structures serve as a conveyance system, transporting runoff to a larger water body - usually a stream, lake, or wetland. Sometimes stormwater drains to a stormwater facility which then drains into the ground or to surface water.
Stormwater systems must be maintained in order to be effective and efficient:
- The storm drains, pipes, and ditches must stay clear to allow water to flow.
- Detention ponds, dry wells, bioswales, and other facilities must be cleaned to ensure that they can hold and clean stormwater.
- Streets must be swept to pick up contaminants and debris before they enter the stormwater system or local waterways.
The Clean Water Program has made it possible to increase these important maintenance activities. Since 1999, maintenance has increased from an "as needed" basis to regular, annual inspections and cleaning. Each year county maintenance crews now clean and maintain 600 bioswales, detention and retention facilities, 7,500 catch basins, and 1,100 dry wells. Over 15,500 feet of storm sewer pipe is cleaned annually.
Keeping contaminants from roads from entering the system is important. Crews sweep 105 miles of major roads 12 times a year and 450 miles of neighborhood streets 9 times a year. Annually, Clark County crews collect more than 3,600 cubic yards of debris that otherwise would have washed into our streams.
