Stormwater Management
The Town of Gibsonville created its Stormwater Project Policy in order to assist property owners with addressing small drainage and stormwater issues. The project policy defines the Town’s responsibilities with regard to stormwater and storm drainage maintenance but also outlines ways that the Town can partner with property owners on private property projects. The policy includes very specific criteria for projects, will require matching funds by the property owner, and has a cap on the total amount of Town participation. The policy and application are available on the Town’s website (see above links). More generalized Stormwater information is provided by PTRC Stormwater Smart. The application and application fee are due to the Town Planner, Brandon Parker (bparker@gibsonville.net).
The Town of Gibsonville is a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II community. The Town is responsible for the quality of stormwater that drains from the property, flows into the storm sewer systems and discharges to area waters. To report a stormwater concern, please contact the Public Works Department at 336-449-7188.
The town is required to implement a comprehensive stormwater management program that addresses the following six main elements:
Public Education
Public Participation
Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
Construction Site Runoff Control
Post Construction Stormwater Management
Good Housekeeping in Municipal Operations
What is stormwater runoff and why is it a problem?
During a rain event, stormwater creates fast-moving short-lived waterways on the street where you live, in your yard and down your driveway. It flows over sidewalks, streets, lawns, fields and parking lots and directly into our streams, lakes and rivers. The most dramatic consequence of stormwater runoff is flash-flooding and the damage it brings. As land is built up and developed, increasing amounts of stormwater runoff directly to streams or rivers - much more than streams and rivers can hold. The additional water overflows and floods streets, businesses, and homes. Stormwater runoff also carries dirt, grime, fertilizers, oil, gas and everything else we leave on the ground, directly to our water bodies.
Stormwater runoff results in:
Rivers, lakes and streams that may be too dirty to fish in, swim in, or water too dirty to drink
Faecal bacteria in the water
Excess nutrients in the water cause algae bloom, fish kills, and increased costs for water treatment.
Why do I have to pay for it?
Everyone contributes to stormwater pollution problems - everyone must be part of the solution. All real property experiences stormwater run-on and runoff regardless of a drainage concern that exists on that specific piece of property. Even if your property has never flooded, the stormwater that flows off your property must be managed so that it does not contribute to flooding or pollution in areas downstream. Whether you live in a condominium, a suburban home or in an urban setting, stormwater is an issue.
NPDES Phase II is an unfunded federal and state mandate that requires the Town of Gibsonville to implement a comprehensive stormwater management program. The Gibsonville Board of Aldermen approved the implementation of a stormwater fee on June 16, 2008, to fund the stormwater management program to be compliant with federal and state regulations, safeguard your community through improving drainage systems, and improve local water quality.