Asheville begins stormwater system assessment and inventory

The City of Asheville is launching a comprehensive assessment and inventory of its stormwater system, a key step toward improving asset management, flood mitigation and long-term planning. The effort will evaluate current system conditions, identify maintenance priorities and recommend capital improvement projects, while also pinpointing areas prone to nuisance flooding and erosion.

Phase one will focus on the “Nasty” Branch watershed, spanning from Beaucatcher Mountain to its outlet at the French Broad River. Field work is scheduled to begin March 23 and continue through June, with additional watershed assessments planned in the coming years to build a citywide inventory. Crews will collect data including measurements, photos and GPS readings, with minimal disruption expected for residents aside from occasional lane closures. The $900,000 project is funded through the city’s Stormwater Utility Fee and a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act.