DeKalb County, Ga., Launches Storm Water Management Program

Nov. 28, 2019

DeKalb County, Ga., launched a program to enhance maintenance of the county’s storm water drainage ponds. 

DeKalb County, Ga., launched a program to enhance maintenance of the county’s 950 storm water drainage ponds. 

Over the next year, contractors will leverage $2 million to mow vegetation, repair fences, remove trees and restore ponds to maximum efficiency, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“The pond maintenance program is the first step in a $50 million effort to address critical issues in the stormwater system,” said CEO Michael Thurmond. “The growth, economic development and health of the county and its citizens relies on 21st century infrastructure.”

Ponds in the county range in size from 500 sq ft to more than 10 acres, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. DeKalb was previously able to service approximately 150 ponds annually. With the new funding, however, the county is on track to complete restoration and maintenance of 350 ponds through 2020.

“Storm water drainage ponds collect diverted rain runoff from impervious surfaces, such as roof tops and parking lots,” said DeKalb County Public Works Director Rick Lemke. “Enhancing the pond maintenance schedule will increase the system’s efficiency to mitigate standing water, help control mosquitoes and prevent erosion.”

Since 2017, the city has made major improvements to its water systems, reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. These improvements include releasing 37,000 previously held water bills, installing more than 18,000 new water meters, as well as upgrading the Scott Candler water treatment plant with an $11 million project.

In 2018, the county lowered the overall volume of major spills to 5 million gal of overflows versus the 13 million recorded the previous year, reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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Cristina Tuser