Public Works-Storm Water Department
Brian Jenks
101 North Main Street
Room 127
Clinton, TN 37716
865-463-6870

STORM WATER EDUCATION

Education is likely the most important element in any successful storm water program.  The education component needs to be a two-way exchange of information between the general public and the Anderson County Storm Water Section.  Private citizens have a wealth of history and information that can be transferred into development policies and decisions that are made regarding flood prevention and control.  Storm water runoff and non-point pollution are relatively new concepts for all of us.  Everyone needs to have a thorough understanding of the potential long-term implications that can result from turning our collective heads regarding storm water runoff and erosion control.  Anderson County issues 300-400 building permits annually and averages 15-20 requests per month to subdivide properties indicating that the current growth trend will continue for some time.  Each new building permit equates to a new structure and many times the clearing of some portion of the property.  These changes have an impact (usually negative) on the runoff characteristics of the property in the form of additional water that must be carried by the ditches, creeks, and streams.  Streams, creeks, and rivers by nature are not static entities and they have the ability to adjust to increases in volume and rates of runoff by eroding the banks and widening over time; however, this is a process that takes many years.  The short-term impact is increased flooding and significant deposits of silt, clay, sand and gravel that negatively impact water quality and the aquatic ecosystems.  The important point to keep in mind is that water is a valuable limited resource.  The total amount of water is the same today as it was centuries ago.  Our existing water resources function in a closed system in which water resources are cycled through the ecosystem through evaporation, transpiration (plant use), precipitation, and infiltration.  We must all do our part to ensure that clean water and air are made available for future generations.

There is a wealth of information available pertaining to storm water, non-point source pollution, erosion and sediment control, and best management practices employed to control storm water runoff and reduce erosion and pollutants contained in the runoff.  I have highlighted several educational websites below that contain useful information on a variety of storm water related topics.  I encourage you to take time to view a few of these sites and feel free to contact me telephone (463-6870) or send a comment through the automated response option. 

** Indicates recommended reading

United States Environmental Protection Agency Fact Sheets

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/facts

• Nonpoint Source Pollution:  The Nation’s Largest Water Quality Problem**

• The Nonpoint Source Management Program (EPA841-F-96-004D)

• Opportunities for Public Involvement in Nonpoint Source Control **

(EPA841-F-96-004B)

• Programs for Nonpoint Source Control (EPA841-F-96-004C)

• Managing Urban Runoff (EPA841-F-96-004G)

• Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Agriculture (EPA841-F-004F)

• Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Forestry (EPA841-F-004H)

• Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Boating and Marinas           

(EPA841-F-96-004I)

• Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Households (EPA841-F-96-004J)**

http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatermonth.cfm

• Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff **

• After the Storm: A Citizen’s Guide to Understanding Stormwater **

• Make Your Home the Solution to Stormwater Pollution **

• Water Efficient Landscaping **

STORM WATER, WHY ALL THE FUSS?  (.PDF)

WHAT YOU DO TO HELP! (.PDF)