Bonnie Doone Drainage Improvement Report

Lafayette Village Drainage Improvement Report

Buckhead Creek Watershed Study Report

Branson Creek-Hybart’s Branch Watershed Project Report 

Purpose - Stormwater Program

Managing stormwater, both drainage and pollution, is an integral component of a comprehensive public works package. Inadequate stormwater management can result in flooding, infrastructure and property damage, excessive soil erosion, degraded open space, and polluted water quality leading to problems in the public water supply and other water bodies.

The primary function of stormwater drainage systems, including natural channels, is the collection, conveyance, and storage of stormwater runoff.  In a watershed-based approach to urban stormwater management, the municipal separate storm sewer system, or MS4, including both structural (e.g., pipes, inlets, and outlets) and natural drainage ways, is a critical structural component. 

History

In 1995, the City of Fayetteville and unincorporated areas of Cumberland County implemented a stormwater utility to provide a mechanism to fund a federal mandate resulting from the 1987 Clean Water Act.  The Stormwater Division initially took the lead role in the joint city-county stormwater program to ensure pollution reduction and permit compliance.  Some limited drainage management activities were also provided.  Focused resources toward deliberate efforts in areas of creek cleaning, street sweeping, system maintenance, and water quality programs provided an effective means to maintain our infrastructure and also comply with environmental regulations.

In 2007, the Fayetteville City Council recognized the growing stormwater infrastructure needs typically inherent to an urbanized area and made a serious commitment for future funding.  An additional stormwater “drainage” fee was implemented for properties within the City limits to address capital projects that previously had not been funded.  Then, in addition to the original “quality” fee, all developed properties (residential and non-residential/business) within the City were charged a “drainage” fee to support a higher level of maintenance of the existing storm drainage system, develop drainage plans and flood control measures, and fund major capital expenses.  Previously identified capital projects were prioritized and planned to be built over a period of several years. 

Late in 2008, the Fayetteville City Council further recognized the need to better control stormwater runoff and also prepare for new Phase II stormwater requirements.  After extensive review, an ORDINANCE was adopted to establish minimum requirements and procedures for new development, and control the adverse effects of increased stormwater quantity and runoff quality.

In early 2009, it was determined that Cumberland County's future stormwater requirements would be administered by the State of North Carolina, and the County's involvement in the joint utility was no longer necessary.  The City of Fayetteville continues to independently maintain its stormwater utility to fund its program activities. 

Overview -- Major Components & Objectives

As an integral part of the City of Fayetteville's vision of providing its citizens with the quality services in an efficient manner, the Stormwater Division will, to the maximum extent practicable:

• Safeguard the public welfare through the proper collection, conveyance, and storage of stormwater runoff in a non-damaging and non-life threatening manner.
• Ensure compliance with the State issued NPDES municipal stormwater discharge permit and with all other applicable water quality regulations related to stormwater runoff.
• Provide maintenance and repair to ensure that all infrastructure is properly functioning and well maintained.
• Provide inspection and monitoring of industrial activities.
• Maintain an inventory of the major stormwater drainage system outfalls.
• Provide master planning for water quantity and quality.
• Conduct field sampling and screening of drainage outfalls including laboratory analysis.
• Provide public awareness and volunteer programs to educate on pollution reduction.
• Coordinate erosion control for construction activities.