Do you know what costs homeowners associations, small communities and government agencies over 120 billion dollars annually? The answer is invasive species. Far beyond the monetary costs, invasive species create unsightly, unbalanced and unhealthy aquatic ecosystems. Unfortunately, human activity is responsible for most infestations. Whether you’re a part of a lake community, live near a […]
Who should clean up a retention pond? (IL)
Q. I live in a condominium development that has a retention pond in the middle. This pond is full of floating and exposed debris. I contacted my condominium association about removing these items from the pond. The board responded that it created a work order to have the garbage removed from the pond. The board […]
The Purpose and Benefits of Stormwater Systems in Your HOA Community
A body of water dotting the landscape in an HOA community can be not only an attractive feature but also serve an important purpose. At first sight, a pond may seem like a part of the natural environment surrounding it. In most cases, a pond located within a community is part of a larger stormwater […]
Private Bend neighborhood questions city stormwater fees (OR)
Neighbors in a private Bend subdivision say they pay too much in stormwater utility fees, and they want the city to do something about it. Larry Waters, a former public works director in Washington state and the president of the River Rim Homeowners Association, is making his case that his private neighborhood in southwest Bend […]
Northeast Indy neighbors upset about dead fish in pond (IN)
Neighbors in a northeast Indianapolis neighborhood are overwhelmed by the sight and smell of dead fish in a retention pond. The neighbors want to know who is responsible for cleaning up the mess. The city is working on a drainage project designed to help ease flooding that has been a concern in the neighborhood. The […]
Protecting retention ponds affects local, state environments (FL)
Would you love waking up and gazing out across a lake, pond or river in your backyard? In Florida, that question would usually be answered by a resounding “YES!” and our access to water is a reason for many people to move to our communities. Whether they are natural or manmade, the allure of waterfront […]
City of Melbourne to Offer Free Stormwater System Inspections for Private HOAs in June (FL)
The City of Melbourne is offering free stormwater system inspections during the month of June to private homeowner associations (HOAs) to encourage preventative maintenance before the first big storm of the season. Read the article…………………….
Understanding Stormwater Systems (FL)
South Florida is a region where seasonal rains fall over flat lands that offer little drainage. It is imperative that associations understand their stormwater systems and that ongoing maintenance of drainage systems is performed for flood prevention and compliance. Some counties and local water control districts require licensing and renewal of the permits for the […]
Plague of frogs: Five Mile property owners say stormwater pond is ruining their neighborhood (WA)
…..Planning documents are clear about who’s responsible for maintaining the stormwater pond, and its partner a little farther north, at the intersection of Palm Place and Strong Road. A declaration signed by the city and Hayden Enterprises, the developing firm in charge of constructing the subdivision in 2004, indicates the Panorama Place Homeowners Association will […]
Couple desperate after city’s stormwater clogs retention pond (OK)
An elderly Tulsa couple says they can’t move forward with retirement because they can’t sell their house. The problem is – there’s a pond on their property that’s full of debris and it is causing flooding. They say the city’s stormwater is causing their pond to flood and the city won’t do anything about it……… The […]
Homeowners Associations Ruled Jointly Obligated to Maintain Pond (WA)
After examining the relevant plats and agreements, the Washington Court of Appeals ruled last month that two homeowners associations are jointly obligated to maintain a stormwater drainage pond. Read the article………………….
Pace residents look for answers on stormwater drainage issues in Ashley Plantation (FL)
Flooding in a small area of a large Pace subdivision captured the attention of the Santa Rosa County Commissioners on Thursday, after hearing requests for help from Ashley Plantation residents. The heart of the issue is that in certain spots near Tulip Hill Road, the installed drainage system is not standing up to torrential rains […]
Engineering firm paid $42,400 to study its own stormwater ponds after repeated Leland flooding (NC)
The town of Leland paid an engineering company thousands of dollars to study flooding resulting from a project that same company had engineered. It’s a potential conflict of interest that has some questioning the results of the study. After persistent flooding issues developed around Magnolia Greens in Leland, the town paid Cape Fear Engineering $42,400 […]
Op-Ed: Stormwater Utilities — An Idea Whose Time Has Come? (NJ)
Stormwater systems must be properly maintained if they are to protect groundwater from pollution and people from flooding Read the article………………..
Muddy Waters: Stormwater Permits Not Meant to Control Flooding or Flood Losses (NC)
Those living in communities subject to North Carolina Stormwater Permits or local stormwater management easement agreements are increasingly alarmed as rainy weather, even without a named storm, causes property to saturate and appear flooded. Read the article………………..
Maintaining your storm water management pond
Storm water management ponds – either detention, retention or a combination of both – are designed to collect storm water and filter out pollutants before it infiltrates the ground. However, to ensure your storm water pond works at its optimal level, regular maintenance is required. Responsibility for maintenance of these ponds can vary. If you […]
Stormwater Permits: Preventing Your Owners Assn From Getting Stuck with Unnecessary and Potentially Large Expenses (NC)
Developers in North Carolina must obtain numerous permits from various governmental agencies prior to constructing a planned community or developing condominiums. Most construction permits end by their terms upon completion of construction of the project—but one permit, the Stormwater Permit (“Permit”)— continues into the future and the community owners association (“Association”) will be forced to […]
Community Associations and Stormwater Detention Pond Maintenance (“BMP”) Responsibilities (VA)
We frequently counsel clients, community associations, developers and builders, on various issues involving that ubiquitous ‘amenity’ known as the stormwater detention pond, or “BMP” (short for “Best Management Practices”). This article will briefly discuss how to avoid some of the more common pitfalls facing homeowners whose community’s common areas/elements include these useful, even if at […]
Stormwater Rules Get Another Facelift
On February 15, 2016, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (“EMC”) published proposed changes to various stormwater rules. The public hearing process is currently underway, and the public has through April 18, 2016, to comment on the proposed rules. After hearing and comments, the stormwater rules are slated to become effective on September 1, 2016. […]
Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution: Dispose of household chemicals safely
When hazardous chemicals are disposed of improperly, such as dumping them into swales or down catch basins, they can pollute the water as well as cause harm to wildlife, plant life and food supplies. Read the article…………
EPA cracks down on stormwater violations, draining municipal resources
The visit from environmental inspectors had the nerve-rattling effect of an IRS audit. Three U.S. Environmental Protection Agency staffers and a pair of engineers from Colorado spent two days in Manor Township, Lancaster County, poring over page after page of government records. They spent hours eyeballing government properties, construction sites and storm drains. They grilled […]
Heavy rains, blocked retention pond cause flooding
FOX59 contacted the city and Citizens in an attempt to find out who is responsible for the clogged pipe. Citizens sent an inspector to look at the pond. Officials with Department of Public Works said an engineering team will look at the problem to determine if the city or homeowner’s association will have to fix […]