Stormwater is a term used to describe water that originates during precipitation events. Stormwater that does not soak into the ground becomes surface runoff which flows into waterways either directly or indirectly through stormwater pipes and outlets. All stormwater ends up untreated in your local waterway.
Stormwater Operations is responsible for maintenance, daily functions and management of Norfolk's stormwater systems.
- BMP Maintenance: The Division maintains storm water best management practices (BMPs) such as wet ponds, dry ponds, infiltration trenches, etc. on properties that drain water from City Right-of-Ways. Maintenance includes cleaning and repairing structures, cutting vegetation, dredging, etc.
- Ditch Maintenance: The Division maintains non-tidal City-owned road side and off road ditches by ensuring the flow line is clear by removing trash and overgrown vegetation. Ditches may also need to be regraded to ensure proper drainage. The Division further utilizes the Sheriff's Work Force to perform routine preventative maintenance on designated ditches throughout the City.
- Grocery Cart Collection: The Division is responsible for removing abandoned shopping carts throughout the City.
- Flood Gate Maintenance and Operations: The floodwall downtown is 1644 ft long with the gates opened and 1801 feet long with the gates closed. This gate works in conjunction with one of our pump stations to protect Norfolk's downtown area from tidal and precipitation events.
- Lot Cleaning: Illegal dumping on City-owned property is prevalent in the City. The Division maintains crews to clean illegal dumping on city vacant lots, city right-of-way, dead ends, and underpasses.
- Storm Water Pump Station Maintenance: The Division maintains 10 pump stations throughout the City to reduce flooding in low lying areas such as underpasses. Daily inspections and routine maintenance is performed on the pump stations. The Department of Public Works continuously performs major maintenance on these systems each year by replacing pumps, rehabilitating the stations, and upgrading electrical systems.
- Street Sweeping: The City of Norfolk has the most extensive street sweeping program in the region. We currently sweep all streets in the City, with curb and gutters, once per month. Downtown Norfolk is swept on a daily basis. Other cities in the region only sweep their streets once or twice a year, and even then it usually is only major roadways.
- Structure Repair and Maintenance: The Division performs routine maintenance and cleaning of the storm water system that is comprised of underground pipes, drop inlets, and catch basins. During structural failure, staff will make necessary repairs
Environmental Regulatory is responsible for managing Norfolk's stormwater discharge permit and supporting programs.
Engineering is responsible for water quality and water quantity projects city-wide.