Stormwater Management
Stormwater management
is an important component of the Metro District's public works services. Stormwater
is collected through pipe systems from streets and then conveyed through the open
space drainage ways. The drainage ways provide flood control and water quality
enhancement of stormwater. These corridors are home to wildlife and are the backbone
of our open space trail system. In light of these multiple uses, the corridors
must be protected from the effects of increased storm flows, erosion and other
impacts of urbanization. The Metro District's Public Works staff takes a proactive
approach to stormwater management by balancing these various demands.
The Metro District has submitted the
new permit with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
The first five-year permit expired at the end of 2007 and was renewed for five
years in 2008. The permit outlines the
requirements that the Metro District is obligated to fulfill to comply with
Phase 2 of the Clean Water Act. Copies of the permit are available for
review in the Metro District Public Works department.
Stormwater Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for stormwater facilities in Highlands Ranch?
The Metro District cooperates with Douglas County and the Urban Drainage and Flood
Control District (UDFCD) to build and manage stormwater facilities in the community.
The Metro District is responsible for drainage in the open space. Douglas County
is responsible for drainage on the streets and in the storm sewer system.
What
is stormwater?
Stormwater is considered to be runoff from streets and
lots as the result of precipitation events, including snowstorms. This
runoff is conveyed to the drainageways in the natural open space areas through a
series of pipes and inlets which are considered the storm sewer system.
The quantity and quality of the runoff impacts the drainageways.
How are wetlands issues
handled?
The Metro District has a wetlands management program. The Metro District's Public
Works staff coordinates all wetlands activities with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What can I do to keep our
stormwater clean?
Since Highlands Ranch is primarily an
urban community, most of the stormwater runoff is from residential area.
To keep our stormwater clean, excess fertilizer, grass clippings and other
organic materials should be cleaned from the street on a regular basis.
Litter is the primary pollutant in our stormwater, so please use proper
receptacles for any trash.
Is the stormwater
treated?
No, the stormwater runoff goes directly to the drainageways in the Metro
District open spaces.
Related Links
This page was last updated on
February 23, 2010.
©2006 Metro
District Highlands Ranch |
