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Stormwater
From Vision 2020
5.23 Carrboro should be proactive in managing its stormwater, promoting active maintenance of facilities, reducing impacts of increased impervious surface, and minimizing impacts on waterways.
Stormwater Services Contractor Directory Now Available!
The Town has published a directory of companies available to provide stormwater related services to residents. Visit the dedicated webpage to learn more, download the directory, and apply to be listed!
Stormwater Management Utility, Advisory Commission, and Rate Structure
In 2017 and 2018, the following steps were taken to grow Carrboro’s capacity to manage stormwater runoff:
1) the Town Code was updated to create a new stormwater utility; and
2) a new Stormwater Advisory Commission was formed; and
3) a rate structure for the Stormwater Utility was established.
Defining Stormwater
Stormwater is the water running off developed areas in excess of natural runoff during and shortly after rain. If it is muddy, has a film on it, or smells bad, it likely contains something other than what fell from the sky as rainwater. Even if it is clear with no odor, it could still contain excess nutrients from a recent application of fertilizer, or residual herbicides or insecticides applied to plantings. The increased quantity and speed of the water running off itself can also adversely impact stream channels, cause flooding, and limit groundwater recharge.
Managing Stormwater
The primary method to manage stormwater during construction is to regulate erosion. In Carrboro, this program has been delegated to Orange County. The primary method to control stormwater discharges after construction is through the use of "Stormwater Control Measures", or SCMs. There are a variety of SCMs that are "structural" approaches such as ponds (wet and dry), wetlands, permeable pavement, cisterns, green roofs, and rain gardens. "Nonstructural" approaches such as Low Impact Development (LID), impervious disconnection, street sweeping, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and fertilizer management are also important. Low Impact Development is a voluntary approach to stormwater management that can reduce infrastructure costs, increase lot values, and enhance water quality protection. LID is also being encouraged at the State level .
Much of Carrboro was developed before stormwater was regulated. Retrofitting existing development is more expensive and difficult than planning for stormwater mitigation during new development. Nevertheless, when it comes to helping reduce the impacts of stormwater on our properties, creeks, streams, and rivers, there is a lot we all can do.
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Public Works Department
Physical Address
100 Public Works Dr.
Carrboro, NC 27510
Mailing Address
301 W. Main Street
Carrboro, NC 27510
Phone: 919-918-7425Fax: 919-968-7728
Contact Us
Phone: 919-913-2999
Email: stormwater@ carrboronc.gov
Stormwater Hotline 919-913-2999
Erosion/Sediment Control Hotline 1-866-STOP-MUD
Report Flooding Issues
Report Illicit Discharge
Request Stormwater Services
Stream Determination Request
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Public Works Department
Physical Address
100 Public Works Dr.
Carrboro, NC 27510
Mailing Address
301 W. Main Street
Carrboro, NC 27510
Phone: 919-918-7425Fax: 919-968-7728
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Daniel Snipes
Interim Public Works Director
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Kristen Benoit
Assistant to Public Works Director
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Ben Schmadeke
Capital Projects Manager
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Lakisha White-Kelly
Administrative Assistant
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Chris Clark
Solid Waste Supervisor
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Dustin Cook
Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
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Gary Watkins
Building Maintenance Supervisor
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Dillon Dispennette
Streets & Grounds Supervisor
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Randy Dodd
Stormwater Utility Manager
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Heather Holley
Stormwater Specialist
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Debbie Shoffner
Stormwater Administrator
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Max Randall
Engineer I