OVERVIEW
Stormwater Management Plan 2023
The divisions of stormwater and environmental management are linked because of the City of Woodstock’s commitment to our environment. Advocating for our environment begins with stormwater runoff.
Stormwater and Environmental Management are closely associated not only for regulatory purposes, but for the environmental rewards attained by coordinating the two disciplines. The environment is directly impacted daily from the runoff that is generated by the countless ways in which liquids and solids can enter into our ground and sub-surface waters. The most significant of these runoffs is through the storm water system of catch basins, culverts, curbs, pipes, swales, ditches, and other conveyances which transport rainwater through, around, and under our human development. These conveyances flow by gravity down to our streams and creeks, and ultimately to our river and lake.
The City of Woodstock is surrounded by water, as we were reminded of by nature back during the catastrophic flood of September 2009. The Noonday Creek, the Little River, and numerous other creeks and wetlands flow all around and through the city. Flows within the basin in which the city is situated ultimately reach the Etowah River and Lake Allatoona. It is important to note that it is these State Waters from which most of our drinking water is drawn. The City of Woodstock has made it one of its missions to serve as a good steward for our water resources and the environment in which we all live.
The Stormwater Division falls under the Public Works Department and is responsible for planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of Woodstock's stormwater system. The activities of the division are geared towards the prevention of flooding and reduction of pollution. Woodstock's stormwater utility fee provides a dedicated funding source to address system maintenance, operations, planning and water quality needs.
WHAT IS STORMWATER?
Stormwater is the runoff that results from rainfall. As this water flows over construction sites, lawns, driveways, parking lots, and streets, it picks up sediment, nutrients, bacteria, metals, pesticides, and other pollutants. Unlike sanitary sewers that go to a treatment plant, most storm water is discharged directly to local water bodies. Increasing amounts of impervious surfaces in urban areas, such as roof tops, driveways, parking lots, and streets, decreases the ability of the water to soak into the ground, thus increasing the potential for flooding from greater volumes of runoff entering the city’s storm sewer system at a faster rate.
LEARN MORE
WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT?
The Environmental Management Division is responsible for the City of Woodstock’s continual compliance with all State and Federal Environmental Permits. Staff is also responsible for offering guidance and information to the local community on all things environmental including flooding, water conservation, development standards, and stormwater management. This guidance and information presented through plan review for new projects coming into the City as well as public education found here on this website and public involvement activities like the City’s annual river clean up and Christmas tree recycling program. Together we can make Woodstock a great place to live, work and play and leave it a little greener too!
LEARN MORE