NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

April 14, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 148

For further information, contact Beth Krumrine, Sediment and Stormwater Program, 302-739-9921, Jessica Watson, Sussex Conservation District, 302-856-7219, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Seats Still Available at Free Workshop on Stormwater Pond Maintenance on April 29 in Georgetown

Seats are still available at the second of two free workshops for Sussex County property owners who want to learn more about how to maintain stormwater ponds. The workshop will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 in Georgetown, through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Drainage and Stormwater Section, Sussex Conservation District, and the Center for the Inland Bays. The previously announced April 15 workshop is full.

Stormwater ponds, both wet and dry, act as temporary holding basins to prevent flooding, remove pollutants, and settle suspended sediments transported by stormwater. These ponds can add to the aesthetics of a community, and homeowners often pay a premium to be close to these man-made waterfront sites. However, many residents and property owners may not realize that these ponds are not self-sustaining.

The task of maintaining many stormwater ponds falls on the property owner. In many cases, the owner is a homeowners’ association or maintenance corporation, whose responsibilities also include open space management. Some associations seek professional support, while others, particularly those with dry ponds, choose to manage them on their own. The workshop includes information about why the ponds are there, how they work and where to go for technical assistance regarding maintenance.