New Search
• <br /> • <br /> TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM <br /> July 13, 1995 <br /> Page 12 <br /> Maintenance - Related Criteria <br /> Some jurisdictions have developed extensive criteria for maintenance of stormwater systems. <br /> Though not referenced in the document lists above, the city of Portland's Bureau of <br /> Environmental Services and Bureau of Maintenance are developing an extensive management <br /> system that includes detailed facility inventories, electronic maps linked to the database, . <br /> condition assessment tools for existing facilities, maintenance history databases, and other <br /> related features. For a city the size of Portland, this level of effort is warranted. Medford <br /> may not require such extensive (and expensive) tools; however, many of the concepts may <br /> well be applied. <br /> Other jurisdictions have adopted a significant maintenance component in their overall <br /> stormwater management program. When the Unified Sewerage Agency of Washington <br /> County initiated its surface water management program several years ago, one key focus of <br /> initial budget expenditures was on maintenance activities, rather than capital construction <br /> projects. A focus on maintenance can often increase the effectiveness of the existing system, <br /> especially pertaining to flood mitigation. Appropriate maintenance can even improve the <br /> water quality aspects of the overall system. Proper and regular removal of sediments, debris, <br /> excess vegetation, and other deleterious materials, together with routine maintenance of <br /> damaged culverts, inlets, trash racks, eroded stream banks, and other stormwater facilities, can <br /> improve overall performance. Too often, new projects are constructed without sufficient <br /> consideration for optimizing the performance of existing facilities. <br /> Proper maintenance requires appropriate access to all drainage facilities. Access to and <br /> maintenance of facilities on private property has traditionally been a problem. Many <br /> jurisdictions understandably do not take responsibility for system operations on private <br /> property; however, deficiencies in the maintenance of these facilities can create downstream <br /> flooding and water quality problems. Several communities have undertaken a review of <br /> ownership and right -of -way coverage for their system. Sometimes, for key system <br /> components, special easements or property acquisition have taken place to allow the city to <br /> properly improve and maintain the drainage system. <br /> Inspection of both public and private facilities is important to the overall effectiveness of the <br /> drainage network. Oftentimes, maintenance is generally a reaction to emergency calls or <br /> complaints abut drainage problems in specific areas. Effective inspection, co4bii ed with <br /> preventive maintenance, can result in a marked improvement in system performance and <br /> customer satisfaction. Some entities (e.g., King County) have rigorous inspection and <br /> maintenance requirements for privately maintained drainage facilities. Property owners are <br /> held responsible for their share of system operation, and maintenance is a key factor in <br /> ensuring effectiveness. <br /> J: \21IVrfaskl\nn31.eug DRAFT <br />