Stormwater Runoff & Pollution
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground.
Impervious surfaces are areas that have been covered by any material that impedes the
infiltration of water into the soil. Areas of land covered by pavement or buildings
are impervious to rain water. Concrete, asphalt, rooftops and even severely compacted
areas of soil are considered impervious.
Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system
or directly to a lake, stream, river wetland or coastal water. This discharge can destroy fish,
wildlife and aquatic life habitants; lessen aesthetic value; and threaten public health with
contaminated food, drinking water supplies and recreational waterways. For more information
on preventing waterways pollution go to:
Project Clean Rivers
Recently, the pollution problems associated with storm water runoff have received more attention
as a result of new urban storm water regulations, which are enforced by both the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio EPA. These regulations are associated
with a program known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
This program requires local government to develop plans to reduce storm water pollution.
The City of Gahanna works closely with Franklin County Department of Health in order
to comply with NPDES requirements.
In order to avoid stormwater pollution the city stormwater system must accept and convey runoff in an effective manner.
Other forms of avoiding stormwater pollution are:
- Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep into storm drains or streams.
- Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sink or toilets.
- When walking your pet remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.
Leaving pet waste in the ground allows harmful bacteria to wash into the storm
drain and eventually into local water bodies.
- Properly maintain fleet vehicles to prevent oil, gas and other discharges from being washed into local water bodies.
Home Sewer Treatment Systems (HSTS): It is important for residents who are not tied to the City’s sanitary sewer system to properly maintain their HSTS. For information on the operation and maintenance of home sewer treatment systems, please click on the link below:
For more information on how to properly dispose of vehicle fluids and other forms of household hazardous waste,
as well as, for the collection sites, dates and times please visit the
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio's website at:
http://www.swaco.org/
Stormwater Utility Fees
The stormwater utility is a way of collecting proprietary funds which can only be spent to maintain
the infrastructure for which they are collected. The storm water utility funds will allow the city
to take a more proactive approach toward preventing stormwater emergencies by making necessary
repairs, keeping pipes clean, inlets open, outlets unclogged stream and ditches unobstructed etc.
If you would like to request additional information or have an idea or suggestion regarding
storm water sewer systems or local waterways please contact the City of Gahanna Department of
Public Service at 614-342-4005 or by using our contact link in the general information box
on the right side of your screen.
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Service Dept.
200 South Hamilton
Gahanna, OH 43230
(614) 342-4005
(614) 342-4100 Fax
Hours of Operation
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM M-F
Contact Service
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