Stormwater Pond Maintenance to Be Topic of Free Workshops for Property Owners and Homeowners Associations
March 12, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Sussex County property owners who want to learn more about how to maintain stormwater ponds are invited to attend a free workshop being offered on Wednesday evenings, April 15 and 29, through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Drainage and Stormwater Section, Sussex Conservation District, and the Center for Inland Bays.
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, stormwater ponds are not self-sustainable,” said Beth Krumrine, environmental scientist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Drainage and Stormwater Section. “Stormwater ponds are very effective at controlling flooding and removing pollutants, but they need to be maintained.”
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. Still, other property owners may not even be aware that the ponds require ongoing and sometimes extensive periodic maintenance.
“It is not our intent to turn property owners into pond-maintenance experts. However, we do want to provide them with the general knowledge of why the ponds are there, and where to go for technical assistance regarding maintenance,” said Jessica Watson, program manager with the Sussex Conservation District.
The two workshops will be held on April 15 in Lewes and on April 29 in Georgetown. Both workshops will begin with registration at 6 p.m. and will run until 8:30 p.m.
Seating is limited. Location information will be provided upon registration. To register for this free workshop or find out more, please contact the Sussex Conservation District at 302-856-7219.
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
