Residents urged to clean storm drains, prevent flooding
Published on Fri, Jan 20, 2012Read More County & State
Snohomish County is reminding residents that snow plowed from roadways and shoveled from sidewalks and driveways often builds up over curbside storm drains, blocking runoff, which can cause flooding when temperatures rise or form dangerous ice slicks if temperatures drop again.
While the County routinely cleans roadside catch basins and other stormwater facilities in the fall, these systems are often buried during winter snow events and can remain clogged with ice, leaves and debris for some time after surrounding areas have started to melt.
About 50,000 stormwater catch basins lay along 1,550 miles of roads maintained by Snohomish County. Road crews spent part of Thursday and Friday clearing drainage inlets as well as trees and debris from the side of roads. County crews have plowed more than 15,000 miles of roadway and used more than 4,000 tons of salt to clear ice and snow from roads since Saturday.
“Snohomish County crews have done an excellent job keeping roads cleared during this weather event despite the difficult conditions,” Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said. “As rain continues, they turn toward keeping stormwater drains and catch basins clear to prevent urban flooding.”
Many of these drainage facilities lie in residential neighborhoods that road maintenance crews are working toward clearing. Roads in residential areas are treated after higher-priority routes are brought to an acceptable level of service.
When safe to do so, residents can help by shoveling the snow away from the top and sides of grates in their neighborhoods. This will add greatly to the safety and convenience of pedestrian and motor-vehicle travel in the community until crews can complete clearing work.
Residents wishing to report drainage issues or flooding problems along roadways in their neighborhoods should contact Snohomish County by calling 425-388-7500 or emailing contact@pwrm@snoco.org. Road updates can be found at http://bit.ly/AoMDoy.
Homeowners of flat-topped structures — especially mobile homes, car ports and boat marinas — also should take steps to safely remove snow and standing water from their roofs. The combination of snow and water increases the chance for a collapsed roof.
County crews will continue to clear roads through the week, as well as continue removing downed trees from roads while also clearing debris from drains.
While the County routinely cleans roadside catch basins and other stormwater facilities in the fall, these systems are often buried during winter snow events and can remain clogged with ice, leaves and debris for some time after surrounding areas have started to melt.
About 50,000 stormwater catch basins lay along 1,550 miles of roads maintained by Snohomish County. Road crews spent part of Thursday and Friday clearing drainage inlets as well as trees and debris from the side of roads. County crews have plowed more than 15,000 miles of roadway and used more than 4,000 tons of salt to clear ice and snow from roads since Saturday.
“Snohomish County crews have done an excellent job keeping roads cleared during this weather event despite the difficult conditions,” Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said. “As rain continues, they turn toward keeping stormwater drains and catch basins clear to prevent urban flooding.”
Many of these drainage facilities lie in residential neighborhoods that road maintenance crews are working toward clearing. Roads in residential areas are treated after higher-priority routes are brought to an acceptable level of service.
When safe to do so, residents can help by shoveling the snow away from the top and sides of grates in their neighborhoods. This will add greatly to the safety and convenience of pedestrian and motor-vehicle travel in the community until crews can complete clearing work.
Residents wishing to report drainage issues or flooding problems along roadways in their neighborhoods should contact Snohomish County by calling 425-388-7500 or emailing contact@pwrm@snoco.org. Road updates can be found at http://bit.ly/AoMDoy.
Homeowners of flat-topped structures — especially mobile homes, car ports and boat marinas — also should take steps to safely remove snow and standing water from their roofs. The combination of snow and water increases the chance for a collapsed roof.
County crews will continue to clear roads through the week, as well as continue removing downed trees from roads while also clearing debris from drains.
