Photo by City of Oak Ridge
Geographical information system, or GIS, storm drain inlet mapping will take place in Oak Ridge during the month of February in the following areas: Michigan Avenue, Outer Drive, and New York Avenue.
Representatives of the city will be mapping these inlets with GPS units and/or making visual assessments, a press release said. Residential property will only be accessed during reasonable hours to identify stormwater inlets, the press release said.
“This is not a request to enter into any building or structures on the property,” the press release said. “No construction will be taking place.”
The city is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, or TDEC, under the Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, to monitor certain streams or tributaries to those streams. The goal of this mandate is to protect and rehabilitate our natural water resources, the press release said.
In accordance with this mandate, the city has created a GIS storm sewer map and database program to identify stormwater inlet locations. To facilitate this program, the majority of the work will take place along city easements, rights-of-way, and streets; however, workers may need to enter onto private land to access the watercourse, the press release said.
“The city thanks you for your cooperation in complying with this state and federal mandate, and assisting in making our water resources cleaner for everyone,” the press release said. “Please note that all mapping locations are subject to change due to weather or any unforeseen circumstances.”
If you have any questions, call the city’s Stormwater Management Hotline at (865) 425-3497 or visit http://stormwater.oakridgetn.gov.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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