NEW HANOVER COUNTY—Coastal living comes with its perks, but it also comes with challenges. With generally lower elevations and wetter climates. One challenge that many coastal communities face is dealing with the water that comes with heavy rainfalls.
READ MORE: North Carolina Coastal Federation aims to reduce pollution through more eco-friendly pavement
Stormwater management is a constant battle in New Hanover County. From maintaining drainage ditches and retaining ponds to helping ensure water that reaches local waterways enters unpolluted, New Hanover County’s Engineering Department has its work cut out for it.
Unlike other areas of the country, the flat and low-lying topography of New Hanover County makes drainage methods more complicated. While regions that are higher above sea level have large underground sewer complexes, there are not very many stormwater drains locally, County Engineer Jim Iannucci said.
Instead, drainage ponds and ditches are the most commonly used methods of controlling excess rainfall. But even with ditches and ponds, the amount of development in the region will continue to have an effect on stormwater issues.
When developers pave over porous ground with cement, asphalt, and buildings, it creates more impermeable surfaces for rain to accumulate.
Another issue stormwater causes is pollution to rivers, streams and other bodies of water.
Gasoline on pavement, fertilizers, and other pollutants can end up making their way to the Cape Fear River. To combat this retention ponds and ditches help filter the water through soil and sand.
For those who notice large amounts of stormwater building up on property, good maintenance of drainage ditches can help prevent this Iannucci said. Make sure ditches are clear of debris and trash, and avoid dumping yard clippings into them.
Municipalities in the Cape Fear Region all have their own stormwater management systems, but in the unincorporated regions of the county it is typically up to property owners or developers to maintain proper drainage, Iannucci said.
For more information on the county’s stormwater management, the county website provides information for homeowners, as well as developers.
Send comments and tips to Michael.p@localvoicemedia.com
