Drainage System Improvement Program

PresentersJason Groth, Planning DirectorAlicia Afroilan, Engineering Program Manager April 28, 2020

Background

• 2018 Rainfall initiated numerous drainage

issues

• Significant increase in citizen complaints

• Commissioner Briefing October 8, 2019 to

discuss issues and provide direction

2

Assigned Tasks for

Responding to Stormwater Issues

1. Develop a comprehensive program

2. Create a matrix and plan to evaluate and respond to issues

3. Involve multiple County Departments in consideration of:

• Legal Responsibilities

• Budget impacts and Stormwater Remediation Fee

• Public Outreach

• MS4 Permit Requirements and Opportunities

• Comprehensive improvement of the County drainage system

3

Drainage Issue Management

• 2019 Statistics - Small Scale Issues in

Public Right of Way

4

DepartmentRequests Received

Closed Cases

Completion Rate

Public Works: Roads 540 530 98%

Planning and Growth Management: Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services

120 112 93%

Assessment of Our Ability to

Respond to Issues

• What we are already doing well:

– Small scale issues located in Public Right of

Way (ROW)

• Where Improvements are Needed:

– Large Scale Issues

– Private Property

– Comprehensive Program

– Communication and Outreach

5

Designing a Comprehensive Program

Created draft SOP

for Issues

within the

Public Right

of Way

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5. Community Involvement

4. Resolution and Funding Sources

3. Project Planning and implementation

2. Evaluate and Prioritize Drainage Issues

1. Centralize Data Collection

Further discussion is needed to address issues on privately owned property.

Centralize Data Collection

• New website features for citizen reporting

• Unify data collection

• Share information across departments

• Simplify identification of responsible

department

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Evaluate and PrioritizeIssues assessed and ranked using the Evaluation and

Prioritization Matrix based on the following factors:

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Safety and Property Concerns

• Flooding

• Sinkholes

• High Velocity Stormwater Flows

• Property Loss

• Utilities Loss

• Road Closures

Environmental Benefits

• Climate Resiliency

• Pollutant Removal in TMDL Watersheds

• Terrestrial and/or Aquatic Habitat Improvements

• Green Infrastructure Linkage/Land Preservation

Community Amenities

• Parks and Recreational Facilities

• Educational Facilities

• Landscaping

• Shading

• Wind Buffer

Project Planning & Implementation

• PGM Planning/Engineering staff will rank

project recommendations based on:

1. Evaluation and Prioritization Score

2. Estimated Schedule

3. Funding Sources

4. Qualifications for NPDES Retrofit Program

• DPW/PGM Evaluation Team will review

rankings and confirm projects for

implementation.

9

Resolution and Funding Sources

• PGM Planning/Engineering routes approved and funded projects to Capital Services for design and construction.

• DPW Capital Services actions:

– Direct Assignments for Design/Build or Design/Bid/Build and provide contract management.

– Organize progress meetings at concept, preliminary, and final design phases

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Community Involvement

• DPW Capital Services involves the community in

developing solutions and keeps them informed

of on-going progress including:

– Public Information Meetings scheduled at conceptual

or 30% design phase

– Notification of key project dates and milestones

• Watershed Outreach Planner will coordinate with

Capital Services on extent of neighborhood or

community boundaries.

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Slide 13

Damaged storm drain pipe within the County ROW.

• Is the drainage from a pubic road?

YES – Drainage in culvert is from public road

• Is the drainage from a County Road?

YES – Road is County-owned, not State-owned

Step 1: Investigate

Step 2: Diagnose

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• Is the issue an immediate safety or loss of property issue?

NO – Failed culvert does not immediately impact the public

• Can the issue be addressed by the Roads Divisions?

NO – Failed culvert is on private property; not under road

• Is water quality or habitat restoration part of the solution?

NO – Restoring habitat/water quality will not fix issue

Step 3: Resolve

• Refer to County Drainage Improvement Program

• Recommend project for County Commissioner Approval

• Notify the resident of action is being taken

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Issue on Private Property/Road

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Damaged pipe outside of the County ROW

STEP 1: INVESTIGATE

• Is the drainage from a public road?

NO – Drainage in pipe is from a private road and/or property

PGM is working with the County Attorney to provide policy

recommendations for private drainage issues (SOP 1.2.2)

Next Steps

Requesting Commissioner Approval to:

1. Develop policy recommendations for non-County owned drainage structures and systems.

2. Process draft Drainage Program SOP for approval.

• Refine Drainage Evaluation & Prioritization Matrix

• Officially Establish Evaluation Team

3. Commence Project Prioritization

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Questions?

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Slide 19

Presented By:

Charles County Government

Department of Planning and

Growth Management301-645-0692

200 Baltimore StreetLa Plata, MD 2064

MD Relay Service: 7-1-1

Equal Opportunity EmployerIt is the policy of Charles County to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religious or political affiliation or opinion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information,

gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law.

www.CharlesCountyMD.gov