Basins Maintenance Program

The City of Smithville currently holds a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In accordance with the permit requirements, the City is in the process of establishing a Basins Maintenance Program. The primary objective of this program is to ensure the ongoing maintenance and compliance status of all stormwater basins within our jurisdiction.

Staff is still working on the program's details, but in essence, the program aims to engage Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and basin owners in proactive basin maintenance.

The proposed approach involves two key components:

Annual Self-Assessment: HOAs and individual basin owners will be requested to conduct an annual self-assessment using a provided checklist. This self-assessment will help ensure that their stormwater basins are in proper condition and functioning as intended.

Biennial Professional Inspection: Additionally, every two years, HOAs and other basin owners will be required to request an inspection by the City. This inspection is essential to verify that basins are being adequately maintained and are in compliance with the established standards. These inspections serve a dual purpose: to provide assurance to basin owners that their assets are being managed effectively and to furnish the necessary documentation to DNR, demonstrating that our basins have undergone inspections and meet the required standards.

To assist HOAs and owners, our staff will carry out an initial "informal" assessment to identify areas that may require attention or improvements. During both this informal assessment and subsequent inspections, we will focus on aspects such as trash, debris, inlet/outlet blockages, erosion control (reseeding if needed), basin structural integrity, vegetation maintenance, and overall basin condition.

Once the program is ready, HOAs will receive more information about a recommended maintenance schedule and the assessment process. When we're ready to implement this program, we will notify you and arrange to assess your specific basin.