Storm Water Management

Overview

In March 2003, all municipalities with populations under 100,000 were required to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a plan to reduce storm water contamination. 

This program, known as Phase II, was instituted by the EPA to clean up waterways and reduce discharges of pollutants into ravines, culverts, streams and creeks. 

Cleveland Heights Plan Goals & Scope

The Cleveland Heights Plan addresses the six minimum control issues that are required, which, if adhered to, will address the operations needed to make our waterways more environmentally clean. 

The City of Cleveland Heights is rich in natural streams and waterways, as parts of Doan Brook, Dugway Brook, and Nine-Mile Creek all lie within our city limits. These streams and creeks are on both private and public property.

Control Measures

The six control measures listed are components of the Storm Water Management Program that serve as the foundation for the entire plan:

  • Best Management Practices
  • Construction Site Runoff Control
  • Illegal Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Post-Construction Site Runoff Control
  • Public Participation and Involvement
  • Public Education and Outreach

2012 Update

The City continues to follow Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, including:

  • Public Education and Participation
  • Eliminating Sanitary Discharges Into the Storm Water System
  • Maintaining Proper Inspections on Construction Sites
  • Adhering to Best Management Practices Concerning Sanitary and Storm Sewers

Ongoing Efforts

This list provides several examples of how the City is following the EPA's guidelines.

  • Approximately 1,500 catch basins were thoroughly cleaned.
  • A major repair was completed on the Bluestone culvert near Denison Park.
  • A professional engineer inspected culverts to assess their structural integrity.
  • Best management practices and maintenance are at a high level.
  • Many manholes were reconstructed in conjunction with road improvement projects.
  • Many miles of storm sewer pipe were televised to evaluate structural integrity.
  • 600 feet of crushed storm sewer pipe was replaced on Glenwood Road.
  • Storm water construction requirements are now totally in place, and new developments must adhere to them and submit reports as required.
  • Storm water literature and DVDs continue to be available to our residents at the Water division at City Hall.
  • Storm water management plans were completed for the Utilities Building at 2863 Noble Road, as well as the impound lot next to it.
  • Various storm sewer lateral lines were replaced around the City.

Further Information

Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District - Cuyahoga SWCD offers various educational opportunities and resources including special programs, workshops, events and academic experiences that both engage and educate the public about current natural resource issues. Educational services are also provided through print media and include the On the Land newsletter, informational brochures, posters and pamphlets.

If you have further questions concerning the Cleveland Heights Storm Water Management Program, please contact Utilities Commissioner Anthony Ferrone at 216-291-5990.