City Of Atl Proposed Stormwater Requirements
The City of Atlanta is required by the state and federal government to manage stormwater runoff that enters the City’s combined sewer system and neighboring waterways. The City’s proposed stormwater Management Ordinance applies for development actions including new impervious areas (surfaces that do not let water to soak into the ground like concrete and asphalt), construction of new buildings or additions, pools, patios or decks. If the project is greater than 1,000 sq. ft. of new impervious surface, a specialized drainage plan arranged by an engineer or landscape architect is required to decrease the all stormwater flows by 50 percent. (Thus if you add an averaged size pool to your home, you will have to retrofit your entire home with a system)
Stormwater is an economical substitute to public water, particularly for exterior water uses such as landscape irrigation that involves minimal filtration. Although initial equipment installation can be major, long-term costs are minimal. Stormwater is low in minerals, so it is ideal for laundry, dishwashing, hair washing, and car washing. Since it contains no chlorine, rainwater is also ideal for filling garden ponds and irrigating sensitive plants.
There are other systems available that may be more cost effective than a tradition following system. The following are a few options:
Detain water from a downspout in a rain barrel. Rain barrels are a cost efficient approach to minimize stormwater runoff near its source and to take the first flush of stormwater from the roof. Rain barrels also supply a source of irrigation water for use in gardening lawn maintenance.
Designing a residential rain garden. A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground that detains runoff from your driveway or roof and lets it to soak into the ground. Rain gardens can be built for roughly $10 per square foot and would be particularly suitable wherever residents are having problems with poor stormwater drainage.
Decreasing the size of impervious paved driveways, walkways, parking areas and patios. Consider using permeable paving like gravel or interlocking paves when doing repairs to walking paths and parking areas.
Install swales to take stormwater runoff while moderating the intensity and flow of water leaving your property instead of piping stormwater to a roadside ditch. Many swales are simply wide, shallow, vegetated depressions that are sloped and pointed toward parts that can simply stand an arrival of water and are in fact a grass-lined ditch.
There are many solutions to comply with the proposed ordinance. If you are interested in getting more information on stormwater management on an Atlanta home renovation, or new custom home contact Eco Custom Homes at 404 303 7280 or email to info@ecocustomhomes.com, and we will be happy to discuss the options that are right for your needs.
