Office of Storm Drain Maintenance
Pump Stations
Pumping Stations are automated stormwater management facilities that reside along the levees, namely along the Anacostia River in Hyattsville, MD. During storm events, these stations monitor and help protect areas by pumping away large volumes of water to prevent flooding. Once water levels in the river reach a level higher than what is coming in, the stations close the flood gates and begin pumping those waters from the outside, through the levee. This also prevents any waters from the riverside from being able to convey back outside of the levee systems.
Levees
Levees are man-made barriers that are constructed along waterways for the primary purpose of providing flood protection to lower lying areas. They are constructed to allow the natural flow of rivers, streams, along with taking in discharge from adjacent storm drain systems. This would also include waters that are pumped into the river system, via the Pumping Stations. Levees keep the waters contained within their defined area, allowing the conveyance of flood waters to flow down to open, larger bodies of water. This operation allows surrounding areas to safely convey rain water during storm events.
Stormwater Facilities
There are a variety of stormwater facilities in Prince George's County, such as ponds, sand filters, bioswales, and others. These facilities help improve water quality and help prevent flooding. All these facilities are used to treat, clean and filter, stormwater from County roadways, creating cleaner water that will eventually end up in the Chesapeake Bay. Therefore, this often stormwater management process affects our environment, lifestyle and economy.
Public Right of Way and Easements
The County right of way includes spaces on and around public infrastructure, such as sidewalks, County roads, utilities, and stormwater facilities. For example, the area between the edge of your property and a County road may be within the County right of way. This right of way is important for Prince George’s County because it allows DPW&T and other County agencies the ability to build and maintain infrastructure that benefits everyone, such as sidewalks, road signs, and stormwater management facilities.
An easement is a right to use some areas of a property that is not owned by the County for a specific purpose. A storm drain easement allows the County to build and maintain stormwater infrastructure to prevent flooding. Stormwater easements are required for all public stormwater facilities maintained by the County and located outside the public right of way. A surface drain easement is required whenever concentrated water flow crosses another property line.
Stormwater and You
The Office of Storm Drain Maintenance manages the County's storm drain system in the public right-of-way; however, everyone in Prince Georges County has a role in stormwater management. The Abutters Ordinance describes a property owner's responsibility to remove litter, debris, weeds, and sediment from the concrete curb and gutter next to the property. See County Code 23-150 and 23-151 for more information.
Resources
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View this presentation about Drainage and Flooding in Prince George's County!
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| When it rains, excess water flows from surfaces into the County's storm drain system. The Department of Public Works and Transportation helps maintain the storm drain system in the County public right-of-way. | |
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The Alsobrooks Administration is committed to creating more climate resilient communities through investments in stormwater management including residential storm drain maintenance, flood control, water quality restoration, education, and outreach, research and planning. View the full Proud Priorities: Stormwater Management Flyer below. |
Contact
Joanna Smith - Associate Director for the Office of Storm Drain Maintenance
Please contact jmsmith@co.pg.md.us for more information.