Tuesday, January 12, 2010

WINTER WEATHER REMINDER: CLEAR YOUR STORM INLETS

With cold weather in full effect, treacherous driving conditions are not the only concern in Indianapolis this winter season. Ice and snow that covers storm inlets can also contribute to drainage problems and slick conditions on residential streets. As a result, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) is asking residents and property owners to do their part and regularly check and clear storm inlets of snow, ice and other debris.

“We live in a city where the weather can fluctuate greatly and all the freezing and thawing of snow and ice can have a significant impact on our community,” DPW Director David Sherman said. “Clearing inlets when you shovel your driveway or sidewalk is one small way to improve your neighborhood this winter.”

Clogged or blocked storm inlets can lead to numerous problems. Snow and ice can block proper water flow into storm inlets resulting in drainage problems, flooded streets and dangerous conditions, such as black ice on streets and sidewalks. In addition, standing water on streets can work its way into the sanitary and combined sewers, taking up needed capacity and contributing to raw sewage overflows and backups at homes and businesses.

There are more than 10,000 miles of drainage facilities in Marion County. Approximately 6,000 of those miles are on private property and must be maintained by property owners, according to Sections 431-506 and 561-211 of the Revised Code of the City and County. For these property owners, drainage responsibilities include clearing storm inlets.

For further information, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at 327.4622 or visit www.indy.gov/dpw.

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