Drainagesystemmaint 2006

National Flood Insurance Program
Community Rating System
CRS Credit for

Drainage System Maintenance
2006
Note on this edition: This document was revised to reflect the following changes in the
2006 CRS Coordinator’s Manual:
• A reminder that a community’s drainage maintenance program must be consistent with
federal and state environmental protection laws and regulations.
• A clarification of the credits for channel and basin debris removal procedures (CDR).
• Additional guidance on how to calculate the score based on how much of the drainage
system is inspected and maintained.
A community interested in more information on obtaining flood insurance premium

credits through the Community Rating System (CRS) should have the CRS Application.
This and other publications on the CRS are available at no cost from
Flood Publications
NFIP/CRS
P.O. Box 501016
Indianapolis, IN 46250-1016
(317) 848-2898
Fax: (317) 848-3578
NFIPCRS@iso.com
They can also be viewed and downloaded from FEMA’s CRS website,
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/index.htm
Contents
Section Page
Introduction..................................................................................................1
Channel and Basin Debris Removal (CDR) ................................................2

Orland Hills’ CDR Procedures .........................................................16
Jefferson Parish’s CDR Procedures ..................................................29
American Fisheries Society Guidelines............................................45
Capital Improvements Program ........................................................48
Stream Dumping Regulations (SDR).........................................................52

Stream Dumping Ordinances............................................................55
For More Information ................................................................................59
The following communities provided materials to serve as examples in this

publication. Their cooperation is appreciated.
Orland Hills, Illinois

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Nags Head, North Carolina
Santa Barbara County, California
Fort Collins, Colorado
Scottsdale, Arizona
Margate, Florida
South Holland, Illinois.
Help provided by the American Fisheries Society is also appreciated.
Credit for Drainage System Maintenance i Edition: 2006

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Credit for Drainage System Maintenance ii Edition: 2006

Introduction
Objective
When human-made or natural debris is allowed to accumulate, it can create a dam in a
channel or fill needed storage areas.
Although a properly maintained channel can
carry runoff from most small storms, a
blocked or dammed channel can cause more
frequent overbank flooding, unexpected
erosion, and sedimentation.
Similarly, a lack of maintenance can result in

detention or retention basins being filled with
sediment or debris. If these basins are already
full of sediment or debris, they cannot store
water and flooding can result because the
drainage system cannot do its job.
Debris in a watercourse can create a dam
and flood adjacent properties.
One of the objectives of the Community
Rating System (CRS) is to encourage and
recognize programs that prevent flooding
caused by blockages or reduction in storage resulting from accumulations of debris. The
objective of this publication is to explain the CRS credit criteria and provide examples.
The CRS
The CRS is a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). When communities go
beyond the minimum standards for floodplain management, the CRS can provide
discounts up to 45% off flood insurance premiums.
Communities apply for a CRS classification and are given credit points that reflect the
impact of their activities on reducing flood losses, insurance rating, and promoting the
awareness of flood insurance. The Insurance Services Office’s ISO/CRS Specialist
reviews the community’s program and verifies the CRS credit. This includes a review of
the written procedures and records of an activity and, in some cases, a visit to sites in the
field.
A community applies using the CRS Application. CRS credit criteria, scoring, and
documentation requirements are explained in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. Copies of
these publications are available free from the office listed inside the front cover of this
document.
The CRS credit for inspecting the community’s drainage system and clearing it of debris
is provided in Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) in the CRS Coordinator’s
Manual.
Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 1 Edition: 2006

Credited Elements
This activity recognizes three elements of a community’s drainage system maintenance
program:
3 Channel and basin debris removal. The acronym used in the credit calculation formulae,
“CDR,” has become a shorthand way to refer to the CRS credit. The credit criteria is
explained in Section 541.a of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual.
9 Stream dumping regulations, “SDR,” explained in Section 541.b.
3 Coastal erosion protection maintenance, “EPM,” explained in Section 541.c.
This publication reviews the first two elements, CDR and SDR, and explains the
prerequisites for recognition by the CRS. Maintenance of coastal erosion protection
includes dune or mangrove preservation, bluff stabilization, and beach nourishment
programs. This third element is described in more detail in a separate publication, CRS
Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards. It can be ordered through the office
listed on the inside front cover.
Maintaining channels and basins can be

augmented by a program to limit the amount
of runoff from new developments and one
that controls erosion and sediment leaving
construction sites. CRS Activity 450
(Stormwater Management) explains the credit
points for regulating construction and other
land alteration activities to minimize runoff
and sediment-laden stormwater (ESC).
Under Activity 450, if the community wants

credit for public maintenance of new
A comprehensive drainage system mainte- stormwater management facilities (PUB), it
nance program should address both debris must have procedures that meet the same
and sediment and their sources. requirements as the Activity 540 procedures
explained here. It is strongly recommended
that these procedures be in the same
document, especially because the two maintenance programs are most likely conducted by
the same personnel.
A comprehensive community drainage program should include elements from both Activity 540
(Drainage System Maintenance) and Activity 450 (Stormwater Management).
NOTE: Communities must be aware of all environmental laws and regulations that affect
their ability to conduct maintenance operations, including the Endangered Species Act of
1973. Credit will not be approved for any procedures that are not consistent with those
requirements.

Channel and Basin Debris Removal (CDR)

This element is known by its acronym, CDR. Many communities already have programs
and procedures for inspecting and clearing streams, ditches, and other channels;
inspecting and cleaning retention or detention basins; cleaning storm sewers; stabilizing
stream banks; and reconstructing channels. Only the first two of these activities are
necessary for CDR credit.
Procedures
A community requesting CDR credit for its program must submit documentation
describing its drainage system maintenance procedures. Five items must be included in
this documentation:
1. Who is responsible (see Section 544.a.1 of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual),

2. The area covered by the program (see Section 544.a.2),
3. Inspection procedures (see Section 544.a.3),
4. Maintenance procedures (see Section 544.a.4), and
5. Records (see Section 544.a.5).
These written procedures are essential to CRS credit. Each community will have a
different approach to human-made ditches, natural watercourses, drainageways on public
vs. private property, etc. In order for the ISO/CRS Specialist to verify whether the
drainage system is being properly maintained, there must be locally prepared procedures.
Verification is really a job of seeing that the local procedures are being followed.
1. Who is Responsible: The documentation submitted must identify what person or

office is responsible for inspections, maintenance, and record keeping. In most cases, the
drainage system is inspected and maintained by the community’s public works department
or a similar agency.
What counts for the CRS is not who does the work but whether it is being done. Although
the CRS community must provide the needed documentation, some or all of the actual
work could be implemented by other responsible parties, such as
3 Flood control or drainage districts;

3 County, state, or federal agencies;
3 Private companies or engineering firms; and
3 Property owners associations.
In many communities in Florida, for example, the multi-county water management district
maintains large canals and the city is responsible for the remaining, smaller ditches and
streams.

In many cases, property owners associations, shopping centers, and other owners of large
tracts of private property are responsible for maintenance of their own retention or
detention basins. The CRS can provide credit for this arrangement only if
3 the community has an inspection program AND the authority to order the owner to
perform needed maintenance, OR
3 the association or other owner is required to submit periodic inspection reports
signed by a licensed professional engineer.
In both cases, the community (or other public agency) must be willing to assume the
ultimate responsibility for maintenance. If the private property owner does not perform
the needed maintenance, the community must show that the job will get done according to
its inspection and maintenance schedule.
No credit is provided for projects that depend on unsecured outside funding, such as a
special appropriation from the state legislature or approval of a Corps of Engineers’
clearing and snagging project. Secured outside funding, such as projects financed by an
annual state distribution of gasoline tax receipts, is acceptable.
2. Area Covered by the Program: The community must define its “drainage system,”
preferably on a map. For the purposes of this activity, the drainage system consists of “all
natural and human-made watercourses, conduits, and storage basins that must be
maintained in order to prevent flood damage to buildings from smaller, more frequent
storms.” In determining whether a waterway or facility is part of the drainage system for
CRS purposes, ask “will buildings be
damaged if it is not kept clear?”
Facilities covered: The determination of a

community’s drainage system is based on
what facilities need to be maintained in order
to prevent damage to buildings. In some
communities, it will be open channels and
ditches. In a flat community, especially one
protected by a levee, maintaining storm
sewers, sewer inlets, canals, and pump
stations may be vital to prevent flooding. In
some areas of a community, roadside ditches
are important conveyors of surface water and
A roadside ditch is included in the “drainage
system” for CRS purposes if buildings will be must be kept cleaned. In urbanizing
flooded if it is not maintained. watersheds, storage basins may be vital to
preventing small storms from flooding
buildings.

The drainage system must include

watercourses identified on the community’s
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) as well as
important watercourses not in the floodplain
(in B, C, or X Zones). In fact, the CRS is
particularly concerned with flood insurance
claims paid on properties that are NOT in the
floodplain. Most of these claims are due to
inadequately sized or maintained drainage
facilities.
The community should consider the sites of

This channel is on a public right of way,
flood insurance claims and disaster assistance which helps inspections and maintenance.
when defining the facilities covered. In
communities with repetitive losses, the
drainage system MUST cover those areas having repetitive loss properties where the cause
of the losses was due to local drainage problems or smaller, more frequent storms.
Facilities not covered: Certain areas do not need to be included in the drainage system
maintenance program. Although the following parts of a drainage system should be
maintained, they are not necessary for CRS credit.
3 Drainage facilities in undeveloped areas. For CRS credit, a community only needs
to maintain those facilities where debris blockages would result in flooded
buildings. Therefore, agricultural areas, parks, and areas with less than one
building per acre do not need to be covered by the drainage maintenance program.
3 Channels that will not inundate buildings during a flood, such as deeply incised
ravines.
3 Natural storage areas. Lakes, ponds, marshes, and wetlands can usually absorb
debris without significantly affecting their storage capacities. Because of their
natural resource benefits, the CRS encourages communities to maintain their
appearance and prevent dumping into them. But the CRS does not advocate
maintenance activities that disturb wetlands and other natural areas.
3 Irrigation canals. These do not need to be included unless they are specifically
designed to be part of the community’s drainage system or they intercept
drainageways during high flows, either intentionally or accidentally.
Private property: In many areas of the country, property lines run to the middle of a
stream or ditch. Often owners are legally responsible for maintenance of a channel or
storage basin on their property. This condition does not exempt the watercourse or facility
from the community’s “drainage system” if obstructions and debris would cause flood
damage to buildings.

A community must have the legal authority to

inspect the channels and basins that it
identifies as part of its drainage system. A
community without the authority to enter
properties to inspect all channels and basins
may demonstrate that it has adequate visibility
from public property to see them all. On the
other hand, a program that only inspects
bridges and culverts will not be recognized for
credit.
A community must also have the authority to

Growth and headwall erosion show a lack of
remove debris. This means that it is authorized
maintenance in this private retention basin. either to enter the properties to perform
maintenance or to order the owner to perform
the maintenance. If there are areas where the
community does not have these authorities, then the CRS credit points are adjusted to
reflect how much of the drainage system it inspects and maintains. This is discussed in the
later section on impact adjustments (page 10).
It is important to note that this activity is verified in the field. An ISO/CRS Specialist will
check a sample of stream segments and basins in the areas maintained by the community.
If the field check shows that maintenance is not being performed according to the written
procedures, the credit points will be adjusted. Citations issued to private property owners
are not considered maintenance unless they are enforced and bring results.
Single lots: The community’s “drainage system” does not have to include facilities that
only drain one lot. In order to draw the line between public and private maintenance
responsibility, the community may exempt landscaping swales, low ground along property
lines, or small drainageways from its program. The general guideline is that the system
should include all open channels that drain more than 40 acres.
Altered watercourses: There is no CRS credit for maintaining altered watercourses,

because such maintenance is a minimum requirement of the NFIP. In fact, failure to
maintain such watercourses may result in a revision to the community’s FIRM.
The CRS provides credit for activities that are “above and beyond” the minimum
requirements of the NFIP. If a stream is altered after the community’s FIRM is published,
the NFIP requires the community to ensure that the channel’s carrying capacity is not
adversely altered. This is required in 44 CFR 60.3(b)(7) of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) NFIP regulations and in most communities’ floodplain
management ordinances.

3. Inspection Procedures: Periodic inspections of channels and basins in developed

areas are needed in every community to prevent the accumulation of debris deposited by
storms, dumping, or natural processes.
For CDR credit, inspections must be conducted

3 At least once each year (see Section 541.a.1(a) of the Coordinator’s Manual),
3 After each storm that could adversely impact the drainage system (see Section
541.a.1(b)), and
3 In response to citizen’s complaints (see Section 541.a.1(c)).
3 In addition, action must be taken after an inspection identifies the need for maintenance
or cleaning (see Section 541.a.1(d)).
These should be considered minimums. Local conditions may well warrant more frequent
regular inspections.
The CRS will not provide credit for a

program that only makes inspections when a
complaint is filed. Although the program also
must respond to complaints, regular
inspections are vital. Often complaints are
filed after the problem causes a flood. The
objective of drainage system maintenance is
to prevent such problems.
It should be noted that CRS Activity 330

(Outreach Projects) encourages communities
to advise their residents on how to submit
complaints, especially if they see illegal
dumping (see the discussion on page 52).
ADDED CREDIT—Problem sites:

Additional credit is provided if the
community’s program identifies specific
“choke points” or other obstructions to
flows, or sites with erosion or sedimentation
problems, that are inspected and maintained Bridges, constrictions, and other known
problem sites deserve more frequent
differently or more frequently than other inspections.
parts of the drainage system.
Problem sites can be channel constrictions, culverts that catch more debris than others,
undersized culverts, facilities near schools or other source of vandalism, etc. The written
procedures must list these sites (or show them on a map) and describe how they are
treated differently, usually through more frequent inspections. Such inspections are in
addition to those credited under the annual inspection program described on the previous
pages.

4. Maintenance Procedures: A regular maintenance program in conjunction with

inspections can prevent big problems. Typical problems found in open channels include
trash, shopping carts, tires, plastic containers, branches, and logjams. Typical storage
basin problems include clogged inlets and outlets, basin sedimentation, and broken
pumps. When found early, they can often be removed or corrected with minimal
equipment and expense.
A public works crew or contractor, usually

See also the American Fisheries without heavy equipment, normally carries out
Society’s guidelines on pages 44–46 for the maintenance work for the basic CRS credit.
examples of maintenance procedures for The objective is to remove debris that has
different stream obstruction conditions.
accumulated, such as shopping carts and log
jams. For this CRS credit, the community’s
program must clearly describe what can and cannot be removed. Simply stating that “all
debris will be removed” may not be correct for all areas.
Classifying streams is one way to define what can and cannot be done for different types
of drainageways. See the box on the next page for a discussion of this approach.
Bank erosion: The CRS does not credit activities dealing with bank erosion unless they
are part of an annual capital improvements program. Although houses or bridges may be
threatened by the erosion, the erosion usually does not cause a serious obstruction to flood
flows. Similarly, bridge and culvert maintenance are only considered if their condition
obstructs the flow of water.
State permits: If the community has the right to enter all affected properties to perform
maintenance, there should be no legal problems. In some cases, a state permit may be
required. Usually a state permit is needed only for major projects, such as channel
widening or bank stabilization or for projects in naturally sensitive areas, such as
endangered species habitat. If a permit is needed for routine maintenance and debris
removal, a general permit can often be obtained for a period of years and that specifies
what work can be done. The community’s program needs to identify the instances in
which a state permit is needed.
CRS CREDIT IS NOT PROVIDED IF LOCAL DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES VIOLATE

FEDERAL OR STATE LAWS . There may be special restrictions on streams or a requirement to
obtain a federal or state permit before certain work can proceed. Often a “general” or
“statewide” permit or other permission can be granted in advance for projects that are
specifically described in the permit. Such laws and regulations usually do not preclude all
maintenance work, but they may place restrictions on activities that disturb natural or
protected areas. These restrictions must be included in the community’s procedures.

Stream Classification
A community’s drainage system maintenance procedures must identify what is considered a problem
and what happens when a problem is found. This may require classifying streams and storage
basins as natural and human-made and treating them differently.
A drainage maintenance program should not treat natural channels and human-made ditches
the same. The natural channel has a wider area in which to flow. Trees and small log or
debris jams can be accommodated by minor diversions of flow without causing any problems.
In fact, vegetation and minor obstructions that cause riffles and pools are desired in many
natural streams because they improve habitat and water quality. However, large collections
of debris that accumulate at a bridge can cause a major obstruction and should be removed.
A human-made drainage ditch or canal is designed to use less area to carry more water.
These channels need more attention because there is no room to carry overflows caused by
blockages. They are not intended to have trees or other vegetation growing in them. In
human-made ditches, too much vegetation is considered “debris.” Therefore, if an inspection
finds trees and brush growing in the channel, they have to be removed. Regular mowing and
grubbing ensures that these channels do their job.
Another problem in natural streams is vegetation. Too much vegetation, especially weedy
(often non-native) plants, can choke a stream while too little vegetation can lead to serious
erosion. Maintenance procedures need to be tailored to each stream. They may include plant
removal, replanting, tree trimming, or mowing.
In short, drainage system maintenance programs need to take into account the habitat,
recreational uses, and flood control facets of the stream. The community with a multi-
objective approach to its river corridors will best be able to handle the competing interests
and get the best results from its stream maintenance efforts.

5. Records: A maintenance program needs records. Typically, these include

3 Complaint or inquiry forms for recording reports of problems,
3 Inspection forms that show everything that was checked,
3 Work orders that task an office to clear debris or correct a problem, and
3 Maintenance records that show the work that was done.
In some cases, one or two forms can cover all needs. In the box on the next page is an
example “drainage problem report” form. It shows both the maintenance action needed
and what was done. These forms need to be included with the procedures that are
submitted for CRS credit.
CRS Credit
It is important to note that the CRS credit points are not based on the cost of the program,
the source of funding, the amount of debris removed, or similar administrative issues.
What counts is that the community inspects and maintains its drainage system on a regular
basis or when needed.
There are two levels of credit for Channel and Basin Debris Removal (CDR):
3 Up to 200 points are provided for having and implementing procedures that cover
the five items discussed on pages 3–10.
3 An additional credit of up to 50 points is provided if the community’s program
identifies specific problem sites that are inspected and maintained differently or
more frequently than other parts of the drainage system, as discussed on page 7.
Impact Adjustment
Most communities provide the same drainage maintenance service to all residents and
therefore their programs cover the entire community. However, there may be cases in
which a community can only inspect and maintain part of its drainage system (e.g., only
those watercourses on public property). The impact adjustment modifies the credit points
to reflect how much of the community’s developed areas are covered by its drainage
maintenance program. See also the discussion on page 13 on preparing an impact
adjustment map.
Full coverage: Full CRS credit is provided if the community inspects and maintains all
parts of the drainage system in developed areas. There is no set definition of “developed
areas.” At a minimum it includes subdivisions with lots of 1 acre or smaller. It does not
need to include farms, forests, parks, or preserves unless obstructions in those areas will
result in flooding of built-up areas.
The community only needs to demonstrate that there are no buildings threatened in areas
not covered. For example, full credit is provided to a county that maintains the drainage
system in built-up areas, even though it does not look after every ditch in its rural areas or
in parks or preserves.

DRAINAGE PROBLEM REPORT
Date: Inspector: _________________________________
Type of inspection: Post-storm Complaint Routine

Location: (Identify stream or basin name, downstream and upstream streets or reference
points, and location of problem. Provide sketch as needed.)
Type of problem: Trash Minor Obstruction Structural

Recommended maintenance: _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Is equipment needed? If so, list equipment needed: ___________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Date: Right of entry needed? ___________________
Work order description: _______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
State permit needed? Work order number: _______________________________
Date: Crew chief: ____________________________

Maintenance performed: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Inspected by: ________________________________________________________________
Use other side for additional recommendations for this site.

Indian reservations, lands owned by the state or another community, and federal land,
such as national parks and military reservations, are generally beyond a community’s
jurisdiction. These may be excluded from the drainage system maintenance program.
More guidance on excluding these types of properties can be found in Section 403 of the
Coordinator’s Manual.
Partial coverage: There are cases where drainage maintenance programs do not cover all
developed areas. For example, a community may not have the legal authority to send
inspectors or maintenance crews onto some properties. Some communities are just starting
formal maintenance programs and are phasing in streams for regular inspections after
major obstructions have been removed or after rights-of-way have been obtained. In some
areas, state or federal regulations may prevent disturbing the habitat of an endangered
species.
If the community cannot provide inspections and maintenance in all developed areas, the
CRS credit points must be adjusted to reflect the impact of the program. This is the
“impact adjustment,” which is done by multiplying the credit points for CDR by the
percentage of the community covered.
To simplify the CRS application process, the impact adjustment is not included in the CRS
Application. When the ISO/CRS Specialist conducts the verification visit, he or she will
help determine the appropriate impact adjustment and will help with any needed
calculations.
Impact Adjustment Map: The Impact Adjustment Map is a tool to help the ISO/CRS
Specialist calculate what percentage of the drainage system is covered by the program. It
should be prepared before the Specialist’s verification visit. The map must show
3 All channels and other drainage facilities in the developed portion of the
community, and
3 All channels and facilities that are covered by the channel and basin debris removal
program.
The ISO/CRS Specialist will use the map to calculate an approximate impact adjustment
ratio (the area covered by the program as a percentage of the area of the drainage system
in developed portions of the community). The ISO/CRS Specialist can also provide
instructions on how the community can calculate a more accurate ratio. A procedure for
preparing an Impact Adjustment Map is provided in the box on the next two pages.

Preparing an Impact Adjustment Map

Here are step by step instructions on how to prepare an impact adjustment map for drainage system
maintenance credit.
Step 1. Prepare Map #1, a map of the developed areas of your community. Start with a map of the
community and mark or exclude the following areas:
• Parks, farms, forests, and other undeveloped areas;
• Lakes, bays, and other bodies of water larger than 10 acres;
• Areas zoned and developed for low density, i.e., lots of one acre or more with a maximum of
10% lot coverage; and
• Other areas where insurable buildings will not be affected due to a lack of maintenance. For
example, debris will not cause flooding of buildings subject to coastal flood hazards, on very
large rivers, or in steep ravines.
Step 2. The remaining area on Map #1 is considered the area that needs to be inspected and
maintained to protect insurable buildings. This map must include those areas that have repetitive loss
properties where the cause of the losses was due to local drainage problems or smaller, more frequent
storms (see Section 501 of the CRS Coordinator's Manual). Note that this activity encourages
maintenance of ALL undeveloped areas that should be maintained for any reason (e.g., to keep a road
from flooding), but CRS credit is based on the impact of the program on buildings.
Step 3. Prepare an overlay to Map #1 (or a GIS layer): Show all of the surface drainage system in
the developed areas on Map #1. Include the following drainage features, regardless whether they are
publicly or privately maintained:
• All streams, channels, and other surface drainageways that drain more than 40 acres.
• All ponds, retention basins, and detention basins that store stormwater (either show them on
the map or be able to produce a master list of them).
• Any other channels or basins that are known to have maintenance problems that affect
developed properties.
This activity focuses on surface drainage features that are more prone to obstructions from debris. It is
assumed that storm sewers are public property and that they are publicly maintained. Thus, you do not
need to include underground pipes or storm sewers on Map #1 (unless all of your drainage system is
in underground pipes).
Step 4. Measure the lengths of the channels and perimeters of the storage basins shown on this layer
after step 3. This total (feet, miles, etc.) is the area of your drainage system in the developed portions
of the community.
Step 5. Prepare a second overlay (or GIS layer) to Map #1: Show those drainage features that are
covered by the inspection and maintenance program. Here are some possible reasons why some areas
or drainage features are not covered:
• You do not inspect or maintain channels or detention basins on private property.
• Budget limitations prevent your crews from covering all developed areas.
• You only inspect bridges and culverts on public roads, not the rest of the channels.

Preparing an Impact Adjustment Map (cont.)
Step 6. Measure the lengths of the channels and perimeters of the basins in the areas that are
covered. This total (feet, miles, etc.) is the area covered by your program.
Step 7. Divide the result from step 6 by the result from step 4. The result is the “impact adjustment
ratio” that reflects the percentage of the drainage features in your community’s developed areas that
are covered by your drainage maintenance program. It is shown as “rCDR” in the credit calculation
formulas. The little “r” stands for “ratio.” The ratio is multipliedby 200 to derive your score.
Example: Adding up 6.7 miles of channels and 1.3 miles of basin perimeter totals 8
miles for your community’s drainage system . Two miles are in undeveloped areas or
along a very large river. Therefore, your map shows 6 miles of channels and basins
that need to be maintained to prevent debris from obstructing flows that will flood
buildings. Because of budget constraints, your public works department only inspects
and maintains 3 miles of these features.
The impact adjustment ratio, rCDR, = 3 ÷ 6 = 0.5. Your score will be 200 x 0.5 = 100
points. You would receive half the maximum credit because your program covers
half of the area that needs to be covered.
Credit Calculation
The end result of this work is an initial score for the community’s channel and basin
debris removal program (CDR). It is the product of the credit points multiplied by the
impact adjustment ratio. In the Coordinator’s Manual, it is shown as the following
formula:
cCDR = CDR x rCDR, where

cCDR is the total credit for CDR
CDR is the points for CDR, either 200 or 250, and
rCDR is the impact adjustment ratio, which ranges from 0.2 to 1.0.
cCDR can range from 40 to 250.
Documentation
To receive credit for its channel and basin debris removal program (CDR), the community
must provide certain documentation to the ISO/CRS Specialist.
3 The drainage inspection and maintenance procedures are submitted with the
application for the credit. Each of the five points on pages 3–10 must be marked.
Examples are shown in the sections on Orland Hills and Jefferson Parish
procedures, below. Some communities may already have written procedures that
include most or all of the five topics, as was the case with Jefferson Parish. In
these cases, the community would only need to write a memo explaining the
missing information.

3 At the ISO/CRS Specialist’s verification visit, the community will need to provide
the records that show that the inspections and subsequent maintenance were
performed. Examples of these are on pages 11, 23–26, and 42–44.
Verification Visit
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will ask to see the records that
demonstrate that the inspections and maintenance were performed. Because the
community’s credit is partially based on the frequency of inspections, there must be
documentation that shows that the inspections were conducted on schedule and that
needed maintenance was performed. Records are discussed on page 10.
The ISO/CRS Specialist will also conduct a field survey to verify that the channels and
basins are clear. A sample of 10 sites will be examined. If one or more is not maintained
in accordance with the community’s explanation of its program, the Specialist will look at
10 more sites.
Based on the review of the 20 sites, the value for CDR will be adjusted. If less than 50%
of the credit is verified, an additional 10 sites will be reviewed. If the credit for all items
in the three samples is less than 50%, no credit is given for CDR.
For example, if the survey finds that five of 20 sites have debris or growth that should
have been removed, then the value for CDR will be reduced by 5/20 or 25%. If more than
seven of the 15 sites have not been maintained, a third sample of 10 sites will be
inspected. If the final result is that more than 50% of the sites have not been maintained,
no credit is provided for
CDR.
Annual Recertification
Each year, a CRS
community must submit an
annual recertification to
FEMA and the ISO/CRS
Specialist. For continued
credit for CDR, the
recertification must include
copies of typical inspection
and maintenance records for
that year. The
recertification is due by
October 1. The ISO/CRS
Specialist provides the This debris accumulated where an open channel flows into a
forms with specific small pipe (hidden under the debris). Such sites deserve
instructions. frequent inspections or correction through a capital
improvement project (see page 48).

Orland Hills’ CDR Procedures

The Village of Orland Hills, Illinois, is a Chicago suburb that has been particularly
concerned with drainage problems. Before the early 1990s it had widespread flooding and
drainage problems that affected buildings, yards, and streets throughout town. Heavy rains
caused water problems several times each year.
In 1995, the Village prepared a Flood Protection Plan, which reviewed the situation and
recommended a series of activities to reduce the damage caused by flooding and drainage
problems. One of those activities was a formalized drainage system maintenance program.
Another was to join the CRS.
In 1995, drainage maintenance procedures were prepared, modeled on an example

provided by the CRS. In 2000, the procedures were updated to receive full credit under
the 1999 CRS Coordinator’s Manual. The updated procedures are shown on pages 17–26.
They are marked to show the five items that need to be documented in a CRS submittal.
Responding to drainage problems is only one facet of the Village’s efforts. It has a
proactive public information program and enforces strict construction regulations. It has a
public information program strategy that also qualifies for CRS credit. In 1999, it focused
on the slogan “Don’t forget your drainage” and used a variety of means to convey that
message to property owners. An excerpt from a property owner’s booklet is shown on
pages 27–28.
Orland Hills has different maintenance procedures for human-made ditches and Lake Lorin, a
restored wetland that also serves as a retention basin. See sections 5.b.1) and 2) on page 19.

VILLAGE OF ORLAND HILLS, ILLINOIS
DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE SOP
1. Objective: This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) specifies responsibilities and

procedures for inspecting and cleaning the streams, ditches, storm sewers, and storage basins
in the Village of Orland Hills.
2. Responsibilities:
a. The Director of the Public Works Department is responsible for the administration of
this SOP. He shall inspect the streams, ditches, storm sewers, and storage basins and
ensure that they are cleaned in accordance with this SOP.
1. Who is responsible
b. The Director of the Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for maintenance of
all drainage facilities in Village parks.
c. The Chief of Police and/or the Building Commissioner are responsible for enforcing
Section 51.01 of the Village’s municipal code and related regulations on dumping or
depositing material in the drainage system. The Chief of Police and/or the Building
Commissioner are also responsible for serving maintenance notices to private property
owners.
d. All work on county property shall be coordinated with the appropriate county offices.
e. Private property owners are responsible for maintaining the streams, ditches, storm
sewer inlets, and retention basins on their properties.
3. Jurisdiction: This SOP covers the following public and private surface drainage facilities
delineated in the drainage system map in Attachment 1.
a. Tinley Creek from 169th Place (retention area Map #12) to its outlet from the Village at
88th Avenue.
2. Area covered
b. Lake Lorin.
c. Ashbourne Lake and its drain to Lake Lorin (Map #18)
d. Highview Ditch from the retention basin at Map #1 to its confluence with Tinley
Creek.
e. The drainage facilities to be constructed in the Pepperwood subdivision, north of Lake

Lorin (Map #18 and 19).

f. The Village owned retention areas shown as Map #1–9, 11, 12, and 15 as detailed in
the Municipal Owned Property list (Attachment 2).
2. Area covered
g. Marley Creek, west of 96th Street.
h. The privately owned retention areas, shown as Map #A–L.
i. All future drainage ways dedicated to the Village in accordance with the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
4. Identification of Problems:
a. The Director of Public Works or his designee shall inspect all the watercourses, sewers
and basins listed in Section 3 twice a year. One inspection will be run before the Spring
rainy season. The other will be conducted during the middle of the summer storm
season.
b. Inspections shall consist of walking the length of Tinley Creek and Highview Ditch and
a visual check through all culverts. Inspections of detention basins shall include a check
of each inlet and outlet.
c. On the first Monday of each month and within 24 hours after each major storm, the
Director of Public Works or his designee shall inspect the following “choke points”
3. Inspection procedures
where debris has been known to accumulate:
1) The culverts over Tinley Creek on:

inspection of problem
- 169th Place
- Hobart Ave
- 93rd Ave
More frequent
- Haven Ave
- 92nd Ave
- 167th Street
- 88th Ave
sites
2) The dam at Lake Lorin.
d. The Director of Public Works or his designee shall complete the Drainage Inspection
Report (Attachment 3) after each inspection. A copy of the report shall be kept in an
appropriate file.

e. The Director of Public Works or his designee shall inspect all complaints submitted by
residents, Trustees, or other offices. Such complaints and the subsequent action taken
by the Village shall be recorded on a Complaint/Inquiry Form (Attachment 4). The
Director of Public Works shall ensure that an inspection is conducted and the findings
provided to the person submitting the complaint within one week.
5. Records
f. If a problem is found, a Complaint/Inquiry Form (Attachment 4) shall be completed

and forwarded to the appropriate person. The Complaint/Inquiry Forms shall be
recorded and maintained in accordance with the Village’s Complaint Procedures. If
the problem is on private property, a letter shall also be sent to the owner, using the
format in Attachment 5.
5. Maintenance:
a. There are four types of maintenance problems:
1) Trash: human-made objects, such as garbage, shopping carts, tires, lumber,

furniture, and appliances. Animal carcasses are also included as trash.
2) Minor problem: vegetation growth, tree limbs, and other “naturally” occurring
debris. Sedimentation in a retention basin is also included.
3) Obstruction: fallen tree, culvert damage, large appliance, etc., that, by itself, ob-
structs the flow of the ditch, inlet or outlet.
4) Structural project: bridge or culvert replacement, bank stabilization, dredging, or
other major project.
4. Maintenance procedures
b. Maintenance duties:
1) On public property: The Director of Public Works or the Director of Recreation and
Parks shall ensure that trash and minor problems are removed at the next convenient
time. Obstructions shall be removed within two working days of being reported.
2) Kelly Park and Lake Lorin: These areas of Tinley Creek shall be kept in a condition
approximating their natural state. Trash and obstructions shall be removed, but
natural growth shall not be cut.
3) On County property: Trash, minor problems, and obstructions shall be reported to

the appropriate office by the Director of Public Works. If the County does not
remove the problem within seven days, it shall be treated as a problem on private
property in accordance with c., below.
4) Structural projects require budget approval by the Village Board of Trustees and,
sometimes, a separate permit from the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
Water Resources. If necessary, a drainage maintenance easement shall be obtained
from all affected property owners. Structural projects shall be advertised for bid and
scheduled in the same manner as other contracted public works projects.

5) Upon completion of a maintenance project, the responsible person shall complete the
Complaint/Inquiry Form and provide it to the Building Department Permit Clerk for
filing.
c. Maintenance on private property:
1) Property owners are responsible for maintaining the streams, ditches, swales, storm
sewer inlets, and retention basins on their properties.
2) The Village shall publicize the need for maintenance of drainage facilities and
encourage residents to correct or report problems before the next storm causes
damage.
3) The Director of Public Works shall inspect all drainage facilities listed in Section 3
from streets or other public property or via access on dedicated easements in accor-
dance with the inspection schedule in Section 4. The Director shall inspect all other
drainage problems on private property only in response to complaints.
4) Trash, minor problems, and obstructions shall be reported to the owner by the Chief
of Police in the format included as Attachment 6.
5) If the owner does not remove the problem within ten days, the Village shall assume
responsibility for the problem. If the problem is large enough to cause flooding of
another property, the Director shall enter the property and remove the problem in
accordance with Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 65, Section 11-111.1-1.
6) If the problem does not cause an immediate hazard, the Village Attorney may take
action to have the owner remove the problem or pay for the maintenance work
performed by the Village.
Attachments:
1. Drainage system map

2. Municipal owned property
3. Drainage Inspection Report forms
4. Complaint/Inquiry Form
5. Private property notice format

Attachment 1.

Attachment 2.
Attachment 3.

Village of Orland Hills, Illinois
Drainage Inspection Report - Public Properties
Date: _________________ Inspector: _______________________________________
Type of inspection: Semi-annual Monthly Choke Point Check Post-storm
I have inspected the following surface drainage facilities and found them as noted. The numbers
and letters refer to locations on the Village’s drainage system map. A Complaint/ Inquiry Form
has been completed for all problems found on Village property. A notification letter has been
sent to the owners of private property where problems were found.
Retention basin, 17001 94th Ave (#12) No problem Problem found
Tinley Creek from 169th Place to 167th Street No problem Problem found
Retention basin, 16901 92nd Ave (#I) No problem Problem found
Highview Ditch No problem Problem found
Tinley Creek from 167th Street to Lake Lorin No problem Problem found
Lake Lorin and dam No problem Problem found
Retention area, 8901 Elm Place (#14) No problem Problem found
Ashbourne Lake and drain to Tinley Creek No problem Problem found
Tinley Creek from Lake Lorin to 88th Avenue No problem Problem found
Retention area, 17007 Westwood (#9) No problem Problem found
Retention areas, Westwood and 89th Ave (#3,4,5,6) No problem Problem found
Retention area, 17001 89th Ave (#7) No problem Problem found
Retention area, 16840 88th Ave (#8a) No problem Problem found
Retention area, 16151 Hawthorne (#15b) No problem Problem found
Pepperwood Outlot A (19) No problem Problem found
Pepperwood Outlot B (18) No problem Problem found
Marley Creek No problem Problem found
_____________________________________ No problem Problem found
_____________________________________ No problem Problem found

Village of Orland Hills, Illinois
Drainage Inspection Report - Private Properties
Date: __________________ Inspector: _______________________________________
Type of inspection: Semi-annual Monthly Choke Point Check Post-storm

I have inspected the following surface drainage facilities and found them as noted. The numbers
and letters refer to locations on the Village’s drainage system map. A Complaint/ Inquiry Form
has been completed for all problems found on Village property. A notification letter has been
sent to the owners of private property where problems were found.
Private retention area A No problem Problem found

Private retention area B No problem Problem found
Private retention area C No problem Problem found
Private retention area D No problem Problem found
Private retention area E No problem Problem found
Private retention area F No problem Problem found
Private retention area G No problem Problem found
Private retention area H No problem Problem found
Private retention area I No problem Problem found
Private retention area J No problem Problem found
Private retention area K No problem Problem found
Private retention area L No problem Problem found
___________________________________ No problem Problem found

Attachment 4.
VILLAGE OF O RLAND HILLS

COMPLAINT /I NQUIRY FORM
TAKEN BY: ________________________ COMPLAINT #: ______

ROUTED TO: ________________________ DATE: ____________
COPY TO : ________________________ TIME: ___:___AM/PM
==========================================================
COMPLAINT ADDRESS: ___________________________________________
COMPLAINT : __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
COMPLAINANT : _________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _____________________ COMPLAINANT WANTS A REPORT : _____
HOME NUMBER : _________________ CALL : Y OR N SEND COPY: Y OR N
==========================================================
ACTION TAKEN: ________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
DATE: ____________________ I NVESTIGATOR : _______________________
TALKED TO: ___________________________________________________
==========================================================
DATE CLOSED : _________ HANDED NOTICE TO: __________ DATE:________
DATE FOLLOW UP: ___________________ DATE POSTED NOTICE: ________
REFERRED TO: _____________________ D ATE SENT NOTICE: __________
==========================================================
DATE COMPLAINANT NOTIFIED OF ACTION TAKEN:______________________
CALLED: Y OR N SENT COPY: Y OR N
==========================================================
Misc: _______________________________________________________

Attachment 5. Private property notice format
Date
Name
Address
Certified Mail Receipt No.
Dear Name:
This letter is official notification that property owned by you is in violation of the Municipal
Code of the Village of Orland Hills, Illinois. The [stormwater detention facility/stream channel]
has not been kept clear of debris as required by Section 95.05 of the Municipal Code. Specifi-
cally, the following problems have been found:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
To rectify this violation, please remove the debris within ten days of the date of this letter.
Failure to meet this deadline can be cause for a fine as well as the cost of abating the violation.
If you have any questions on this notice, please call [name] , Building
Commissioner, at 349-4887.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Building Commissioner
cc: [Name] Chief of Police

Excerpts from Orland Hills’ Guide to Flood Protection
1. Flooding in Orland Hills
Orland Hills’ drainage system is subject to three flood problems: yard drainage problems,
underdesigned or obstructed storm sewers, and overbank flooding from Tinley Creek and certain
detention areas. This guide reviews these problems and what can be done about them.
Yard drainage: When an area is laid out for

development, strips along the lot lines are set aside to
carry water. Usually a five or ten toot easement is
established. This is shown in the figure below. When
the lot is built on, there should be no construction in
this easement.
Filling on the lot should slope to the easement so

drainage will run away from the building. A shallow
depression or swale is kept along the lot lines. The
swale guides stormwater runoff to the front or back
yards where it is sent to the street or storm sewer.
Downspouts and sump pump discharge pipes should
point to the swale so excess water is drained properly.
Over the years, this yard drainage system has been

disrupted. Many property owners are not aware of the
need to keep their easements and swales open. They
installed sheds, planters, railroad ties or swimming
pools in the easements. They built fences right on their
lot lines to enclose the largest part of their properties.
As a result, the water stands in the yards because it cannot go anywhere. Eventually it percolates
into the ground.
Storm sewers: Storm sewers have been installed in some areas of town to augment the drainage
system. Inlets collect water in the streets or gutters. Stormwater flows through the pipe to a larger
sewer or a body of water.
When storm sewers work, the streets and yards are drained quickly. Storm sewers won’t work if
they are underdesigned or when they are blocked. Blockages can be caused by debris in the inlet,
an outlet or outfall that is underwater, a broken pipe, or debris or sediment in the pipe.
Overbank flooding: The swales, streets and storm sewers carry water to detention ponds or to
Tinley Creek. When these become overloaded, water leaves their banks and floods neighboring
properties. The overbank flood problem areas are shown on the map on page 3. The Village’s
largest problem is flooding from Tinley Creek.
Sometimes, the result of flooding is a nuisance, such as wet streets or a soaked backyard.
However, either shallow water on the surface or saturated ground can cause flooding several feet
deep on a floor that is below grade. Some houses in Orland Hills do not have finished basements
because of chronic flooding.
y y y

3. Flood Protection Regulations
As shown on page 2, every lot was built so water would flow away from the building and along
property lines to the street, storm sewer, or ditch. Fences, railroad ties, landscaping and regrading
block this flow. So do construction projects in the ditches or the floodplain.
Every piece of trash can contribute to flooding. Even grass clippings and branches can
accumulate and plug channels. If your property is next to a ditch or storage basin, please do your
part and keep the banks clear of brush and debris.
Do not dump or throw anything into the ditches or basins. Dumping in our ditches and storage
basins is a violation of Village Code.
Always check with the Building Department before you build on, fill, alter, or regrade your
property. A permit is needed to ensure that such projects do not cause problems on other
properties.
If you see dumping or debris in the ditches or basins, filling or construction near property lot lines,
or filling or construction in the floodplain shown on page 3 without a permit sign posted, contact
the Village at 349-6666. The debris or project may cause flooding on your property.

Jefferson Parish’s CDR Procedures

Jefferson Parish covers an extensive area around the City of New Orleans. Much of the
Parish lies below the level of the Mississippi River and is protected by an extensive levee
system. An effective drainage program is vital to the Parish and its residents. If the canals
are clogged or the pumps don’t work, even a small storm can cause widespread flooding.
Because of this, the Parish has always

conducted a drainage maintenance program
with frequent inspections. It even has
separate Drainage and Drainage Pump
Station Departments.
However, the Parish’s program was not

developed, formalized, or documented just to
meet CRS credit. In 1998, formal procedures
were prepared to meet the requirements of
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES). These procedures appear
on pages 31–41.
Keeping the canals clear is vital to protecting
Jefferson Parish properties from flooding.
The CRS does not require that new
procedures be prepared that match the CRS
credit criteria. What is needed are written procedures that cover the five items discussed
on pages 3–10. Jefferson Parish’s NPDES procedures cover most of them.
The remaining were clarified in a memo from the CRS Coordinator in response to
questions from the ISO/CRS Specialist. It read as follows:
Question: The procedures note that special inspections are conducted after major events
(Section 4.2.1). Does this include after heavy rains? If so, how soon after a storm is an
inspection conducted?
Answer: Inspections actually begin during the event. Standby crews (if after hours) are
deployed to inspect, clean catch basins and clean and flush drain lines. Other Drainage
Department employees from Director, Asst Director, Engineers, Superintendents,
Inspectors, etc., are deployed to inspect canals, neighborhoods, etc.. After storm events,
when water levels recede, all canals in Jefferson Parish are reinspected within a day or two.
Question: Section 4.1.2 shows that inspections are made in response to citizen complaints.
How soon after a complaint is an inspection conducted?
Answer: Our goal is to provide at least an interim response within 2 days of receipt of
complaint.

Question: How soon after an inspection reveals a problem is a maintenance action taken?
Answer: This is highly dependent on the total number of complaints received and the
nature of the complaint. At normal levels, most complaints are addressed within two weeks.
Question: Does your program identify specific problem sites that are inspected and maintained
differently or more frequently than other parts of the drainage system? If so, please provide a
couple of examples.
Answer: Areas where recent maintenance work has been performed are inspected to
determine effectiveness of improvements. Areas of the parish known to be at lower
elevations than surrounding areas and areas where complaints have been received are
inspected. Also, areas of construction work in-progress are inspected to ensure drainage is
not impeded by temporary dams, equipment, sedimentation, etc..
A separate (and very large) map of the drainage system was reviewed by the ISO/CRS
Specialist, but is not included in this publication.
Records: On page 10, it is noted that records should cover
3 Complaint or inquiry forms for recording reports of problems,

3 Inspection forms that show everything that was checked,
3 Work orders that task an office to clear debris or correct a problem, and
3 Maintenance records that show the work that was done.
Because the Parish is a large organization, an automated record-keeping system has

proven very helpful to keep track of complaints and follow-up work. On page 42 is a copy
of a Service Request form that was
completed in response to a citizen complaint.
On the following page is the work order,
which includes notes on when the work was
accomplished.
On page 44 is the form used to record

inspections. It was developed to organize
weed control efforts. The staff members that
check the spraying also inspect for debris
and other problems. Their findings are noted
in the “remarks” column.
Jefferson Parish Drainage Inspector.

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
FOR
JEFFERSON PARISH
NPDES MS4 PERMIT
December 1998
Prepared For:
The Parish of Jefferson, Louisiana
Prepared By:
MONTGOMERY WATSON
3501 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 400
Metairie, Louisiana 70002
(504) 835-4252

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background ...............................................................................................32

1.2 Purpose .....................................................................................................33
1.3 Jefferson Parish Jurisdiction......................................................................33
SECTION 2 – JEFFERSON PARISH’S DRAINAGE SYSTEM
2.1 Storm Water Drainage System...................................................................33

2.2 Drainage Pump Stations ............................................................................34
SECTION 3 – JEFFERSON PARISH DEPARTMENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY
3.1 Drainage Department ................................................................................35

3.2 Drainage Pump Stations Department .........................................................35
3.3 Streets Department ....................................................................................35
3.4 Parkways Department................................................................................35
3.5 Environmental and Development Control Department ...............................35
3.6 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Department ..............................36
SECTION 4 – MAINTENANCE PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
4.1 Administrative Procedures ........................................................................36

4.1.1 Jefferson Parish Ordinances............................................................37
4.1.2 Citizens Complaints........................................................................37
4.1.3 Spill Prevention Plan ......................................................................37
4.2 Non-Structural Controls ............................................................................37
4.2.1 Drainage Canal Inspections ............................................................37
4.2.2 Subsurface Drainage System Maintenance ......................................38
4.2.3 Canal Bank Stabilization ................................................................38
4.2.4 Drainage Canals Dredging ..............................................................38
4.2.5 Litter Control .................................................................................38
4.2.6 Vegetation Control .........................................................................38
4.2.7 Herbicide Management ...................................................................39
4.2.8 Drainage Pump Stations Bar Screens Maintenance..........................39
4.2.9 Storm Water Drain Stenciling .........................................................39
4.3 Structural Controls ....................................................................................39
4.3.1 Drainage Canals .............................................................................40
4.3.2 Drainage Pump Stations Bar Screens ..............................................40
NOTE: Page numbering has been changed from the original to correspond
to the page numbers in this document.

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
This System Maintenance Program (SMP) has been prepared in accordance with the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit requirements. This
SMP summarizes Jefferson Parish’s operations and maintenance policies and procedures
to reduce the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States. This section provides
background information on the regulatory aspects of controlling storm water pollution as
well as general requirements on the SMP as determined by the final NPDES Permit issued
to the Jefferson Parish Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).
1.1 BACKGROUND
A final NPDES Permit, No. LAS000201, was issued to the Parish of Jefferson, Louisiana
Department of Transportation and Development—District 02, City of Gretna, City of
Harahan, City of Kenner, and City of Westwego to discharge from all portions of the
Jefferson Parish MS4 to waters of the United States in accordance with the Storm Water
Management Program (SWMP). The final NPDES Permit was issued by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on January 17, 1997, and became effective on
March 1, 1997.
The NPDES MS4 Permit requires Jefferson Parish and the incorporated Cities of Gretna,
Harahan, Kenner, and Westwego to develop, revise, and implement a comprehensive
SWMP. The SWMP shall include administrative, non-structural, and structural practices
to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System to
the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP).
One of the requirements of the SWMP is the development and implementation of a System
Maintenance Program by each permittee. This document outlines Jefferson Parish’s
policies and procedures to comply with the SMP portion of the NDPES permit.
Furthermore, Part II—Section A.1 “Structural Controls and Storm Water Collection
System Operation” of the permit identifies the criteria for the development of the System
Maintenance Program as follows:
“1. Structural Controls and Storm Water Collection System Operation: The Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer System and any storm water structural controls shall be operated in
a manner to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the Maximum Extent Practicable.”

1.2 PURPOSE
This SMP was prepared to summarize Jefferson Parish’s operation and maintenance
policies and procedures to reduce the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United
States.
The practices included in this program include administrative actions such as reporting
and ordinance control; non-structural controls such as inspection and open drainage canals
maintenance; and structural alternatives such as pump stations bar screens.
1.3 JEFFERSON PARISH JURISDICTION

−−−−−−−−−−−−−
Jefferson Parish is responsible for the design, construction, and operation and
maintenance of all storm water drainage canals and pump stations within the MS4
boundary. The City of Gretna is an exception to this, with the city being responsible for
the operation and maintenance of all open drainage canals and ditches within its city
limits. Jefferson Parish is not responsible for subsurface drainage lines within the city
limits for the incorporated cities of Gretna, Harahan, Kenner, and Westwego.
SECTION 2
JEFFERSON PARISH’S DRAINAGE SYSTEM
2.1 STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Jefferson Parish’s topographical characteristics, below sea level elevations, have

______________________________________
necessitated unique facilities such as protective levees, open drainage canals, and pump
stations to provide adequate drainage and flood protection. Over the years, Jefferson
Parish’s separate storm sewer system has evolved into a system of over 280 miles of open
drainage canals and ditches for collection and conveyance of storm water runoff.
Jefferson Parish drainage system serves approximately 79,000 acres of industrial,

commercial, residential, and unclassified areas. The storm water system’s service area is
2. Area covered
bounded on the north by Lake Pontchartrain, on the west by St. Charles and Lafourche
Parishes, on the south by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the east by Orleans and Plaquemines
parishes. The system is subdivided into four main basins with boundaries provided by the
Mississippi River, Harvey Canal, parish boundaries, and flood protection levees.
In addition to the 280 miles of open canals and ditches, Jefferson Parish maintains
approximately 1,370 miles of subsurface drain lines providing local drainage to the urban
life style. Storm water runoff from residential, commercial, and industrial land areas are
drained via drop inlet. Subsurface drainage lines convey storm water into open drainage
canals. Finally, storm water is discharged into waters of the United States through several
high capacity pump stations.
2.2 DRAINAGE PUMP STATIONS

Most of the land surface within Jefferson Parish is at or below sea level elevations. This
topographical characteristic has created a “saucer” effect in the drainage basin. Therefore,
Jefferson Parish has, over the years, designed and constructed several high capacity pump
stations to convey collected storm water runoff within the storm water drainage system to
waters of the United States.
Jefferson Parish currently owns and operates forty-seven pump stations to minimize local
flooding. All pump stations combined have the capacity to pump storm water at a rate of
approximately 23 billion gallons of rainfall per day. Thirty-five of these pump stations
discharge into water of the United States, while twelve are internal pump stations to lift
storm water from low drainage areas.
The Jefferson Parish Drainage Department currently maintains a constant water level in
the canals to minimize fluctuating groundwater and to reduce regional subsidence and
canal bank slope failures. The operation of the pump stations in this manner renders the
open drainage canal system as very long, slender retention basin.
SECTION 3
JEFFERSON PARISH DEPARTMENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY
Operation and maintenance of the storm water drainage system is the primary
responsibility of the Jefferson Parish Drainage Department. However, additional Jefferson
Parish Departments assist the Drainage Department in the maintenance and operation of
the storm water collection system.
The following departments are involved, either directly or indirectly, in the maintenance
of Jefferson Parish’s drainage system:
1. Drainage Department;
2. Drainage Pump Stations Department
3. Streets Department;
4. Parkways Department;
5. Environmental and Development Control Department; and
6. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Department.

3.1 DRAINAGE DEPARTMENT
The Jefferson Parish Drainage Department is the leading department for operation and
maintenance of the storm water collection system. The Drainage Department’s primary
responsibility is to operate the drainage system properly throughout the Parish to prevent
areas of flooding during rain events. In addition, standard operating and maintenance
practices minimize the potential for contaminated storm water runoff to enter receiving
water bodies.
3.2 DRAINAGE PUMP STATIONS DEPARTMENT
The Drainage Pump Stations Department’s primary responsibility is to maintain and

operate all drainage pump stations. The Drainage Pump Stations Department also works in
coordination with the Drainage, Streets and Parkways Departments to inspect and clean
pump station bar screens.
3.3 STREETS DEPARTMENT
The Streets Department assists Jefferson Parish Drainage Department in the maintenance
of the storm water collection system. Such practices include periodic cleaning and
flushing of smaller diameter (24-inch and less) subsurface drain lines. Additionally, the
Streets Department provides inspection and cleaning of bar screens at selected pump
stations during heavy rainfall events to improve storm water removal.
3.4 PARKWAYS DEPARTMENT
The Parkways Department assists the Drainage, Streets and Drainage Pump Stations
Departments in the inspection and cleaning of selected pump station bar screens during
heavy storm events and emergency situations. This practice serves to maintain the
hydraulic capacity of the pump station and, in turn, reduces pollutant loading to the
receiving waters.
3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL DEPARTMENT
The Environmental and Development Control Department (EDCD) is involved with a

number of programs that directly and indirectly affect storm water runoff quality. EDCD
works with the Drainage Department to investigate illicit discharges to the storm water
collection system.
EDCD personnel also respond to incidents involving hazardous materials that pose an
exposure risk to any drainage lines. The EDCD works with the Department of Emergency
Management and various fire departments to contain spills and protect the environment.
Jefferson Parish has a contract with an Environmental Response Contractor to allow for
immediate containment and cleanup of spilled material.
In the event a spilled material enters the underground storm water collection system, the
Drainage Department assists the EDCD to locate the outfall location within the open

drainage system for containment and cleanup. The design of the drainage system allows
for spills to be contained and held in the canals when it is not raining; thereby, preventing
the material from reaching the receiving waters. The pump stations operate independently
of each other; thus, allowing a pump to be run at a different station, if one station is
affected by a spill. These pumps can also be used to move the water to a location where it
can easily be removed from the drainage system. Temporary earthen dams can also be
constructed to contain the material.
3.6 SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION DEPARTMENT
The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Department works with the
Drainage and Drainage Pump Stations Departments to monitor the water levels in canals,
rainfall quantities throughout the Parish, and pump station operations for the purpose of
optimizing the operation of the drainage system.
SECTION 4
MAINTENANCE PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
This section addresses Jefferson Parish’s operation and maintenance procedures to reduce
the discharge of pollutants from the storm water collection system into receiving water
bodies.
Jefferson Parish uses many programs to control discharges from its storm water collection
system. These programs include structural controls and non-structural controls, such as
source controls and controls through ordinance. Structural controls are used to increase
the hydraulic capacity of the storm water drainage system. Non-structural controls are
primarily through source control and elimination to reduce pollutants entering the storm
water drainage system. Non-structural controls include periodic cleaning operations and
monitoring programs.
4.1 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Administrative procedures presented herein include preventative actions through

management and source control by implementing policies and ordinances that result in
prevention of pollutant runoff. In addition, Jefferson Parish responds to citizens’
complaints regarding trash, debris, or illicit discharges within the storm drainage system,
by cleaning up the materials.

4.1.1 Jefferson Parish Ordinances
Jefferson Parish uses its legal power to create, adopt, and implement ordinances to control
discharges into the storm water collection system. Many of the ordinances implemented
by Jefferson Parish render it illegal and punishable by law to pollute the storm water
collection system. More specifically, Section 16-10 of the Jefferson Parish Code of
Ordinances prohibits littering and dumping of any debris, trash, or garbage into any
drainage canals, ditches or drainage catch basins.
4.1.2 Citizens Complaints
Public involvement and participation is a critical key to the success of improving storm
water runoff quality. The creation of education programs is vital to inform citizens about
the impacts that storm water runoff and discharges have on the water quality of the
receiving body.
Citizen complaints associated with the storm water collection system are investigated and
corrected by the Drainage Department or EDCD. These investigations serve to identify
problem areas and facilitate the expedient scheduling and implementation of corrective
action.
4.1.3 Spill Prevention Plan
Each Drainage pump station that stores diesel fuel, above threshold quantities, has a Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan, which has been developed per the
provisions of 40 CFR Part 112. These plans outline emergency contacts and procedures to
follow should a spill occur at a drainage pump station. In addition to the SPCC, drainage
pump stations have Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) describing Best
Management Practices (BMPs) implemented at each pump station to prevent the runoff of
pollutants into the drainage system.
4.2 NON-STRUCTURAL CONTROLS
Non-Structural controls are implemented through BMPs that reduce the discharge of
pollutant runoff. Jefferson Parish’s BMPs include visual inspections, litter control,
drainage canal maintenance, and vegetative control.
3. Inspection procedures
4.2.1 Drainage Canals Inspections

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
Parish personnel visually inspect all major drainage canals every two weeks. In addition
to the routine biweekly inspection, parish personnel inspect drainage canals following
parades and special events (e.g., Mardi Gras, Saint Patrick’s Day, etc.). During visual
inspection, parish personnel identify canal bank failures due to erosion and nutria damage,
accumulated litter, and undesirable vegetation.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
4.2.2 Subsurface Drainage System Maintenance
The Drainage Department performs periodic, annually or as needed, cleaning activities at

catch basins, drop inlets, and subsurface drainage lines by using vacuum trucks. The
primary objective is the removal of accumulated sediment and unwanted litter, such as
cans, bottles, and trash. The Streets Department assists the Drainage Department by
cleaning and flushing of smaller diameter (24-inch and less) subsurface drain lines. The
Drainage Department is responsible for maintenance of larger subsurface drainage lines.
Providing periodic removal of sediment, debris, and vegetation blocking catch basins and
ditches improves the hydraulic capacity of the storm water drainage system. Also, this
non-structural control reduces the discharge of pollutants (e.g., solids, floatables) to the
receiving water body.
4.2.3 Canal Bank Stabilization
During biweekly inspections, parish personnel identify canal bank failures due to shoulder
erosion. The Drainage Department normally maintains a 2:1 slope in all canal banks to
prevent bank failure. Parish personnel repair collapsed banks with limestone and/or toe
retention bulkhead. In addition, canal banks and rights-of-way are seeded to prevent
erosion.
4.2.4 Drainage Canals Dredging
Earthen drainage canals are dredged to remove accumulated sediments and to improve the
hydraulic flow through the canals. Dredging activities are normally performed with long
reach excavators. A private contractor conducts dredging operations at drainage canals
exceeding 80 feet in width. As a normal operating procedure, sediment and silt removed
from canal bottoms are properly placed within canal shoulders and properly compacted.
The private contractor seeds the canal bank and shoulder to control erosion. Any excess
material is properly reused or disposed of.
4.2.5 Litter Control
Litter and trash accumulated within the storm water collection system is removed and
properly disposed of by parish personnel during standard biweekly inspections.
4.2.6 Vegetation Control
Vegetative cover reduces erosion and serves as a filter for potential pollutants that may
otherwise enter the drainage system.
Vegetation control on canal banks is performed through a combination of mowing and

herbicide application. The vegetative control method selected for use at a site is
dependent upon the site accessibility, the amount of vegetation to be controlled, the

length of the growing season, and available resources and personnel. The Drainage
Department uses in-house personnel and private contractors to maintain canal banks
within Jefferson Parish. Jefferson Parish selects a private herbicide application contractor
to assist the Drainage Department to control vegetation for intervals of two years. The
private contractor properly disposes of all collected debris and litter.
4.2.7 Herbicide Management
Jefferson Parish has developed a Pesticide, Herbicide, and Fertilizer Program. Herbicide
application is conducted in areas not accessible by mechanical equipment. Jefferson
Parish’s departments that use herbicides follow all applicable state and federal
regulations. Each department has personnel certified in the commercial application of
pesticides by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to coordinate all
herbicide applications in his/her department.
4.2.8 Drainage Pump Stations Bar Screens Maintenance

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
The Drainage Department also works in conjunction with the Streets, Parkways, and
Drainage Pump Station Departments to inspect and clean pump station bar screens so that
the proper hydraulic capacity of the pump stations is maintained. These operation and
maintenance practices of the Drainage Department serve to reduce pollutant loading to the
receiving waters in addition to their primary purpose of maintaining proper water flow
through the drainage system. All material and debris removed is properly disposed of at a
permitted solid waste disposal facility.
4.2.9 Storm Water Drain Stenciling
A program where volunteers stencil warnings, such as, “DUMP NO WASTE, DRAIN TO
LAKE” for the East Bank drains or “DUMP NO WASTE, DRAIN TO BAYOUS” for the
West Bank drains has been implemented. Jefferson Parish provides kits containing
stencils, paint, wire brush, and directions to local civic organizations, schools, and youth
groups. In addition, EDCD personnel stencil all drains where reports of illicit discharges
have occurred. This program increases public awareness of how households contribute to
storm water pollution.
4.3 STRUCTURAL CONTROLS
Jefferson Parish’s structural controls include catch basin covers and vegetative areas to
reduce the discharge of pollutant runoffs.

4.3.1 Drainage Canals
Jefferson Parish Drainage Department currently maintains a constant water level in the
canals to stabilize fluctuating groundwater and to reduce regional subsidence and canal
bank slope failures. The operation of the storm water collection system in this manner
renders the open drainage canal system as very long, slender retention basins. This system
enhances settlement of sediment and solids, which are later removed during dredging
operations.
Because of protective levees for flood protection, Jefferson Parish utilizes several pump
stations to remove storm water from its collection system into waters of the United States.
Storm water can be contained within the drainage canals, during emergency situations
(e.g., spills), to prevent contaminants from reaching waters of the United States by
utilizing spill containment measures described in Section 3.5.
4.3.2 Drainage Pump Stations Bar Screens
Jefferson Parish has, over the years, designed and constructed several high capacity pump
stations to convey collected storm water runoff within the storm water drainage system to
waters of the United States. Bar screens have been installed at all drainage pump stations
to remove floatables and to protect downstream operations and equipment from damage.
Bar screens are designed to prevent heavy debris from entering the receiving water body.




American Fisheries Society Guidelines

The next three pages are from The Wildlife Society and American Fisheries Society’s
Stream Obstruction Removal Guidelines. To order, see page 59.



Capital Improvements Program

For the basic credit for CDR, one-time-only projects like channel alterations are not
credited. However, additional credit is provided if the community has an ongoing
program, such as a capital improvements plan and budget, to eliminate or correct problem
sites or to construct new drainage facilities.
Capital Projects
Possible capital improvement projects could
include
3 Reconstructing or enlarging bridge
openings or culverts
3 Modifying a channel
3 Dredging or removing sedimentation
3 Installing permanent hard or soft bank
erosion control measures
3 Reconstructing inlets and outlets
A channel modification is an example of a
3 Installing grates to catch debris
capital project, not annual maintenance.
3 Constructing new storage basins to
reduce flows into existing channels
3 Replacing pumps.
The community’s program must have the following three components to receive credit
under the CRS program:
1. A master list of the community’s drainage maintenance problem sites.
3 The project sites must be part of the community’s drainage system defined in
the drainage maintenance procedures. Projects to improve road drainage or storm
sewers can only be credited if the roadside ditches or sewers are identified in the
community’s CDR procedures and are regularly inspected and maintained.
3 If the program covers only the one community, the list can be prepared from a
master plan, complaints or reports from maintenance crews. Projects do not have
to be prioritized or listed in any order. For example, the community may determine
which projects will be funded at the beginning of each fiscal year.
3 If the program covers more than one community, then the list of projects must
be prepared from a master plan, not solely on complaints or an ad hoc basis.
3 The list must be updated at least annually.
2. Recommended correction measures for each problem site. The recommended

measures do not need be the result of detailed plans or studies. They may be simple
statements such as “enlarge culvert” or “stabilize stream bank.”

3. Documentation that funds are spent annually on a project or projects. This may be
a multiple year capital improvements budget or a line item in several years’
budgets.
Note that infrequent capital expenditures are not credited. However, if the community has
a master plan that shows that few or no capital improvements are needed, then a program
that funds a project only every few years can be recognized.
Credit for past capital improvements may be provided if a community can demonstrate
that past drainage improvement activities have corrected all problem sites. This credit
must be documented with a signed and sealed engineer’s statement included with the
community’s annual CRS recertification. The ISO/CRS Specialist will review the latest
list of NFIP claims for the community during the verification visit. Credit will not be
given if damage can be contributed to a problem that a capital improvement program
could have prevented. The following is an example engineer’s certification:
As a result of past work and current regulatory requirements, the drainage

system is operating with no problem areas. Regular inspections and
maintenance will continue. At this time, I am not aware of any capital
improvements needed to correct drainage problems.
Once a capital improvements project is completed, it may qualify for CRS credit under
Activity 530 (Flood Protection). Projects that protect repetitive loss properties receive
higher credits in Activity 530.
CRS Credit
The capital improvement program is worth 50 points. The points are added to the other
points for CDR. If the community does not have a regular maintenance program that
receives CDR credit for covering the five items on pages 3–10, there is no credit for a
capital improvements program.
Documentation
The documentation must be sufficient to show that there is a capital improvements
program. This requires two things:
3 A long term plan, such as a drainage system improvements plan that describes the
problems, recommends projects, and estimates annual funding needs for the next
several years.
3 An excerpt from the community’s annual budget or capital improvements budget,
provided it identifies multi-year expenditures. There must be one or more line
items that clearly show that the funds are budgeted for drainage system
improvements rather than routine maintenance. Excerpts from two capital budgets
are on pages 50 and 51. Note that these include an explanation of what will be done
and why the project deserves funding. This is very helpful in showing the ISO/CRS
Specialist how the project is related to drainage maintenance.

Sometimes these documents can be very large books. All that would be needed would be a
copy of the title page and one or two pages from the plan or budget that relate to drainage
maintenance.
Verification Visit
This credit is verified by reviewing the documentation, so no special activities are
conducted during the verification visit.
Each year’s recertification must include a copy of one or more pages from that year’s
capital improvements budget. The pages need to show expenditures planned for drainage
improvement work, NOT ROUTINE MAINTENANCE.
Excerpt from the Capital Improvements Plan

Nag’s Head, North Carolina, 1995-1996
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN − Continued
Capital improvements Plan - The CIP is a long range plan of proposed capital
improvement projects to be undertaken over a five-year period. Each project’s
estimated costs and funding sources were examined earlier this year by the
Board of Commissioners. Below is a list of projects recommended for funding this
fiscal year.
SOUNDSIDE ROAD DRAINAGE
Soundside Road presently drains by way of an open ditch from the bypass to the
Roanoke Sound. The ditch accumulates trash and causes constant public
complaints. This project will lessen the flooding condition caused by the restricted
flow. The project will increase flow and provide a smoother conduit for water to
pass. Piping the ditch will eliminate the annual maintenance of cleaning the ditch
which takes approximately two weeks. − $87,000
DANUBE STREET DRAINAGE
This project would involve the reconstruction of the entrance to the Danube Street
Access parking lot to allow stormwater to more easily flow into the parking lot.
Additionally, a portion of the parking area will be rebuilt to remove the existing
stone base and allow for infiltration. − $8,400

Excerpt from the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan

Santa Barbara County, California, 2000 - 2005

Stream Dumping Regulations (SDR)

Another element of a community’s drainage system maintenance program that CRS
credits is regulations prohibiting the dumping of trash and debris in streams and storage
basins. This element is known by its acronym, “SDR.”
Regulatory Language
To receive this credit, the community must have an ordinance or other regulations that
meet three criteria.
1. Prohibit dumping: The regulations must clearly prohibit dumping any material in a
channel or basin that could cause an obstruction to flows.
An ordinance that prohibits littering in public places or similar general nuisances is

not credited. These types of ordinances focus on noxious materials, like garbage.
Many non-noxious materials, such as logs, tree limbs, and grass clippings, can obstruct
flows. Therefore, the ordinance must specifically address the problem of keeping
channels clear of all materials, including brush, fill, and landscape waste, which are
normally not covered in a littering ordinance.
2. Identify who is responsible: The regulations need to identify an officer or office

responsible for monitoring compliance and conducting enforcement actions. It must be
clear that if a violation is found, the community or other enforcement agency will
pursue it. It is not sufficient to rely on an ordinance that depends on a citizen to
initiate a civil suit against a neighbor or other violator.
Usually the enforcing agency is the police department, environmental control officer,
or the building or housing code
department. In some states, a state
law has qualified for SDR credit.
However, those states have field
enforcement officers who patrol the
streams and have the authority to
issue citations.
3. Address penalties: Provisions for

penalties and abatement of violations
are needed. It must be clear that there
is a penalty for violating the dumping
regulations and that someone has the
authority to order the obstruction
removed. These provisions do not
have to be in the same ordinance − Regulations, coupled with public information
activities, can help prevent pranks, such as
many communities have code books filling in this retention basin inlet.
with penalty clauses in different
sections.

Examples of ordinance or law language are included on pages 56–58. NOTE: The
example ordinance language provided in this publication comes from actual
ordinances used by CRS communities. All ordinance language should be reviewed by
local legal counsel before adoption.
DOUBLE CREDIT—Outreach project. The credit points for SDR are doubled if the
community publicizes the regulatory requirements. This can be done by one of four kinds
of outreach projects:
1. An outreach project to the community credited under in Activity 330 (Outreach

Projects),
2. An outreach project pursuant to the public information

strategy (OPS) credited in Activity 330, provided the public
information strategy document discusses publicizing drainage
system maintenance,
3. An outreach project that advises all residents and businesses

in the community about the regulations, but is not credited under
Activity 330, OR
4. Posting “no dumping in the stream” signs at key locations in

the drainage system, such as frequent problem spots, schools, and
public parks.
If alternatives 1, 2 or 3 are used, the annual outreach project must cover the topic of
drainage system maintenance. It must inform residents about the regulations and how to
report violations. Examples of such projects appear in the box below and on pages 27–28.
Excerpt from Fort Collins, Colorado’s newsletter

CRS Credit
If the community’s regulations meets the three credit criteria specified under “regulatory
language” on page 52, then it qualifies for 15 points under SDR. Credit for SDR is
separate from credit for CDR.
If the regulations meet the three criteria and the community publicizes the requirements,
30 points are provided.
Documentation
The community’s submittal must include a photocopy of the appropriate pages of the
ordinance or statute. The acronym “SDR” needs to be marked in the margin and where the
three required items of regulatory language appear (see page 52) must be shown. Marked
examples of stream dumping ordinances are included on pages 56–58.
It is not necessary to submit a certified copy of each ordinance. The Chief Executive
Officer’s certification of the community’s entire submittal is considered to be a
certification that the ordinance or statute has been enacted into law and is being enforced.
If the community is applying for the full 30 points for its stream dumping regulations, the
submittal must include a copy of the annual outreach project that explains that there are
regulations against dumping and how to report violations. This can be
3 A notation that one of the outreach projects submitted with the documentation for
Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) includes the drainage maintenance topic,
3 A photocopy of a notice that is distributed to all residents of the community each year, or
3 A photo or photocopy of a “no dumping” sign.
Verification Visit
The ISO/CRS Specialist will ask questions on how the regulations are enforced. Examples
of tickets or other enforcement actions would be useful. If the community is seeking credit
based on posting “no dumping” signs, the ISO/CRS Specialist will want to visit some of
those sites.
In each year’s recertification, the CRS Coordinator must initial a statement that the
community is still enforcing its regulations. The ISO/CRS Specialist provides the form with
the language.
If the community is applying for the full 30 points, a copy of the outreach project needs to
be included.

Stream Dumping Ordinances

This section includes three ordinances that were submitted by communities for CRS credit
for stream dumping regulations (SDR). Each has been given full credit because they
include the three items noted on page 52:
1. A prohibition of dumping ANY material in a channel or basin that could cause an

obstruction to flows.
2. The identification of an officer or office responsible for enforcement and
monitoring compliance.
3. Provisions for penalties and abatement of violations.
In many cases, items 2 and 3 appear elsewhere in an ordinance or municipal code book.
For example, Margate’s ordinance on stream dumping does not have an office or officer
identified. In this situation, the community must provide an explanation on its
enforcement procedures.
NOTE: The examples of ordinance language provided in this publication come from
actual ordinances used by CRS communities. All ordinance language should be carefully
reviewed by local legal counsel before adoption.
The City of Scottsdale’s ordinance provides for the removal of obstructions at the expense
of the owner.
The following examples also show how the submittal could be marked. It is important for
the community to identify where the three required items appear. If the ISO/CRS
Specialist cannot find them, there will be no documentation to support the CRS credit.
Publicity
An ordinance is much more effective if people know about it. As a prerequisite for the full
30 points credit for SDR, the community must conduct an outreach project that notes that
there are regulations against dumping and how to report violations (see examples on pages
28 and 53.)
The South Holland ordinance on page 58 was distributed to all participants at a

floodproofing open house the Village held for floodplain residents. By itself, this does not
meet the publicity requirement for CRS credit. To receive credit for its stream dumping
regulations, South Holland would have to distribute the flyer to all residents or addresses
in the community. In fact, South Holland discusses the ordinance in its Village newsletter
each year and posts the signs shown on page 52. The more publicity, the better.

Margate, Florida:

Scottsdale, Arizona:
1. No dumping
Sec. 37-44. Obstruction of waterway − Prohibited.
No person in the city shall either obstruct or reduce the capacity of a watercourse by any use
or by filling, dumping, or constructing or by any other means, except as provided in this article.
(Code 1972, § 5-618(A))
Sec. 37-45. Same − Removal of obstructions.
(a) Any person who owns, occupies, or leases real property within the city and who obstructs
or reduces the capacity of a watercourse other than as provided for in this article, shall be deemed
to have created a public nuisance. Such persons shall be notified in writing, either personally
delivered or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, by the floodplain
administrator or his authorized representative, to remove the obstructions or the materials creating
the reduction of the capacity of a watercourse within ten (10) days after receipt of said written
notice. If the owner does not reside on such property, a duplicate shall also be sent to him at his
last known address.
(b) If the owner, lessee, or occupant of such real property, after having been given notice as
2. Officer
required above, does not comply and abate such conditions which constitute a public nuisance,
the floodplain administrator shall be authorized to abate such condition at the expense of such
owner, lessee or occupant.
(c) The floodplain administrator, or his authorized representative, shall prepare a verified
statement and account of actual cost of such abatement, including inspection and other incidental
costs in connection with such abatement. Said verified statement and account is hereby declared
3. Penalty
as a debt of such owner, lessee, or occupant. A copy of said statement and account shall be
personally delivered or delivered by certified. mail, return receipt requested, to the party served
with the original notice. The city attorney may institute an action to collect the debts so created in
the superior court of the county at any time after delivery of the statement and account.
(d) Within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice described in subsection (a), any person may
appeal the city’s request by serving written notice of appeal upon the city clerk and shall be
entitled to a hearing before the floodplain board on the appeal. In the event such an appeal is
filed, all proceedings shall be stayed pending disposition of the appeal. Any person may also
appeal to the floodplain board within ten (10) days after the receipt of the statement and account
prepared and served pursuant to subsection (c) the amount of said debt by serving written notice
of appeal upon the city clerk which also shall stay all further proceedings pending disposition of
the appeal.
(e) When, in the opinion of the floodplain administrator, there is immediate danger to life or
property, constituting an emergency, as the result of any obstruction or reduction of the capacity
3. Penalty
of a watercourse not authorized under this article, he may order the immediate abatement of said
condition notwithstanding the notice provisions provided in subsection (a) of this section. The
cost of said abatement shall be collected in the same manner as other debts, as provided for in
subsection (c) of this section.
(Code 1972, § 5-618S(B); Ord. No. 1993, 2-29-88)

South Holland, Illinois:

For More Information

Some state departments of natural resources, water resources, or environmental protection
have regulatory authority over work in channels. Their drainage maintenance expertise
can also help.
Communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Natural Resources Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil
and water conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
Urban communities may be within an urban drainage or sewer district that has drainage
maintenance staff.
Stream Obstruction Removal Guidelines, by C.

McConnell, published in 1983 by The Wildlife Society
and American Fisheries Society, provides simple and
easy to understand guidelines for a channel
maintenance program that has a minimal impact on
habitat. Some excerpts from this publication appear on
pages 45–47. It can be ordered for $8 plus shipping
from the American Fisheries Society, 5410 Grosvenor
Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.
CRS Credit for Outreach Projects can help with public

information activities to advise property owners about
drainage maintenance. Order from the office on the
inside front cover.
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS
Resource Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/ .

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National Flood Insurance Program

Community Rating System

CRS Credit for

A community interested in more information on obtaining flood insurance premium

Channel and Basin Debris Removal (CDR) ................................................2

Stream Dumping Regulations (SDR).........................................................52

For More Information ................................................................................59

The following communities provided materials to serve as examples in this

Orland Hills, Illinois

Help provided by the American Fisheries Society is also appreciated.

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance i Edition: 2006

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance ii Edition: 2006

Similarly, a lack of maintenance can result in

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 1 Edition: 2006

Maintaining channels and basins can be

Under Activity 450, if the community wants

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 2 Edition: 2006

Channel and Basin Debris Removal (CDR)

1. Who is responsible (see Section 544.a.1 of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual),

1. Who is Responsible: The documentation submitted must identify what person or

3 Flood control or drainage districts;

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 3 Edition: 2006

Facilities covered: The determination of a

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 4 Edition: 2006

The drainage system must include

The community should consider the sites of

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 5 Edition: 2006

A community must have the legal authority to

A community must also have the authority to

Altered watercourses: There is no CRS credit for maintaining altered watercourses,

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 6 Edition: 2006

3. Inspection Procedures: Periodic inspections of channels and basins in developed

For CDR credit, inspections must be conducted

The CRS will not provide credit for a

It should be noted that CRS Activity 330

ADDED CREDIT—Problem sites:

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 7 Edition: 2006

4. Maintenance Procedures: A regular maintenance program in conjunction with

A public works crew or contractor, usually

CRS CREDIT IS NOT PROVIDED IF LOCAL DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES VIOLATE

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 8 Edition: 2006

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 9 Edition: 2006

5. Records: A maintenance program needs records. Typically, these include

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 10 Edition: 2006

DRAINAGE PROBLEM REPORT

Date: Inspector: _________________________________

Type of inspection:  Post-storm  Complaint  Routine

Type of problem: Trash  Minor  Obstruction  Structural

Is equipment needed? If so, list equipment needed: ___________________________

Date: Right of entry needed? ___________________

Work order description: _______________________________________________________

State permit needed? Work order number: _______________________________

Date: Crew chief: ____________________________

Inspected by: ________________________________________________________________

Use other side for additional recommendations for this site.

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 11 Edition: 2006

Credit for Drainage System Maintenance 12 Edition: 2006

Preparing an Impact Adjustment Map

Type of inspection: Post-storm Complaint Routine

Type of problem: Trash Minor Obstruction Structural

Date: _ Inspector: _______________________

Type of inspection: Semi-annual Monthly Choke Point Check Post-storm

Date: Inspector: _____________________

Type of inspection: Semi-annual Monthly Choke Point Check Post-storm

Private retention area A No problem Problem found

TAKEN BY: __________________ COMPLAINT #: