Stormwater Utility
The Stormwater Utility is responsible for collecting, treating, storing conveying and discharging rainfall and snow melt runoff in a manner that is safe for the public and the environment.
The Stormwater Utility is responsible for the maintenance and improvements of over 6 miles of storm sewer pipe ranging in size from 12 inch to 42 inch. The storm sewer conveyance system contains 55 storm sewer inlets, 40 manholes, 20 culvert structures, 12 outfalls and 4 stormwater detention basins.
Goals of the Stormwater Utility
- Slow down water flow
- Lessen soil erosion
- Encourage runoff's infiltration into the ground
- Reduce the amount of stormwater that reaches the river, lakes and streams
- Keep pesticides, oil and other pollutants off the ground where they can be washed away
Responsibilities of the Stormwater Utility
- Repair and maintain the Village's storm sewer system to assure stormwater drainage
- Comply with Federal and State Regulatory standards
- Improve stormwater runoff quality
- Protect the bodies of water receiving the Village's stormwater runoff
Facilities
- Retention basins
- Storm sewer mains and culverts
- Catch basins/ inlets
- Storm sewer manholes
- Quinnell Creek
- Cranberry canal
Stormwater Management
Historically, storm sewer system's primary function was to remove the rainwater from the streets. The water enters catch basins which are connected to underground pipes. The pipes then transport the water to the Wisconsin River and other local bodies of water. (The water does NOT go to the wastewater treatment plant.)
Today, the storm sewer system is also used to protect the environment. The Village of Biron, local businesses and some homeowners, have been installing structural devices such as detention ponds to remove sediment and nutrients from the storm runoff before it enters the Wisconsin River. The Village have staff clean manholes and perform street sweeping activities, leaf pick up and clean catch basins to keep the water entering the waterways clean from trash and debris thrown in the streets.
Why Should Village Residents Be Concerned About Stormwater Runoff?
In Biron hard surfaces have replaced soil and plant life that absorb rainwater. Instead, rainwater drains from roofs, roads, parking lots and driveways into the storm sewer system which travels untreated directly to the Wisconsin River and other local streams. As it moves, the water picks up oils and grease, fertilizers and pesticides, impacted sediments, trash, grass, leaves, and chemicals that end up in the river. Stormwater runoff is one of the leading contributors to surface water pollution in the US. In Biron impervious surfaces inundate the storm sewer system and create localized flooding issues in various parts of the Village.
What Are Impervious Areas or Impervious Surfaces?
An impervious area, or impervious surface, is defined as a surface that has been compacted or covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by rainwater. Several examples of impervious surfaces include roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, playgrounds, tennis courts, compacted gravel or dirt surfaces, and other similar surfaces. Pervious areas are those that absorb rainwater and primarily consist of lawns and other grassy surface areas. While these areas do absorb rainwater, pervious surface areas may generate some runoff, primarily during heavy rain events.
More Information
Read Village ordinance 13.26 Use of Public Sewers to learn about what you should and should not discharge into the sewer system.