CLEAN WATER TIPS

Do you live in an HOA?

Your community oversees a variety of day-to-day responsibilities, from managing parking issues to ensuring the safety of shared amenities. One critical responsibility often overlooked is stormwater management. When functioning properly, stormwater systems work quietly in the background. It’s easy to forget they exist—until a problem arises. Understanding and implementing best practices for stormwater management protects your property and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.

Understanding Stormwater Infrastructure

Your property’s stormwater infrastructure may include catch basins, bioswales, modular wetland systems, and stormwater ponds. Each plays a vital role in directing, filtering, and managing runoff. However, not all property managers fully understand the systems they are responsible for maintaining. Reviewing original development plans and consulting with stormwater professionals can provide a clear picture of the infrastructure in place.

The basins are important for storing and slowing stormwater runoff from nearby areas, especially areas with asphalt or concrete development. Stormwater runoff flows much faster from these surfaces than naturally occurring areas and needs to be diverted to ensure the runoff occurs at the desired rate. The amount of cleaning and treatment of the water is limited. Dry basins, or detention basins, only control flood flows. A retention pond can also provide some water quality benefits by reducing pollutants and sediments. 

Once you’ve identified the systems on your property, establish a regular inspection and maintenance schedule. Industry professionals recommend inspecting stormwater systems annually, with increased frequency in regions experiencing heavy rainfall. A proactive approach ensures your systems remain functional, avoiding costly, unanticipated repairs and liability concerns.

The Consequences of Neglecting Stormwater Management

Stormwater runoff is more than a minor inconvenience. Left unmanaged, it can lead to flooding, property damage, and even health hazards caused by standing water. Over time, these issues may escalate into severe structural damage, such as erosion and failing drainage systems. Neglect also exposes your organization to potential fines for non-compliance with local and federal environmental regulations.While developers are responsible for installing stormwater systems during construction, property managers must maintain them to keep them operational. Failing to do so shifts the burden of repairs—and the associated costs—onto your organization. Regular maintenance protects your property and builds trust by demonstrating proactive management.

Preventing Flooding by Maintaining Drains and Basins

One of the most visible aspects of stormwater management is keeping drains clear. Leaves, trash, and vehicles can block storm drains, preventing water from flowing freely. This can cause water to pool on roads, parking areas, or around buildings, leading to flooding and pavement damage. Seasonal protocols, such as increased debris removal during the fall, can mitigate this risk.

Catch basins play a more complex role in stormwater systems, collecting sediment and debris before runoff enters drainage pipes. Over time, these basins can clog, reducing system efficiency and causing standing water above the drains. Routine professional cleanings remove accumulated debris, ensuring the system functions as designed. Addressing these deeper issues promptly prevents costly long-term damage and maintains water flow throughout the property.

Maintaining Stormwater Ponds

Stormwater ponds, whether wet or dry, are essential to many stormwater systems. Wet ponds maintain a permanent pool of water, using vegetation to filter runoff and trap pollutants in sediment. On the other hand, dry ponds temporarily hold runoff, allowing sediment to settle before releasing the filtered water.

Over time, sediment accumulation can reduce a pond’s capacity and effectiveness. Routine sediment removal and vegetation management are necessary to keep these systems functioning. Maintenance crews should also clear trash and debris to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage. When well-maintained, stormwater ponds serve their functional purpose and enhance your property's aesthetic value.​​​​​​​

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The Tennessee Stormwater Association has created a brochure in order to help HOAs determine if they have a stormwater feature.

These are available for purchase, $10 for a pack of $50 plus shipping (if needed) 

Click here to order

 

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Link: Best Practices for HOA Stormwater Management

 

TENNESSEE LITTER LAWS

Section 39-14-503. (a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume. 

• criminal littering is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00)

Section 39-14-504. (a) Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 Ibs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume.

• littering is a Class B misdemeanor, up to a $500 fine

• In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this part to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than eighty (80) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours.

Section 39-14-505. (a) Aggravated criminal littering is littering:

• In an amount exceeding ten pounds (10 lbs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume; or

• In any amount for any commercial purpose

•  Aggravated criminal littering is a Class A misdemeanor, except in the following circumstances, in which case it is a Class E felony, up to a $1,500 fine.

 

Tennessee Toll-Free Litter Hotline
1-877-8-LITTER PROVIDES MOTORISTS A WAY TO REPORT LITTER BUGS

Tennesseans who are tired of trash along state roadways now have a new tool to report litter bugs. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced today a new toll-free litter hotline, 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). The litter hotline is part of the statewide anti-litter campaign. The hotline provides a way for Tennesseans to report people they witness littering along the state’s roadways, such as a person throwing a paper cup or cigarette butt out of a window, or an item falling from an unsecured load.

“The new toll-free litter hotline gives citizens the ability to Stop It,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Now anyone who witnesses a person littering can report it and trigger action to improve the quality of the environment and the cleanliness of our roadways. Tennessee has some of the best roads in the nation. With everyone’s help, we can have some of the cleanest, too.”

Citizens who witness a litter bug in action can call 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). Callers will reach a recording that asks them to provide information about the vehicle. The information that will be requested includes:

• license plate number (Tennessee plates only)

• type and make of the vehicle

• day and time the incident occurred

• location where the incident occurred

• the type of item tossed or blown from the vehicle

TDOT will mail a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle along with a car trash bag or portable ashtray and other anti-litter information. The letter is a gentle reprimand reminding the recipient that littering is against the law and punishable by a fine of up to $1500.

 

Click here for more information.

https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/the-top-roadside-litter-laws-you-should-know-in-tennessee/