| The City of Benbrook encourages residents to become an active partner in mitigating the effects of storm water runoff and pollution. The City works to increase public education and awareness of storm water issues through outreach efforts that include timely news articles, website content, involvement in the Keep Texas Beautiful program, environmental events such as the Benbrook Green Earth Day and Household Hazardous Waste collection day, and the adopt-a-mile program. In September 2007, Benbrook City Council established a Storm Water Utility System to help fund necessary maintenance, repair, and construction of storm water facilities. This fee enables the City to fund construction projects and operation and maintenance expenses, which will help alleviate present flooding and correct drainage issues that may negatively affect water quality in streams and lakes in the area.
The following links contain helpful information: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA's Citizen's Guide to Understanding Stormwater (pdf) North Central Texas Council of Governments Storm Water Information (includes Texas Smartscape Guide) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality KEEP OUR STREAMS CLEAN! Flooding often occurs because the natural capacity of a stream is blocked by obstructions. It is a violation of City Code to place or dump any material in a stream or channel, including dirt, rock, construction debris, rubbish, refuse, tree and brush cuttings, grass clippings or and other waste, material or device that may obstruct or impede flow. If you see a violation, please call the Code Enforcement Office at 817-249-6110. STORMWATER POLLUTION SOLUTIONS Storm water runoff occurs when precipitation flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground. Storm water can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly into streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Polluted storm water runoff can have adverse affects on plants, fish, animals, and people. Sediment, bacteria and other pathogens, debris, and household hazardous wastes (HHW) can pose a threat to water bodies. Residents can mitigate some of these dangers by disposing of HHW properly, avoiding dumping automotive fluids or other material into storm drains, and limiting pesticide and fertilizer use.
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