General Information

Ogden has 4 major detention basins, which encompass over 38 square miles, including 10 square miles of National Forest. Facilities included in the storm water system include piping, open ditches, and detention ponds. Currently, we operate and maintain over twenty two detention ponds in addition to the storm water pipes, ditches, catch basins, etc.

Master planning has identified over $20 million dollars in major repair and improvement projects required to support current and future developed areas.  These costs were generated for projects needed to accommodate peak flows from a 1--year storm event , and full build out of the city. 

Recurring inspections have identified an additional $1.5 million in minor deficiencies in the existing piping systems.  Business Depot Ogden (BDO) has 39 miles of piping and requires $5.2 million to complete identified repairs and improvements.

Soon, Ogden will be under a Federal mandate to prepare a plan for cleaning-up our storm water, in order to comply with the 1987 Clean Water Act.  This mandate would implement regulations for cities with populations under 100,000.

A Capital Improvement Plan, detailed maintenance procedures, and a dedicated source of funding to implement the plan will be the key elements.  Both CAPACITY and ENVIRONMENTAL issues will be thoroughly addressed.

One of the MOST important activities of Storm Water maintenance is just keeping debris from gutters flowing into catch basins. Residents can help by:

• Not placing debris into streams, gutters and catch basins that stops or reduces the flow of runoff water. This is the primary cause of plugged drains, which results in flooding and ice sheet build up on the streets.
  
• Pick up and dispose of fallen branches in the street, park strip and walk way area. They need to be cut into 2 foot lengths before being placed in garbage containers, so the garbage collection trucks do not become plugged up.
  
• In the fall, bag your leaves to prevent them from getting into the sewer system. Generally, the leaves fall fairly late in the autumn, and we don't have time to pick all of them up before snow falls. This causes major drainage problems during spring runoff. PLEASE, do NOT rake leaves and discard them in the gutters. Instead bag and dispose of the leaves.
  
• When you are doing your yard work, also clean debris from the gutter in front of your home or business.