Everyone in the community has a part in preventing pollutants from entering storm drain inlets where they live and work. The Stormwater Ordinance (PDF) requires certain activities to reduce pollutants. For more help, please use the available resources below.
Homeowner Associations (HOAs)
Many HOAs have maintenance responsibilities for common areas that include ponds, creeks and other stormwater features. The Stormwater Division published Maintenance Guidelines (PDF) for HOAs and other land managers to understand the best management practices for these features.
Swales, manmade channels, act as the overflow outlet for the retention ponds on site. This type of design is referred to as a “treatment train” whereby stormwater moves through multiple water quality controls before entering the storm sewer.
Culverts can get clogged with woody debris after a large storm event. Periodic inspections of culverts are recommended. Contact City of Frisco Public Works when culverts on city streets are blocked.
Retention ponds are water bodies that always maintain a permanent pool. This may vary under drought conditions.
The buildup of sediment and debris over time will reduce storage capacity and eventually the pond will disappear. The main purpose of the retained water is the value it brings to the community as an amenity. The retained water is not required for drainage. Hence the HOA may have the option to allow the normal pool to silt in.
Detention ponds are water bodies that fill during storms but do not maintain a permanent pool.
The buildup of sediment and debris over time may restrict the flow of water or reduce storage capacity. If so, sediment may need to be removed. Pumps or aeration fountain controls should be regularly serviced to ensure functionality. These devices can be essential to ensuring pond wildlife have enough oxygen to thrive. Anoxic (low oxygen) zones can suddenly kill hundreds of organisms, creating a “fish kill” which requires much effort to remediate as the dead fish will begin to smell and decompose within a short amount of time.
Establish a vegetative buffer zone for erosion protection. The buffer should only be mowed once or twice a year. The depth of roots is proportional to the height of the grass. Deep roots help reduce erosion. Mowing late in winter will help distribute seeds to perpetuate the grass. The mowing should be 5 inches or higher.
The width of the buffer zone should be: a. For ponds: 6 feet to 20 feet along the edge of water on ponds. b. For streams: From the edge of water to the top of bank plus 6 feet to 20 feet on top of the bank.
Typical slope failure (slump) is likely caused by overly steep grading combined with soil plasticity (shale/clay) and constant saturation of the lower portion. Pond water naturally seeps into banks, which can make soils heavier, pulling the lower parts of the slope away from the upper during extended periods of dry weather. After failure, runoff moving downslope will begin to erode the cracks, exacerbating the problem.
Drainage & Flooding
Several city departments are responsible for different aspects of drainage, depending on the situation. For emergencies related to flooding, please call 911. For non-emergencies:
On or along streets and other public property, contact Public Works
On developed property, including buildings under construction, contact Building Inspections
For floodplain issues, contact Floodplain Administration at 972-292-5438