Storm Water Hotline
The BSB has created the Storm Water Hotline for members of the community to report water-related issues such as water pollution, sewage spills, polluted runoff, and other forms of illicit discharges. Stormwater Hotline to report polluted runoff, spills, and illicit discharges: Call 304-894-8943 Illicit discharges include any discharge into a separate storm sewer system that is not […]
Disposal of Fats, Oils, and Grease in your Home
Residential FOG Many of the problems caused by Fats Oils and Grease (FOG) in the sewer system originate from food waste poured down drains in homes. Although the wastewater collection system is owned, managed and maintained by BSB, greater Beckley area benefits from it being used responsibly. Through education and by adopting certain habits, it […]
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program
Illicit Discharge Detection and EliminationAn illicit discharge is defined by the US EPA as “any discharge into a separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water”. Typically, illicit discharges enter a storm sewer system either through direct connections, e.g., sanitary sewer piping, or indirectly from cracked sanitary sewer conveyance systems, spills […]
EPA Water Regulations and MS4
Local stormwater regulations recently became necessary because of new regulatory programs at the federal and state levels. Our local program must comply with these regulations or face significant civil penalties. The applicable regulations that serve as a basis for our storm water program are: United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Storm Water Regulations Since […]
Storm Drain Marking
Storm Drain Marking Our curbside storm drains can be a major channel for pollution. Many people dump oil, paint, trash and other pollutants into these storm drains, unaware that they empty directly into nearby waterways. After heavy rains, storm water runs off our streets and parking lots into storm drains, picking up leaves, debris and […]
Impervious Surface
What is Impervious Surface? The Beckley Stormwater Ordinance defines “Impervious area” as land area covered by buildings, pavement, gravel or other material that significantly inhibits stormwater from penetrating the soil. Because of its composition or compacted nature, impervious areas impede or prevent natural infiltration of water, thus these areas cause significant increased volumes of runoff […]
What is Stormwater
Where Does It Go? Beckley’s creeks, lakes and rivers all depend upon water to soak into the ground to replenish ground water levels. However, unmanaged runoff can cause problems in urbanized areas. When storm water flows over the ground and other hard surfaces, it picks up pollutants like litter, oil, pet waste and chemicals from […]
Just For Kids
HOW THE WATER CYCLE WORKS Run and get a glass of water and put it on the table next to you. Take a good long look at the water. Now – can you guess how old it is? The water in your glass may have fallen from the sky as rain just last week, but […]
What is a Watershed
Did you know that you live in a watershed? Yes, that’s right. We all live in a watershed! The ultimate North American watershed boundary is the continental divide which runs along the crest of the Rocky Mountain Range from British Columbia, Canada all the way through the United States, past Mexico, and into Central America. […]
Build Your Own Rain Garden
These step by step instructions are designed to assist homeowners in building their private rain garden. Contractors, designers, and engineers are required to follow the specifications in the WV Post Construction Stormwater Guidance Manual (2012). 1. Location, Location, Location Select the location for your new rain garden following these simple guidelines: At least 10 feet […]