The Oak Grove Storm Water Management Program has been established in response to the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Stormwater Management Program. Kentucky's Stormwater program is closely modeled after the federal NPDES program, which requires stormwater be treated to the maximum extent practicable. The Oak Grove Stormwater Program strives to effectively solve storm water related problems by cleaning, repairing, and construction storm sewer system to prevent flooding and damaging properties and homes.

The Storm Water Program represents Oak Grove, Kentucky's commitment to storm water pollution concerns. If you have Storm water concerns, please contact:

William J. (Bill) Chaudoin, Jr., PE, PLS

Public Works Director

P.O. Box 250
8505 Pembroke-Oak Grove Road
Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262

(270) 439-5979
Fx: (270) 439-1201
bchaudoin@oakgroveky.org

What are common contributors to storm water pollution?

When it rains, oil, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides and other pollutants get washed from driveways, backyards, parking lots, and streets into storm drains and then directly to the Rio Grande untreated! The following items specify everyday pollutants occurring at our homes, businesses, and construction sites.

Residential

Pet waste left on the ground gets carried away by storm water, contributing harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses to our river. Please clean up after your pet.

  • Vehicle fluids such as oil, gas, and antifreeze are the #1 surface water quality problems nationwide. Recycle used oil in a clean, sealed, plastic container.
  • SWEEP! Hosing off pavements washes pollutants into storm drains leading straight to the river. If water enters a public street or storm drain you are violating City Ordinance.
  • Deliver old paint, pesticides, solvents and batteries to any of the available hazardous waste drop off facilities.
  • Street litter such as Styrofoam, plastic, and paper can be prevented from blowing into inlets by keeping trash bins covered and by not littering.
  • Yard waste such as grass clippings, tree trimmings, and leaves can be composted and used for fertilizer around the yard.

Construction

Waste from chemicals and materials used in construction can wash into storm drains, culverts and ditches, leading to our local streams and rivers during rainy weather. Soil that erodes from construction sites can contribute to environmental degradation. Listed below are other harmful contributors from the construction site.

  • Sediments and other debris clog fish gills, damage fish habitat and block the light needed for the plants to survive.
  • Wash waters from concrete mixers should be disposed of back at the contractors' site or a large hole, big enough to contain all the wash waters. Never rinse out concrete truck chutes with a hose and allow to run down the street gutter into the storm drains.
  • Waste storage for used oils, solvents and other hazardous fluids must be under cover with secondary containment in case of a spill and to prevent rainfall from contact which would wash hazardous fluids into nearby waterways.
Landscaping and earthmoving pollutants include planting, excavation, tilling, masonry and concrete; solid wastes such as trees and shrubs, soil additives and re-vegetation of graded areas, all contribute to soil erosion. Silt fences to hold back loose soil and sand when it gets windy allows sand and soils to stay out of street gutters where rainwater can wash it into storm drains.