Drainage Operations

The drainage operations division provides a drainage maintenance program that keeps the storm carrying capacity of the system in good working condition to prevent flooding. The drainage system is designed to carry storm water run-off, which could negatively impact transportation and mobility issues. There are a total of 6 full time employees responsible for the care and maintenance of the drainage ways throughout the City by greenbelt and creek maintenance and sweeping streets are the primary ways this service is provided.

As part of the Clean Water Act, the City of Allen complies with the Texas Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires a comprehensive nationwide program for addressing polluted storm water. The City of Allen’s approach to NPDES standards includes reducing the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent possible in order to protect water quality. The NPDES program is administered jointly with the City’s Engineering and Community Services Departments.

Greenbelt and Creek Maintenance

Ensuring the creeks and greenbelts are well maintained contributes greatly to the effectiveness of the City’s drainage system. This is accomplished by cleaning out the creeks and removing debris, controlling the vegetation growth and maintaining the greenbelts adjacent to the creeks.

Creek Maintenance

At times, crews use specialized excavating equipment to remove obstructions in the creeks and silt. They also focus on restoration of stable slopes in open channels within drainage easements and rights-of-way.

 

 

 

Greenbelt Mowing

Funded through the drainage fee, the Parks & Recreation Department manages a contract to maintain and mow the greenbelts in the city. This includes the land around the creeks to ensure they are maintained able to handle proper water flow.

Vegetation Control

Drainage maintenance crews control growth and vegetation in the creeks. Various types of equipment such as tractors, mowers, and hand mowing equipment help remove obstructions to keep drainage ways free and clear of overgrown vegetation to minimize flooding on private property.

Storm Sewer Maintenance

The storm sewer system transmits rainwater runoff from streets, sidewalks, and buildings to our local streams, preventing flooding during heavy rains. Water flows into catch basins, or storm drains, located along the street, through storm sewer pipes and local streams. This water is NOT treated at the NTMWD Wastewater Treatment Plant, so it is important not to dump chemicals or throw trash in the street or storm drains.

The drainage division is responsible for cleaning catch basins and manholes on a scheduled basis, cleaning storm sewer blockages and repairing broken storm sewer lines. The maintenance program provides for an efficient storm drainage system, resulting in fewer flooding problems on City streets and private property. This program also provides creek maintenance for control of minor erosion, and ensures that open channels retain their flow capacity.

Street Sweeping

Street sweeping is an effective method of removing both the large and small debris and pollutants that collect on City streets and in the gutters. In addition to being unsightly, this debris can block the catch basins and other storm water facilities, causing localized flooding during heavy rains. It is our goal to keep these types of debris from getting into the creeks and rivers because it can be harmful to the fish and other wildlife. The City of Allen sweeps the arterial and thoroughfares twice monthly and collectors once monthly.