Stormwater Program

In March 2017, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Public Works Council announced the City of Kennedale's status as a Certified – Silver Integrated Stormwater Management (iSWM) Community. At that time, Kennedale was one of only four certified iSWM Communities – along with Denton, Grand Prairie, and Frisco. Kennedale has also been recognized as one of the 14 "Founding" Communities in the iSWM Program. The Stormwater Program is funded by Stormwater Utility Rates (which appear on your monthly utility billing).

Kennedale Storm Map

Permittee Responsible Mitigation Database

Construction projects — such as roads or housing — can impact the function of streams or wetlands at the project site. Federal law requires developers to offset these environmental losses.

The Permittee Responsible Mitigation Database (PRMD) helps connect landowners whose streams or wetlands need rehabilitation or restoration with developers or entities seeking to complete this kind of work to offset construction impacts elsewhere. Landowners may upload details about streams or wetlands on their property that could benefit from restoration. Permit applicants can then view landowner entries and enter details about their own mitigation needs. Finally, database users may connect to meet each other’s needs and restore ecosystems.

The PRMD (prmd.nctcog.org) serves the area of the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and is the creation and resource solely of a project of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). Questions about the database can be directed to Kate Zielke at 817-608-2395.

Be Part of the Solution to Stormwater Pollution

In the City of Kennedale, the stormwater system is separate from the sanitary sewer system. When it rains, oil, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides and other pollutants are washed from driveways, yards, parking lots, and streets into storm drains. This water is then discharged into our local watershed with no treatment. Our stormwater flows into Village Creek, which is a tributary of Lake Arlington. Stormwater Management is the process of controlling the runoff that comes primarily from impervious surfaces like parking lots, driveways, and rooftops.

How Can I Help?

  • Use fertilizers and pesticides as directed.
  • Keep grass clippings, trash, and dirt off the streets and out of the gutter.
  • Recycle used motor oil - do not dump! Most automotive stores collect waste oil.
  • Park your car on the grass before washing.
  • Spread the word about protecting our waters from polluted runoff to friends and family.

Wastewater and Stormwater Diagram

Watersheds

A watershed is the land that drains into a body of water such as a stream, lake or wetland. Because water flows downhill, watershed boundaries are always located on the top of hills or mountains. Rain falling on one side of the hill will flow into one watershed, while rain falling on the other side of the hill will flow into another watershed. Any changes to the land in a watershed will affect the water body it drains into, such as a stream or pond.

As we develop land, creating more impervious surfaces such as rooftops, sidewalks, and streets, rain water has less area to soak into the soil. Instead, it flows over streets and sidewalks into storm drains that empty into our waterways, sometimes at high velocities which can cause erosion.

Rainwater also picks up pollutants such as sediment from small construction sites, contaminants washed from streets, and fertilizers or pesticides washing from lawns. These pollutants then enter the stormwater system and are released into our waterways, without treatment. This type of pollution is called non-point source pollution. It is one of the major threats to rivers today. Because non-point source pollution is not associated with a specific point of entry into a water body, it is more difficult to regulate than point source pollution, pollution from a designated source. By taking the necessary steps to minimize these sources of pollution, we can create a clean, beautiful environment for our future.

Residential Stormwater Tips

If stormwater picks up debris like dirt, grass clippings, and other yard waste, it can block catch

basins, pipes, and other stormwater conveyance systems and result in the flooding of streets, homes, and cause other damage. It is also important to know that everything that enters the stormwater

system is discharged into Village Creek untreated. To help minimize flooding and pollutants from reaching our streams, rivers, wetlands, and/or ponds, here are a few tips: 

Lawn Care

  • To prevent flooding, do not leave yard waste in the street or sweep into a storm drain.
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and well in advance of a storm event to minimize algae growth.
  • Do not over water your lawn and abide by the Outdoor Water Use Schedules and Restrictions.
  • Collect rainwater from your roof in a rain barrel and use during dry months.

 Auto Care

  • Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations.
  • Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.

 Pet Waste

  • When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.

Automotive Repair and Maintenance

How Can it Impact Stormwater?

One of the leading sources of stormwater pollution is automobile fluids. Automotive Repair/Maintenance facilities are considered to be stormwater "Hotspots", due to the volume of hydrocarbons, trace metals, and other pollutants found on site. Common pollutants that can be found at these type facilities include:

  • Motor Oils
  • Batteries
  • Antifreeze
  • Brake Fluid
  • Lubricating Grease
  • Solvents (Paints and Paint Thinners)
  • Fuels (Gasoline, Diesel, Kerosene)

What Can You Do?

To prevent stormwater pollution, automobile products should be properly handled and stored. For example, make sure waste containers are in good condition, secure, and kept away from water resources. Some additional best management practices (BMPs) for

Automotive Repair/Maintenance facilities include:

  • All activities should be in a contained area on either a concrete or asphalt surface
  • Mix the right amount of paint needed for the job
  • Use less toxic substances, when available
  • Use funnels or pumps when handling liquids or wastes
  • Never discharge any waste into a street, ditch, or stream

Sediment Control

  • Install key sediment control practices before site grading begins.
  • Minimize the amount of exposed soil.
  • Identify and protect areas where existing vegetation, such as trees, will not be disturbed by construction activity.
  • Protect streams, stream buffers, woodlands, wetlands, or other sensitive areas from any disturbance or construction activity by fencing and/or otherwise clearly marking these areas.

Silt Fencing

  • Inspect and maintain silt fences after each rainstorm.
  • Make sure the bottom of the silt fence is buried in the ground.
  • Securely attach the material to the stakes.
  • Make sure stormwater is not flowing around the silt fence.

Construction Entrances

  • Remove mud and dirt from the tires of construction vehicles before they enter a paved roadway.
  • Make sure that the construction entrance does not become buried in soil.
  • Street sweep regularly at the construction entrance to prevent dirt from entering storm drains. Do not hose paved areas.