Storm Water System and Maintenance

Woodbury's storm water drainage system includes catch basins, storm sewers, creeks, ponds, lakes, lift stations, force mains, ditches, natural low areas and drainage features to accommodate storm water run-off. The city improves, formalizes and constructs these facilities as necessary to accommodate run-off from areas as they develop. The City lies within three major drainage districts. The storm water drainage system not only accommodates water originating within Woodbury, but also water originating from the cities of Afton, Lake Elmo, Maplewood and Oakdale. Historically, the city has had primary responsibility for the construction and operation of the storm water drainage system.

In addition to accommodating the quantity of storm water run-off, the storm water drainage system also serves an important water quality function. The storm water drainage system, depending upon its design and operation, can remove significant amounts of natural and man-made pollutants from the storm water. The city has implemented a number of practices to improve storm water quality. These include the establishment of storm water treatment ponds, sedimentation sumps within manholes, erosion control practices, and street sweeping programs.

Many of the construction and operating procedures carried out by the city are subject to review and approval of other regulatory agencies. These agencies include the watershed districts, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and United States Corps of Engineers. Residents are strictly prohibited from altering any aspect of a storm water pond that may influence the proper operation of the pond.

Current System:
The city's storm water drainage system currently includes:

• 8 storm water lift stations
• 477 holding ponds/lakes/wetlands
• 10,055 catch basins/manholes
• 417 manhole sediment sumps
• 204 miles of storm sewer lines
• Undetermined miles of open ditch type waterways

In addition to the city system, there are a significant number of private storm water drainage systems throughout Woodbury. These systems include many ponds which are privately constructed and maintained.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department at 651-714-3720 with any questions they may have regarding the system.

Storm Water Ponds In Woodbury
The City of Woodbury is very fortunate to have lakes, wetlands and storm water ponds within the city. A total of 698 water bodies were counted during the city's 2005 inventory. Many of these are used for storm water treatment. Urban development typically increases run-off due to the added hard surfaces, such as roads and rooftops. For example, the total run-off from a one-acre parking lot is about 16 times that of an undeveloped meadow.

What is a Storm water Pond?
City Policy
What can I do to help?
Where do I go for help?

What is a Storm Water Pond?
Storm water ponds are treatment ponds designed to improve water quality. Thick growths of algae or other nuisance aquatic plants in ponds and lakes typically come from poorly managed storm water, or point/non point pollution sources. Point source pollution comes from a specific point, such as a pipe. Nonpoint source pollution results from improper land management, over-fertilization, erosion and sedimentation. Pollution sources could include:

• Dust and dirt
• Lawn clippings
• Construction sediment
• Oils, greases and automotive additives
• Lawn-care products such as fertilizers or pesticides
• Animal debris or waste
• Wind-blown chemicals

As these materials enter into the storm water system, they can have a detrimental effect on water quality, resulting in blue-green algae blooms or excess weed growth. Blue-green algae prospers in warm, nutrient-rich waters. In some cases, the water can become toxic to animals if large amounts of the blue-green algae accumulate.

City Policy
Treatment ponds are designed primarily for water quality treatment, stormwater detention and flood control. Aesthetic issues on privately-owned ponds are the homeowner's responsibility.

What can I Do to Help?

Residents owning property adjacent to a pond or wetland, or within the general drainage area to a storm water pond, can work together to help minimize aesthetic problems by controlling run-off from their yards and streets to the pond or wetland. Strategies include:

• A buffer that is 25 to 50 feet wide and should have grasses, shrubs and trees to be fully effective. Aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation will also take nutrients from the water to reduce algae blooms; vegetation also limits shoreline erosion into the pond. Maintain the grass height inside the buffer to a minimum height of 6 to 8 inches.
• Limit fertilizer products to those that do not contain any phosphorus.
• Do not dump grass clippings or leaves into the pond or storm drain system. The storm sewer drains directly into our ponds, lakes and wetlands.
• Pick up general trash and any animal waste immediately.
• Do not allow any household or automotive chemicals to drain into the yard or storm drain system. This includes chlorinated swimming pool discharges. Use biodegradable, phosphorus-free soaps for outdoor cleaning.
• To minimize open soil areas, limit soil erosion by maintaining healthy sod and mulch around the area. Please take note though: sod does a poor job of filtering run-off and should not be substituted for a buffer or filter strip.

Where Do I Go For Help?
The city does not treat storm water ponds or wetlands for algae or weeds. Contact the Community Development Department at (651) 714-3533 for more information about water quality issues.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department at (651) 714-3720 or at publicworks@ci.woodbury.mn.us with any questions they may have regarding the storm water system.

• Municipal Water Service
• Lawn Watering Restrictions
• Sanitary Sewer Systems
• Storm Water System and Maintenance
• Water and Sewer Emergencies
• Utility Billing