Our current storm water system is defunct.
In short, we have serious flooding and storm water pollution problems.
– Neighborhood Association Sanitary Sewer Report, 1999
Lexington uses detention and retention basins to control flooding and storm water filtration in its neighborhoods. Because many new homes are built on extremely small lots with poor drainage, it is essential they do their job.
– LFUCG Clean Water Task Force, 2006
Yet, the city has not had enough money to thoroughly maintain these basins.
So, when it rains, many of these basins don’t absorb or filter a lot of water. Polluted run-off then floods basements, and nearby streams.
– Neighborhood Association Sanitary Sewer Report, 1999
On top of this problem, the amount of pavement and other impermeable surfaces have increased in Fayette County.
Simply stated, there is not enough “greenspace” to absorb and filter storm water run-off when it rains. So homes and creeks are regularly flooded and washed out in inclement weather.
– LFUCG Clean Water Task Force, 2006
In addition, the LFUCG Division of Engineering does not monitor the stormwater discharge from rural activity centers, such as Bluegrass Airport and Bluesky Industrial Park, into Fayette County creeks and streams. The stormwater management program only applies to those properties within the urban services area.
– LFUCG Stormwater Oversight Committee, 2006
According to local ordinace, LFUCG has a duty to regulate the pollution of our natural streams and rivers. However, our local government does not regulate the storm water discharge from rural activity centers.
– LFUCG Stormwater Oversight Committee, 2006
Over 70% of Fayette County streams that have been assessed by the Kentucky Division of Water are considered impaired and polluted.
– LFUCG Clean Water Task Force Committee
