While inspecting a sunken right-of-way storm structure, Stormwater Manager Joellen Wilson was approached by an elderly resident concerned about excess drainage and erosion occurring in her yard. Upon initial assessment, the conditions were deemed to be historical and originating from private drainage systems located outside the public right-of-way, and therefore not within the City’s designated stormwater service area.
However, drawing on her knowledge of drainage concerns reported by nearby homeowners, Wilson revisited the site. Upon closer inspection, she traced the source of sediment to the rear property lines of an adjacent parcel. There, she discovered a severely deteriorated storm pipe that had rusted through, contributing to significant erosion, large sinkholes, and disturbed clay soils. The erosion and increasing water flows were transporting sediment and bedding gravel along the natural drainage path. The compromised area extended more than thirty linear feet and had deep holes that exposed a nearby sewer line. Additionally, Wilson learned the easement served as a footpath for students walking home from school, presenting a potential risk for personal injury.
Wilson initiated standard site research, including a review of topography, hydrology, and construction history, and returned after snowmelt to document the site further with photos. While increased storm intensity had affected many existing drainageways, the accumulation of gravel and sediment at this site was unusual. Recalling that permitted site work had taken place in the area years earlier, she contacted Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (DWR) for as-built maps and inspection history. She also reached out to Gwinnett County Public Schools, the non-residential property owner, requesting temporary safety measures such as caution tape.
DWR coordinated a multi-agency site visit, allowing all stakeholders to walk the property and examine potential contributing factors. The team identified a suspected abandoned storm pipe, a sewer line, and a deficiency in a nearby stormwater detention pond. It was determined that repairing the pond would help reduce excess stormwater flow to the impacted area. Representatives from Gwinnett County Public Schools promptly addressed the issue, modifying grades and reinforcing the shared drainage area with a rock berm.
The original homeowner, along with several other residents, expressed their appreciation for the effective and lasting resolution and for the personal attention given to the matter. The homeowner noted she had reported the issue for years and even attempted to resolve it herself but had received little support. Through persistent investigation and collaboration, a major external contributing factor was addressed with relatively low-cost maintenance—demonstrating the value of comprehensive site evaluation and interagency cooperation.
And here’s something we offer that you may not know:
Through the City’s Stormwater Program, our Public Works Department can provide drainage assistance—pending approval from the Stormwater Manager—in the form of delivering “rip-rap” rock directly to the resident. While the homeowner still has the option to hire a contractor for front yard cleanup and landscaping, taking those steps before identifying the source of the stormwater runoff and addressing the sediment issues would have been a costly and ineffective effort.
By working together to solve the root cause of the problem first, the City helps residents protect their property and avoid unnecessary expenses—one storm at a time.