Stormwater management results in reduced flooding, fewer lives lost or injuries caused by flooding impact, less property damage from flooding, improved insurance rates, cleaner and healthier water sources, improved water-related recreation. Stormwater runoff remains the nation’s largest water quality problem. Stormwater is the primary reason approximately 40% of the rivers, lakes and estuaries surveyed are not clean enough to meet basic uses such as fishing and swimming. The Lee County Planning & Zoning department is engaged in many activities to minimize the flooding and pollution that result from storm water run-off. By adopting and enforcing ordinances, working with the development community, increasing public awareness and involvement, our goal is keep our water ways safe for everyone.

  • About Stormwater

    • About Stormwater Runoff

      Stormwater runoff begins as rain. It carries pollutants from land surfaces on its way to water bodies such as streams, lakes, and rivers. The pollutants picked up by stormwater come from a variety of sources. Unmanaged stormwater runoff causes both flooding and pollution. It is important to properly manage stormwater runoff to reduce its negative consequences.

      Flooding

      Flooding occurs when an excessive volume of storm water runoff is generated due to the amount of impervious (Definition: impossible to penetrate) surfaces created during construction and the accelerated rate at which runoff is delivered. Floods are one of the most deadly types of weather conditions and claim hundreds of lives each year and costs billions of dollars.

      Pollution

      Untreated runoff increases the amount of pollutants in our water bodies. Pollutants can damage the quality of a lake or stream, adversely impacting the aquatic habitat of many insects and animals and reducing the suitability for basic uses such as fishing and swimming.

      Types of Pollution

      Point Source

      Point source pollution is generated from pollutants that enter a body of water directly from a specific source, usually a pipe. The point sources of pollution typically include:

      Non-Point Source

      As runoff travels, it picks up and carries man-made and natural pollutants, tranferring them into the various water sources. Non-point sources include the following:
      • Pipe discharges from an industrial or municipal plant
      • Sewage system overflows and bypasses
      • Chemical spills from industries
      • Seepage from underground storage tanks
      • Illegal discharges into storm sewers and drains
      • Sediments from construction sites and stream bank erosion
      • Animal wastes
      • Hazardous wastes from landfills
      • Oil, grease, and chemical spills
      • Herbicides, fertilizers, and insecticides
      • Trash, litter, and other debris
  • Management Program

    • Stormwater Management Ordinance

      Lee County adopted a Stormwater Management Ordinance in 2005. This ordinance was established to protect storm water quality in Lee County. The Model Stormwater Management Ordinances reflects the ordinances adopted by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District. The Model Stormwater Management Ordinances proposed for adoption are as follows:

      Public Education & Participation

      Recognizing that the most effective ways to protect our water quality is through pollution prevention, Lee County has a variety of information and educational programs designed to encourage environmentally responsible behavior at home, school, and work. Programs and activities proposed to be sponsored and or promoted by Lee County, include:

      Adopt-A-Stream Program

      The Adopt-A-Stream Program promotes stream cleanup by getting community members involved in the cleanup efforts. The program provides an opportunity for community members and groups to take ownership of their streams and keep the streams free from litter and other pollutants. In addition to cleanup activities, the program promotes public awareness and understanding related to watershed management and non-point pollution control. Program elements Lee County would like to implement in our Adopt-A-Stream program, include:

      Educational Programs

      Partnership Programs

      To help promote the Adopt-A-Stream program, Storm Drain Curb Marker Program, and the Public Education and Information Program, Lee County staff will seek the involvement of area businesses as partners of our programs. Corporate participation promotes the following benefits within the community: If you are interested in learning more about a listed program or want to volunteer in a program, please contact the Marshal's Office.
      • Post-development Stormwater Management for new development and redevelopment.
      • Floodplain Management/Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
      • Conservation Subdivision/Open Space Development Ordinance
      • Illicit Discharge and Illegal Connection Ordinance
      • Litter Control Ordinance
      • Rivers Alive: For many of Georgia’s waterways, a good trash cleanup is the first step towards creating a cleaner aquatic environment. A stream cleanup removes potential pollution sources in and around the stream.
      • Stream Survey: This will uncover potential pollution sources. By visually surveying the waterways, we will be looking for things such as sewage overflow points, storm water management issues, wildlife impact, and channelized sections of the stream, among other possible problems. The data collected will also help Lee County to improve the water quality in the creeks.
      • Tree Planting: Protect existing trees and promote planting new trees and shrubbery to help maintain and restore a healthy creek environment. Trees and shrubs along stream banks prevent erosion by slowing storm water runoff. Trees provide food and cover for wildlife. When trees and shrubbery are replaced by impervious surfaces, water quality begins to decline.
      • Focus on water quality of impacted streams Provide compliance information on storm water management
      • Provide storm drain curb markers to be applied to catch basins
      • Distribution of fact sheets and flyers in utility bills, provide brochures, and public education.
      • Helps spread the message about stormwater and non-point source pollution.
      • Helps heighten the awareness by reaching the masses.
      • Partnerships with companies can help establish a learning environment where employees
      • Can benefit from environmentally friendly practices.
      • Can help to be a “solution to water pollution”. Good public relations.
      • Recognition in the community and in newspapers.
      • An outlet for community involvement.
      • Adds to corporate value and attract more investors (if a public company).
  • How to Help

    • Individuals

      • Do not blow leaves and grass into storm drains or ditches
      • Keep pets away from waterside areas
      • When walking pets, clean up after them
      • Properly maintain septic systems
      • Report any unauthorized dumping or pollution
      • Participate in our special events and programs
      • Educate our youth

      Business Owners

      • Recycle oil and grease; do not pour oil and grease into sinks, drains or onto streets and parking areas
      • Properly dispose of contaminated water and chemicals
      • Keep toxic materials contained and stored properly
      • Keep dumpsters closed and make sure they are clean and not leaking
      • Become a program partner

      Developers

      • Implement measures for erosion control to help prevent and alleviate stormwater runoff
      • Clean up daily by sweeping and cleaning sites to prevent soils and other debris from being tracked onto roadways
      • Locate construction sites away from water bodies, downward sloping driveways, and streets
      • Revegetate as soon as possible to help control erosion
      • Limit the amount of disturbed area at any one time to help control erosion
      If you are interested in learning more about a listed program or want to volunteer in a program, please contact the Marshal’s Office.

Contact Information

Phone: (229) 759-6000
Fax: (229) 759-6032

T. Page Tharp Governmental Building
102 Starksville Avenue North
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Map & Directions

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Marshal’s Office