Frequently Asked Questions

Stormwater Control Measures are permanent structures that are designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent flooding and remove pollutants present in stormwater runoff before they are transported to our waterbodies and drinking water reservoirs.

Stormwater picks up litter, sand, bacteria, oil, and other pollutants as it flows over the land, and it carries these pollutants to our streams, ponds, and wetlands. Runoff from paved surfaces like roads, parking lots, and rooftops may contribute large amounts of these pollutants into stormwater.

Stormwater Control Measures are important because they capture runoff and remove some of the pollutants before they can impact water quality. In Franklin, there are almost 300 municipally owned Stormwater Control Measures and 130 privately owned Stormwater Control Measures. Combined, and if properly maintained, they can remove approximately 500 pounds of total phosphorus from stormwater per year. Phosphorus pollution is an important contributor to water quality impacts and can cause harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and make pets and other animals sick if they drink contaminated water.

In addition to total phosphorus removal, many of these Stormwater Control Measures capture and treat other common stormwater pollutants.

The most frequent types of Stormwater Control Measures in Franklin include:

• Detention Basins (PNG)
• Infiltration Basins (PNG)
• Wet Ponds (PNG)
• Gravel/Constructed Wetlands (PNG)
• Porous Pavement (PNG)
• Vegetated Swales (PNG)
• Rain Gardens (PNG)