Storm Water System
The City of Golden Valley administers several programs involving storm water management. Two of these programs, Pond Treatment and Rear Yard Drainage, require a property owner to petition the City in order to implement the project. A separate policy relates to sump pump discharge from private property. The rest are maintenance programs and include, but are not limited to:
- pond cleaning
- street sweeping
- storm sewer system cleaning
- installation of sump catch basins
The City of Golden Valley has approximately 90 miles of storm water piping and about 1,000 catch basins. City crews check and clean catch basins regularly, but during a storm we cannot get to all of them. If you have a catch basin adjacent to your property, you can help the City by keeping debris from the opening.
The City also maintains the flow of Bassett Creek, which flows in from the west and meanders through the City to the east. To prevent flooding, the City checks the creek for debris that will restrict the flow. Certain areas along the creek are in the flood plain and will rise in flood conditions. If you live in one of these areas and feel that your home is in danger of flooding, the City has sand bags available in the utility shop for your convenience.
Pond Treatment
The City's pond treatment policy allows property owners abutting a storm water pond to petition for a specific type of treatment for algae and weed control to improve the pond's aesthetics. At least 75% of the abutting property owners must sign the petition to have a public hearing ordered. Once the petition is signed by 75% of the abutting property owners, a public hearing is held and the City Council determines if the treatment will be authorized. If the treatment is authorized, a contract is let for the designated treatment. The cost of any treatment is assessed to all abutting property owners. This treatment is only short-term and usually must be performed annually, using this procedure.
Rear Yard Drainage
The City's rear yard drainage policy allows property owners to petition for improvements to correct a problem drainage area. The City will provide property owners with technical assistance regarding the problem; however, the City will not assist with the cost of any improvements, as it is only responsible for the drainage from the roadways and respective right-of-way. All costs associated with any improvements performed as a City project are assessed to each property contributing flow to the problem area.
