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Water Quality Units are hidden, yet important

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses the importance of manufactured treatment devices and the role they play in removing pollutants from stormwater.

Hidden beneath stormwater manholes, along streets or in parking lots, are units that filter stormwater before it enters our waterways.

These units are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM), but more specifically are a Manufactured Treatment Device (MTD). These devices are designed to remove a variety of pollutants, including sediment, nutrients, oils, grease, and litter, by settling out and capturing.

Water quality units are ideal in an urban setting where there is not enough space for larger stormwater control measures.

These units contain a hydrodynamic separator, which can separate out pollutants by creating a swirling action or using gravity and sediment chambers. Hydrodynamic separators may have the following basic components:

  • An inlet pipe, where stormwater enters the unit.
  • An outlet pipe, where stormwater exits the unit.
  • Screens or filters to collect debris.
  • Sediment chambers or treatment chambers.
  • An access hatch with a removable manhole cover.

Water quality units may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. Units should be annually inspected and professionally cleaned out with a vacuum truck. The unit should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific water quality unit in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov.  You can also report any possible issues with water quality unit by using the ConnectKingsport app.

Green roofs provide many environmental benefits

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses the features of green roofs and the environmental benefits they provide to the community.

Unless you have an aerial view of your community, you may not notice whether or not a building has a green roof. And no, we’re not talking about the color of the shingles.

A green roof is a Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) where a roof is partially or completely covered with a lightweight growing medium and vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane. The roof could also include a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems for better protection and longevity.

Green Roofs are designed to absorb water during a rain event and thereby reduce the amount of stormwater run-off from the roof. Green roofs also improve the aesthetics of an urban environment, capture airborne pollutants and provide space for community gardens and recreation.

Most green roofs have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Plant layer – Various species of plants that can withstand sunny, dry conditions.
  • Growing medium – Soil that supports the plants and allows rainwater to infiltrate.
  • Drainage and filtration layer – To allow excess water to leave the soil.
  • Protection and storage layer – To provide additional water storage and a root barrier.
  • Waterproofing and insulation layer – To keep water from leaking into the building.
  • Outlet structure – To allow water to exit the roof via gutters and downspouts.

Green roofs may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly.  However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

The vegetation should be maintained. Weeds, invasive species and dead plants should be removed, and the plants should be watered during periods of drought.

Trash and debris should be removed from the planting area. Gutters, roof drains and outlet structures should be kept clear, and the roof system should be checked for ponding water, leaks, or damage. The green roof should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific green roof in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.

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What are Stormwater Detention Ponds?

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses stormwater detention ponds, their components and the purpose they serve for residents and businesses.

Have you ever noticed large dry ponds near subdivisions or shopping centers? These are called detention basins and are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM).

These basins are specifically designed to hold rainwater for up to three days and thereby prevent the flooding of the surrounding area.

Most detention basins have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets – ditches or pipes that convey drainage into the ponds from the surrounding area during a rain.
  • Outlet Structure – allows water to exit the basin at a specific flow rate.
  • Emergency Spillway – in case the basin should fill up from an unusually large rain event.

The main basin area is covered by grass or other vegetation to stabilize the soil, while the sides of the pond are called embankments and are also vegetated to prevent erosion.

Detention basins may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for the detention basin to work efficiently, vegetation should be mowed at least twice a year, and the vegetation should be thick and healthy and not include shrubs or trees. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the pond at regular intervals and any areas of erosion should be repaired.

The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlet pipes should be checked for clogs and inlet ditches should be checked for erosion. The basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific detention basin in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov.  You can also report any possible issues with detention basins by using the ConnectKingsport app.

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Using plants to filter out pollution

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses bioretention basins and how they use plants to filter out pollution.

A bioretention basin is a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) that addresses both stormwater quantity and quality.

These basins are designed to hold water for 48 hours after a rain event, which helps prevent flooding. They also allow for stormwater infiltration and uptake by plants, thereby filtering out pollution.

Most bioretention basins have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets: pipes, channels or curb cuts that convey drainage into the basin from the surrounding area during a rain.
  • Outlet Structure: Allows water to exit the basin in case the basin fills up.
  • Pretreatment Areas: Typically consist of stones or grass to slow water entering the basin and thus catch trash, debris and sediment.
  • The Main Basin: Consists of an engineered soil media to allow for infiltration, plants for stormwater uptake and an underdrain to convey excess water into the stormwater system.
  • Cleanouts: Allow for maintenance of the underdrain.

Bioretention basins may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for the bioretention basin to work efficiently, vegetation needs to be kept healthy and watered in times of drought. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the basin at regular intervals. Any erosion should be repaired and mulched areas should be refreshed.

Excess sediment can clog the soil media and prevent the bioretention basin from functioning properly. The underdrain should be inspected for clogging and the basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning correctly.

If you have a concern about a specific bioretention basin in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov.  You can also report any possible issues with bioretention basins by using the ConnectKingsport app.

Notice of Public Meeting

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There will be a Public Meeting of the Kingsport Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) Executive Board on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 1:30 pm in the Kingsport City Hall Board Room at 415 Broad Street in Kingsport, Tennessee. Copies of the agenda and supporting documentation can be found in the MTPO office or here. The primary items for this meeting include a presentation by Butch Eley – Deputy Governor & Commissioner of Transportation for TN, consideration of PM1 (safety) targets, consideration of transit safety targets, and consideration of transit asset management targets. Time is also allotted for the Executive Board to receive comments on these or other items pertaining to the Kingsport Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization. The meeting will be in-person and members of the public are welcome to attend. We also plan to offer live public access to the meeting through a Zoom webinar. Members of the public who are interested in attending remotely should send an email to MTPO@KingsportTN.gov to request the log in information for the meeting. In order to allow time to respond, your request must be received by 12:00 pm on February 8, 2023. Disabled citizens wishing to attend and needing special accommodations or anyone seeking further information on the MTPO meeting should contact the MTPO at (423) 224-2670. For persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT’s Civil Rights Division at 804-786-2085 or by mail 1401 E Broad St, Richmond, Virginia 23219. In Tennessee you may contact TDOT’s Civil Rights Office at (615) 714-3169. If you have a hearing or speech disability or use a TTD please use the FCC 711 dialing code to access a Telecommunications Relay Service to forward your comment. Kingsport MTPO ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Si usted necesita la traducción por favor entre en contacto con el MTPO en por el teléfono en 423-224-2670.

Property

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Kingsport Public Library to Return to Curbside Service Only

Due to the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases in the Kingsport community, the Kingsport Public Library building will be closed to the public, effective Monday, December 14. The status of the building closure will be evaluated again at the end of the month.

Curbside pickup for materials, including hotspots, will be available by appointment Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Appointments can be made by visiting the event calendar at www.kingsportlibrary.org or by calling 423-229-9465. Same day appointments MUST be made by 3:30 p.m. for same day pickup. If you are not sure what books to request, try the Next Read service available on the library’s website.

Steps for curbside pickup:

  • Materials must be placed on hold in order to be picked up. Place holds by logging in to your account on kingsportlibrary.org or by calling 423-229-9465.
    • Limited to 10 holds per card
    • Items placed on hold are not guaranteed to be available
  • Schedule an appointment for curbside pickup by visiting the event calendar at kingsportlibrary.org or by calling 423-229-9465
    • Offered Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Appointments must be scheduled by 3:30 p.m. for same day pickup
  • When you arrive at the Library, park in spot on New St. and call 423-229-9366 to let library staff know you have arrived
    • Be ready to provide the name the books are on hold for
    • Let us know the make, model, and color of the vehicle
    • Open your trunk
    • When the staff member brings out the books hold your driver’s license up to the window so they can verify your identity
    • Books will be placed in the trunk

**All returns, except hotspots, MUST be placed in the outside book returns. Staff members are ONLY able to take hotspot returns at curbside delivery. No donations will be accepted and staff are unable to collect fines at this time.

Even though the library building will be closed, your Kingsport Public Library card provides access to the many digital services offered through the library’s website. Explore e-books and e-audiobooks through Libby, Tumblebooks and hoopla, enjoy free access to digital magazines through Libby, get creative with Creativebug, learn a language with Transparent Language, watch a movie or TV show through hoopla or research your family history with Ancestry. If you need help getting started with the digital services or have any questions, staff will be available Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by phone at 423-224-2539.

For up-to-date information about Kingsport Public Library, please visit www.kingsportlibrary.org or follow the library’s social media channels.

Road Closure – Whipoorwill Lane

City work crews will be making road repairs on Whipoorwill Lane on August 18 and 19 starting around 8:30 a.m. weather permitting.

During this time Whipoorwill Lane will be closed to thru traffic at the intersection of Mimosa Drive and closed at the intersection of Fain Avenue.

Motorists are urged to slow down, obey all traffic signs and use extreme caution when traveling in this area. If you have any questions, please contact (423)229-9451.

Whipoorwill Lane Closure Map

Notice of Public Review – 2040 Long Range Plan Amendment

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE KINGSPORT MTPO 2040 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

30 DAY PUBLIC REVIEW/COMMENT PERIOD (JULY 6, 2020 – AUGUST 4, 2020)

 

The Kingsport Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) is responsible for long range transportation planning in the Kingsport urbanized area. Before regionally significant transportation projects can be undertaken, they must be included in the MTPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP is a 20+ year plan for transportation projects in the Kingsport area. The Kingsport MTPO Executive Board is seeking public comment on amendments to the current 2040 LRTP. Copies of the proposed amendments are available for public review at Kingsport City Hall, the Kingsport Public Library, and the Kingsport MTPO office, and can be viewed HERE. Comments received about the amendments will be considered by the MTPO Executive Board prior to final approval. Comments may be sent to MTPO@KingsportTN.gov by 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on August 4, 2020. Comments can also be made at the MTPO Executive Board meeting on August 6, 2020 at 1:30 pm. This meeting will be held electronically, for information on how to access the meeting please send a request to MTPO@KingsportTN.gov.

KFD 2019 Annual Report

The Kingsport Fire Department has published it’s Annual Report for 2019.

 

KFD Annual Report. 2019

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee