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Smyrna explains shift of stormwater inspection responsibility to property owners under new TDEC reporting
Summary
Council adopted the town's NPDES annual report after staff explained that new TDEC reporting requires private owners to inspect and report on post-construction stormwater facilities; staff said some underground systems may require annual professional inspection while above-ground systems often follow five-year intervals.
Smyrna's council approved the town's national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) annual report after a staff briefing on recent state reporting changes that affect private owners.
Tom (public works) told councilors that inspection and maintenance of on-site stormwater facilities has long been an owner responsibility under deed-restricted maintenance agreements, but that new Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) reporting rules now require towns to document compliance, effectively increasing enforcement and reporting obligations for property owners. "It's always been a requirement that they do the inspections and maintenance," Tom said, explaining that some sites with underground treatment systems may require more frequent inspections or licensed-professional oversight depending on manufacturer specifications.
Council members noted confusion from residents over a letter asking owners to hire professionals and asked staff to clarify the difference between above-ground systems (typically inspected every five years) and underground systems (often annually per manufacturer guidance). Staff said the town will continue limited visual inspections, notify owners of deficiencies and require repairs or certified inspections where appropriate.
Council approved the annual report after the discussion.
