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Henderson Council hears stormwater plan, asset inventory and funding options under MS4 permit
Summary
A Gradient Engineering representative told Henderson City Council the city’s stormwater program operates under the NPDES MS4 permit; an NCDEQ‑funded $400,000 asset inventory mapped over 1,000 assets and an assessment (March 2023–Oct. 2025) will guide priorities. Council discussed funding options, including a fee study not yet adopted.
Sujit Ekka of Gradient Engineering presented an overview of Henderson’s Stormwater Management Program at the Jan. 12 City Council meeting, describing program responsibilities under the NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and six minimum control measures for runoff and water‑quality protection. Ekka said the program reports to Assistant City Manager Christy Lipscomb and collaborates closely with the City’s Engineering and Public Works departments.
Ekka summarized current and planned control practices — vegetative conveyance, filtration systems, retention ponds, constructed wetlands and bio‑retention cells — and explained the City’s illicit discharge detection work, staff training and routine facility maintenance intended to prevent pollutants from entering storm systems. He said the City is developing operations and maintenance plans to meet state permit requirements, with completion expected by April.
The presentation highlighted a $400,000 NCDEQ‑funded stormwater asset inventory and condition assessment that mapped more than 1,000 assets and focused inspections on pipes larger than 15 inches. According to Ekka, Gradient completed the assessment between March 2023 and October 2025 and will deliver detailed findings and recommendations in April, including areas most at risk for flooding or failure and a stormwater management model to predict flooding and prioritize repairs. Ekka noted private driveway culverts were excluded from the assessment.
Councilmembers pressed on compliance and funding. Councilmember Garry D. Daeke asked how the MS4 permit ties to the Clean Water Act and what penalties might follow non‑compliance; Ekka said the MS4 program stems from the federal Clean Water Act and is delegated to states for enforcement, with non‑compliance typically resulting in notices of deficiency and corrective timelines. The presentation also reviewed financing approaches: Ekka said some municipalities adopt a stormwater utility fee tied to impervious surface area; Henderson has studied that approach but has not adopted a fee.
Assistant City Manager Christy Lipscomb said the City will integrate asset data with CityWorks, expand stormwater modeling to include water quality, and continue work on sinkhole and drainage repairs and a project to stabilize erosion near Redbush Creek to protect a sewer line. Councilmember Tami Walker asked about the inventory’s timeframe and scope; Ekka confirmed the March 2023–October 2025 inspection window and ongoing collaboration with City staff.
The City will receive the full assessment and recommendations in April and continue to consider funding and policy options to meet state permit requirements and reduce flood risk.
