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Wellsville hears public input as city explains new stormwater priorities
Summary
Public Works presented the city's biannual stormwater program and residents questioned state-driven shifts toward routing more runoff to larger waterways, potential piping to streams, and the loss of retention/detention approaches.
Wellsville City Council held a required public hearing May 6, 2026, on the city's stormwater program as Brock Nelson of Public Works outlined changing state expectations and fielded residents' questions. Nelson said the state's current guidance aims to route more stormwater to larger water bodies and that the city participates in a stormwater coalition that meets monthly.
Nelson told the council that "right now we are part of a stormwater coalition" and that state targets include moving more flow eventually toward the Little Bear River and the Great Salt Lake. He said practices that once emphasized on-site retention and detention ponds are shifting: "In the past, they've had stormwater detention pond, retention ponds... they no longer like those now. They wanna get rid of the water, so they don't want us to hold on to the water." Nelson characterized the change as "a huge change" and said the rules are evolving annually.
Residents raised specific concerns. Darlin Call (625 East 200 South) said drivers on the county road outside city limits were "absolutely flying by" her home and asked whether posted limits or county action could address speeds and enforcement. Sharla Blackcomb asked whether an irrigation canal could accept stormwater; Chris (Public Works staff) responded that the canal "will not accept stormwater."
Council members and staff clarified technical distinctions that matter for local planning: irrigation ditches are separate systems from stormwater infrastructure, and piping decisions or changes to detention practices could require additional storm drain capacity and maintenance. Nelson said some previously common retention practices can reduce pollutants but the state's current emphasis is to move water downstream rather than retain it on site.
The council opened the hearing for public comment, answered residents' questions about swales, catch basins and responsibilities for maintenance, and closed the hearing by motion. The council did not adopt any new regulation at the meeting; Brock Nelson said he would continue to provide information and that the next required public involvement event will be around Labor Day.
