Our responsibilities are the design and the review of storm drainage systems for the proper conveyance of storm water from County roads and through County property. Additionally, we are tasked with monitoring compliance and implementing the provisions of Maryland General Permit Number 12-SW, General Permit for Discharges of Stormwater Associated With Industrial Activity. For public information concerning the permit facts as they relate to Baltimore County, review NPDES Annual Report, Section 7—Property Management and Maintenance.
Flood Proofing Grant Program
The Storm Drains Design division also administers the Flood Proofing Grant program. In certain circumstances, the County may determine that residential floodproofing is the most impactful and most economical option in addressing a flooding problem. Such instances are determined on a case-by-case basis and are the outcome of a thorough review of the drainage conditions on the property in discussion. The affected parties are consequently invited to apply for the Flood Proofing Grant by reviewing the documents below:
- Flood Proofing Grant Program
- Processing Flowchart
- Baltimore County Application for Financial Assistance
- Floodproofing Grant Agreement
- FEMA-P1037—Reducing Flood Risk to Residential Buildings That Cannot Be Elevated
Orange Versus Black Inlet Grates
The newly-installed inlet grates are commonly used throughout the country and have proved to be most effective. They are made of cast iron and designed to take advantage of the naturally-occurring oxidation process, or rust, that occurs to iron ore. The bright orange rust proceeds at a variable rate, developing a thin patina, which preserves the grate from corrosion. This coloration is temporary and after time will change to black. Gray iron has a high silicon content and tends to inhibit further oxidation and provide a relatively high degree of corrosion-resistance over time. Note that grates that have been in the ground for some time are no longer orange, but black.
Contact Information
Learn who to contact regarding the following storm drain-related issues.
| Issue | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Storm Drain Design |
| Floodplain Boundaries | Bureau of Engineering Phone: 410-887-3117 |
| Status/Updates on Storm Drain Projects |
|
| Bureau of Highways |
| Stream/Bank Erosion | Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability |
Note: Baltimore County is not permitted by the County Code to make improvements to private property. View a fact sheet with advice for implementing a solution or hiring a private contractor.
Additional Resources
For public information concerning the permit facts as they relate to Baltimore County, review the latest version of the NPDES Annual Report, Section 7—Property Management and Maintenance.