FAQs • Mount Pleasant, SC • CivicEngage

What is a sinkhole?: A sinkhole is a hole that may form in the road or in your yard. The hole can be from many things, an old tree stump, a hole in a utility pipe, or settling debris. Sometimes sewer and storm drain pipes (different pipes and systems) can crack or separate. This opening allows water and soil to get into the pipe - leaving a hole up above it! Generally our sinkholes are isolated to an area right next to the pipe. These holes are usually only a few feet wide and deep, unlike sinkholes in Florida that are caused by limestone erosion. Areas of concern should be reported for investigation and routed to the right agency.

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Stormwater

1. Why do I have to pay to manage stormwater?: The development of land to build our homes, roads, shopping centers and amenities removes natural areas that helped absorb rain. When we build, the run-off from rainfall is channeled and increases in volume. This rain has to go somewhere. The drainage systems are in place to help protect us from flooding. In addition, the rain picks up large and small pieces of pollution off of the ground and carries it to the system outflows (our creeks and marshes). We are now tasked to prevent pollution from occurring or capture the pollution and treat the water before it leaves our system. These operations require funding. Collectively all property owners in the Town pay a small fee to maintain the larger municipal system.

2. I've paid my fee - where is my project?: Most projects and operations require more funding that any single fee payment. The Town uses the fees to complete routine maintenance, emergency maintenance and manage small projects. Many projects require considerable resources to pay for the engineering work, permitting, and construction. It may take some time to get these projects implemented. Property owners should report issues so that problem areas can be identified for a future study - and possibly a project!

3. What type of work does the utility perform?: The Stormwater Division conducts routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and small projects. We also collect data and manage large capital improvement projects, respond to illegal dumping and pollution reports, we can review areas of concern and if the solution is outside of our areas of responsibility - we can suggest ideas for property owners to undertake. Visit our Services page for more details!

4. What is a sinkhole?: A sinkhole is a hole that may form in the road or in your yard. The hole can be from many things, an old tree stump, a hole in a utility pipe, or settling debris. Sometimes sewer and storm drain pipes (different pipes and systems) can crack or separate. This opening allows water and soil to get into the pipe - leaving a hole up above it! Generally our sinkholes are isolated to an area right next to the pipe. These holes are usually only a few feet wide and deep, unlike sinkholes in Florida that are caused by limestone erosion. Areas of concern should be reported for investigation and routed to the right agency.

5. I have a drainage easement on my property - what does that mean?: A drainage easement gives some "agencies" (like the Town), the right to use a part of your property for a special purpose (like having a drainage system). The agency does not own the property, or maintain the trees, shrubs, or grass - only their system. The easement owner has the right to enter your property to inspect their system and perform maintenance of their system. Certain restrictions may prohibit property owners from building in these areas or restrict landscaping or fence placement. If the area needs to be dug up - the easement owner does not have to replace anything that the property owner puts in that area.

6. I want to do work in a drainage easement - what do I need to do?: Perhaps you want to install a fence, pipe a ditch, add a drain connection, or make a different alteration in this area. You will need to submit a plan of your work and an encroachment permit application form to the Stormwater Division of the Public Services Department. Please note: not all alterations can be approved!

7. My ditch needs cleaning - what will the Town do?: General ditch upkeep is up to the property owner. Leaves and debris should never be placed or raked into or along ditch systems. Property owners should cut grass and keep up with the ditch area as they perform their regular yard maintenance. If the ditch is collapsing or has filled in with dirt, the problem can be reported to the Town. Staff will investigate and determine which agency owns the ditch and submit a service request for the property owner. Generally, the repair work consists of digging out the ditch to the correct depth.

8. Who maintains ponds?: Ponds and underground stormwater systems are maintained by Homeowner Associations or private property owners. The Town can provide general upkeep and maintnenance advice to owners but does not do any cleaning or weed control. New systems installed since September 2007 are required to conduct annual inspections, conduct routine maintenance and submit an annual report to the Town's water quality staff.

9. There is a clogged drainage pipe - what should I do?: Please report all clogged drainage pipes to the Stormwater office for investigating. We will determine the problem and clean the system or report it to the proper agency.

10. A storm is coming - can I get sandbags?: Residents who live in low lying or flood prone areas should have an emergency back-up plan and make individual preparations well before a storm is forecasted to impact our area. The Town provides only a limited amount of sandbags on a first come first serve basis - only if a hurricane is forecasted for our area. We will place pallets of bags out at several locations around Town, 48 hours prior to landfall. We cannot guarantee that bags will be available to specific homes and we do not offer delivery or pick-up services.

11. I need help with my water or sewer service - who do I talk to?: The Mount Pleasant water and sewer system is managed by Mount Pleasant Waterworks. This agency is separate from the Town services. Please contact "Waterworks" at 884-9626 or visit their website!

12. Who helps with Mosquito Control?: Mosquito Control services are provided by Charleston County. Please contact Mosquito Abatement at 202-7880 or for more information visit the Mosquito Control website!

13. Where can I dispose of used oil or gas/ oil mixtures?: The Town has a used oil recycling drop off center at our maintenance facility. We can accept 5 gallons of oil - or gas/ oil mixtures at a time. We also accept oil filters too! Our facility is located under the blue awning across the road from our Waste Management office at 1365 Sweetgrass Basket Parkway. Help protect our local waterways from pollution - Make sure oil and gas oil mixtures never go down the storm drain!

14. I need to drain my pool. Where can I pump the water?: It is against the law to pump chlorinated pool water into the storm drain system; this includes backwash water. However, with permission, Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) may accept pool water into the sanitary sewer system. To request to discharge pool water into the sewer, you can reach MPW's Customer Service Center at (843) 884-9626. Customer Service personnel will need to know the dimensions of your pool and general sewer discharge location. If you are draining the de-chlorinated water from the pool (not the filter backwash) - this can be sent to the public storm drain - try to avoid pumping right before, during, or after rain events! For more information, please contact our Stormwater Office at (843) 856-2157.