A bioretention cell, a stormwater control measure designed to allow water to sink into the ground and keep pollutants out of waterways, at Healing Paws Veterinary Hospital in Hillsborough.

Three businesses are taking the top award for maintenance of their stormwater control measures this past year in Hillsborough.

The Hillsborough Stormwater and Environmental Services Division annually recognizes property owners with consistently well-maintained stormwater control measures, a long-term record of on-time inspection reports, and overall excellence in stormwater compliance. Of the nearly 170 stormwater control measures that help keep our watershed healthy, each requires maintenance and annual inspections.

The owners of the year receive a certificate and a one-year exemption from the annual inspection requirement.

“This has been a challenging year for stormwater control measure maintenance with heavy rains from Tropical Storm Chantal in July and extreme dry weather recently,” Stormwater Program Coordinator Heather Fisher said. “We applaud these property owners for their ability to address unforeseen challenges and ensure that their stormwater control measures continue to function well.”

Award Winners

Healing Paws Veterinary Hospital

Healing Paws Veterinary Hospital maintains two bioretention cells to treat stormwater runoff from its parking lot and roof. Bioretention cells are low areas filled with sandy soil, which help allow water to sink into the ground and keep pollutants out of waterways. The cells at Healing Paws provide an example of devices that treat stormwater near the source.

Northside Millwork

Northside Millwork is Hillsborough's first Contech StormFilter® owner to be recognized for excellence. The stormwater control measure is an underground chamber that uses filter cartridges to remove pollutants from stormwater. These devices require regular cleaning, and the company's staff keep to a strict maintenance schedule.

Walmart

Walmart maintains a wet detention pond that receives stormwater from much of the Hampton Pointe development. Natural processes in this 1-acre pond remove excess nutrients and other pollutants from stormwater runoff.

Honorable Mentions

Additional property owners have received honorable mentions for their efforts: 

• Forest Ridge Master Homeowners Association
• The House at Gatewood
• Leah Drive Flex Space
• Top Dog Training and Resort
• Weaver Street Market

For more information, contact the town’s stormwater program coordinator by email or by phone at 919-296-9622.