Vegetation & Drainage
Hydro-Seeding
Hydro-seeding is a relatively new operation in Public Works that is a more
natural form of erosion control and prevention. The process involves hydraulically spraying a
mixture of grass seed, fertilizer and mulch on sloped areas that typically cannot support vegetation
growth.
In years past, slope paving (concrete) or rip-rapping (concrete and rock) were
installed in these problem areas. Although they were effective, they were also costly; and they
detracted from the natural landscape of the area.
Hydro-seeding provides a more cost effective and environmentally responsible
way of addressing existing erosion problems, as well as preventing more from occurring.
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Creek Dredging
Creek dredging is the removal of silt and vegetation from creeks to allow
for the free flow of water. There are over 42 miles of arterial waterways in Huntsville. Before
dredging can be done on any section of these 42 miles, permits must be applied for and approved
by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Approval is granted based upon the method and procedures
for removal and the impact that the dredging operation will have on aquatic and other wildlife.
Vegetation Control
Vegetation growth in the City's 500+ miles of ditches can prevent efficient
drainage, and also provide a breeding ground for snakes and rodents. As a preventive measure,
tractors equipped with large boom mowers are assigned to clearing this vegetation during the growing
season.
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Inlet Cleaning
Drainage inlets allow rainwater to enter the drainage facility (usually at
the curb) and can be of various different types and designs. Year-round maintenance is performed
on inlets to prevent stoppage; however, seasonal problems such as leaves and grass can create
severe stoppages and cause flooding.To help prevent drainage problems in your neighborhood:
1 Keep your gutter line as clean as possible
by raking or sweeping grass and leaves regularly.
2 Don't rake leaf piles into the gutter
during leaf season. Keep them behind the curb.
3 Don't dump loose grass in the inlet or
ditch.
Ditch Maintenance
The City of Huntsville has over 500 acres of secondary ditches. Our ditch maintenance
program consists of silt and other blockage removal as well as repairing eroded areas. Ditch cleaning
is performed in cycles each year.
