Why does the City clean catchbasins?
As stormwater runoff flows across surfaces like asphalt, concrete and gravel on roads, parking lots, and driveways, it collects pollutants such as dirt, sand, brake dust, metals, and other hazardous substances. This contaminated runoff typically flows to the nearest catchbasin, where heavier pollutants settle at the bottom for temporary storage. The remaining runoff then drains into the storm sewer system.
Over time, pollutants accumulate at the bottom of the catchbasin and must be removed to maintain efficient stormwater management and prevent potential blockages.
How is catchbasin cleaning prioritized in Brampton?
The City inspects and cleans catchbasins each year to remove the accumulated pollutants. The inspection process involves removing the grates from the road surface, measuring the depth of stored material, and where necessary, using vaccuum trucks to remove it.
Catchbasin cleaning is prioritized in areas that produce higher levels of pollution, such as industrial and commercial areas.
Other important activities that help maintain catchbasins and the stormwater drainage system include replacing missing, damaged, or ineffective maintenance hole covers, and uncovering maintenance holes that have been paved over.
Removing pollutants from catchbasins
Each year, approximately 1,500 cubic metres of pollutants are removed from City-owned catchbasins - pollutants that would otherwise flow into local rivers and creeks. These pollutants could fill the cargo bed of over 880 pickup trucks.
