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311 - Engineering Services Division

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1. What is the service area for stormwater billing?

A "threshold" level of service is needed countywide, but a higher level of service is needed in the urban and suburban areas. At this time, the utility's service area encompasses only those unincorporated urban and suburban areas where the immediate needs are greatest. The County will continue to pay for the threshold level of service from general tax revenues.

This map (PDF) shows the "Service Area" that has been defined as the utility service area. Generally, it encompasses Martinez and Evans within the Reed Creek, Jones Creek, Betty's Branch, and Euchee Creek watersheds. This area has been most severely impacted by recent urban and suburban development.

2. What is the billing period for my stormwater bill?

Stormwater has three different billings per year, depending on the amount of the bill.

Important information concerning your Semi-Annually Stormwater bill. Semi-Annually Stormwater bills are for the months of January to June and July to December.

Important information concerning your Annual Stormwater bills. Annual Stormwater bills are for the months of October to September.

If you have any questions regarding your Stormwater bill, please contact our office at 706-447-7645 or by email at Customer Service.

3. Who inspects land disturbance on construction sites?

Columbia County E&S Inspection team:

Manager - Mike Anderson

Inspectors

• Steve Abbott
• Dennis Anderson
• Tracey Shoemaker
• Clayton Whittle
• Drew Widmann
• Daniel Richardson
• Fred Ingram

For more information, email us or 706-447-7645(SOIL)

4. Where is the County right-of-way?

The County's right-of-way is typically the first 10 feet beyond the curb. This area is reserved by the County for the placement of public utilities such as water lines. Repairs and upgrades are necessary from time to time, and this area has to be excavated.

5. What is a Roundabout?

A modern roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island. There are no traffic signals or stop signs in a modern roundabout. Drivers yield at entry to traffic in the roundabout and then enter the intersection and exit at their desired street.

6. How often are dirt roads scraped?

The waters from the Savannah River and Clarks Hill Reservoir have concentrations of manganese and iron salts. Trace amounts of these minerals pass through the filter systems at our treatment facilities. When the water pressures in the pipes go up or down, the mineral deposits are pulled off the walls of the pipes, causing the water to have a brown or rusty orange color. A mineral deposit the size of a dime can cause water supply to be discolored for an entire house. This does not cause health problems. If your water is discolored you can call the Water Office at 706-863-6928, and the water mains in your area will be flushed.

7. How do I find out if my road is on the list of roads to be paved?

Any questions concerning paving of dirt roads or resurfacing of existing paved roads need to be directed to the Road Construction Department 706-447-7600.

8. What can I do to help improve stormwater quality?

To improve Stormwater Quality, you can start by preventing pollution. Do things like recycle, throw away trash in proper trash cans, and don’t dump anything down a storm drain. Remember, only rain down the drain!

9. Doesn't Stormwater Runoff Go Into the Sanitary Sewer?

 In Columbia County, only wastewater is collected and transported to the water treatment plant by the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater, on the other hand, flows through the storm system, ditches, and channels. It empties, untreated, into our streams, ponds, and lakes.

10. What is Stormwater Pollution Prevention?

Stormwater pollution prevention is stopping pollution from entering the stormwater system and eventually ending up in our local waterways. Water pollution is less visible than flooding, erosion, and sedimentation but still exists. 

11. Who should I contact if a traffic signal or school zone light is out or is not functioning properly?

Please contact the Traffic Engineering department at 706-868-4223.

12. What is the "85th Percentile Speed"?

The 85th percentile speed is defined as the speed at which eighty-five percent of drivers are traveling at or below, while fifteen percent of drivers are exceeding that speed.

13. What is the difference between a speed "hump" and a speed "bump"?

A speed "bump" is a shorter speed control device that is primarily used in parking lots, they are approximately 12-15 inches wide. A speed "hump" is used as a traffic control device on streets and roads. They are approximately 20 feet or wider.

14. Who do I call to request Speed Humps?

Traffic Engineering at 706-868-4223. Please click to view the Speed Hump Program Policy Manual (PDF).

15. I need traffic count information along a road I am planning to open a business, who do I contact?

You can call the Traffic Engineering Department at 706-868-4223 for this information or you may visit the Georgia Department of Transportation website.

16. Who do I need to call to request sidewalks?

To request sidewalks, please call the Columbia County Road Construction Department at 706-447-7600.

17. How do I get a "Children at Play" sign in my neighborhood?

Columbia County no longer installs "Children at Play" or "Watch for Children" signs. The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) no longer recognizes "Children at Play" signs. There is no evidence to prove that this sign helps reduce pedestrian accidents or lower speeds and in some instances studies have shown that speeds have increased in areas where these signs are present. Currently, when a "Children at Play" or "Watch for Children" sign is present in a work area, it will be removed.

18. I want to stop speeding on my street, can a stop sign be installed?

According to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), a stop sign shall not be used to control speed.

19. Who do I call if a traffic signal is not working properly?

You can report the problem to Traffic Engineering at 706-868-4223 or email us.

20. Will a lower speed limit reduce speeding on my street?

This is a common myth, research conducted throughout the country over several decades has shown that drivers are influenced by the type of street and the current traffic conditions and not the posted speed limit.

21. Can I get a speed limit sign on my street?

The placement of speed limit signs are based on several factors. One of the main factors is the functional classification of the roadway. If it is a local road (typical subdivision street), speed limit signs are normally placed only on the local roads that serve as entrances/exits to subdivisions. Usually, none of the interior subdivision streets have speed limit signs placed.

22. Where do I stop at an intersection when there is both a stop bar and a stop sign?

The stop bar is supposed to be placed at the critical point. It should be placed where one will be out of the flow of oncoming traffic and where the stopping vehicle can see oncoming traffic. According to code requirements, the stop sign can be anywhere from six feet to fifty feet from the edge of the intersecting street.

23. How can I tell the difference between a sewer and a storm drain?

A sewer (top) is usually located in the middle of the road and has no type of drainage from the road whereas a storm drain is usually located at the curb and water is able to drain into it. A storm drain can also be located at the back of property.