WHEELING, W.VA. – The City of Wheeling’s Stormwater Department needs residents’ help identifying potential drainage issues before heavy rain arrives.
Superintendent Mike Chiazza explained that with more than 3,000 catch basins and hundreds of miles of storm sewer infrastructure throughout the City, crews rely on residents to help identify problems that may not be visible during routine inspections.
Citizens who notice any of the following should report it:
- Clogged catch basins or storm drains
- Debris blocking ditches, channels, or streams
- Headwalls, culverts or drainage pipes obstructed by brush, trees, or trash
- Areas where water routinely ponds or backs up during rainfall
- Sinkholes or roadway depressions near stormwater infrastructure
- Damaged stormwater structures or missing grates
Reporting can be done through Wheeling 311 on the City’s website at https://main.govpilot.com/jet/public.html?fid=bb5bca63-942b-4061-83b4-ba76a04aec30, by using the Wheeling 311 app or by phone at (304) 234-3874.
“Reporting these issues before a storm gives City crews the opportunity to investigate and address problems before they become flooding emergencies,” he said. Please do not assume someone else has already reported the issue. Multiple reports can help us identify recurring problem areas and prioritize response efforts.”
Chiazza said when submitting a Wheeling 311 request, please be as specific as possible regarding the location and nature of the problem. Including photographs with your submission can be especially helpful and allows crews to better identify, locate and evaluate issues before arriving on site.
“While social media can be useful for sharing information, posting complaints or drainage concerns on social media does not guarantee that City crews will receive the information. The most effective way to report stormwater issues is through Wheeling 311, which allows requests to be documented, tracked and assigned for investigation,” he said.
Residents can also help reduce flooding by keeping leaves, grass clippings, trash and other debris out of gutters, ditches and storm drains. Materials that enter the storm sewer system can quickly create blockages and reduce drainage capacity during heavy rainfall.
“During major rain events, available personnel are often responding to active flooding, road closures and other emergency situations. Identifying and reporting concerns in advance allows us to use our resources more effectively and helps reduce the risk of flooding throughout the community. Working together before the storm helps protect homes, businesses and public infrastructure,” he said.
