Dead Animal Removal

The City of Portsmouth Public Works is responsible for the removal of dead animals within the city right-of-way. The City will not enter private property to collect dead animals. For removal, please contact the Public Works Department at 757-393-8666. Do not bury dead animals on private land as this can contaminate groundwater.

 

Facility & Ditch Maintenance

Ditch maintenance consists of cutting vegetation and removing debris/sediment that blocks the natural flow of water. If weather permits, ditch crews will cut public ditches 3 times per year to maintain the flow line. Residents are responsible for maintaining the banks of ditches that are next to or run through their property.

Residents are reminded that it is illegal to dump leaves, grass clippings, and debris into the drainage system and ditches. Ditches should never be burned. The vegetation in ditches provides stability to the banks and natural filtration of water.

Crews regularly clean catch basins, drop inlets and outfalls to remove debris and blockages. Crews also flush sediment from clogged pipes. A vacuum truck is used to pump high-pressure water through drainpipes.

 

Hoffler Creek Watershed 

In 2013, the City began performing monthly bacteria monitoring in Hoffler Creek.  Water samples are collected each month at four (4) locations. These samples are then analyzed at the Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s Central Environmental Lab for fecal coliform and Enterococcus bacteria.

 

The City was simultaneously installing BMPs in the watershed (pet waste stations and storm drain medallions) as well as collecting data from the residents.

 

As a result of these efforts, the monitoring data has indicated an improvement in water quality.  However, due to the abundant wildlife in the Hoffler Creek Watershed, the resulting bacteria load is significant enough by itself to cause exceedances of water quality standards.

 

The monitoring will continue at least until the expiration of the current MS4 permit (June 30, 2021).  The program will be re-evaluated at that time.

 

Street Sweeping

In order to prevent the discharge of accumulated sediment and debris collected on Portsmouth's network of streets, the City employs 6 street sweepers and 2 litter vacs. Street sweeping operations performs routine maintenance by dividing the City into 3 zones. For more detailed information please download the Street Sweeping Schedule (PDF).

 

Collection of debris resulting from severe weather will be carried out on a routine basis with a fleet of garbage trucks equipped with trash booms unless otherwise noted.

Severe Weather Response

In the event of a snow storm or other severe weather, the City of Portsmouth is prepared to handle the removal of any snow and/or debris that may follow. Following snowfall, the City will promptly address major arteries and then any secondary roadways that may have the potential to ice over during a storm. Collection of debris resulting from severe weather will be carried out on a routine basis with a fleet of garbage trucks equipped with trash booms unless otherwise noted.

 

Municipal Facility Inspections

The City of Portsmouth inspects each facility quarterly using the City yard inspection form. Copies of the completed forms are filed in the Department of Engineering and Technical Services, Division of Stormwater Compliance. Facilities currently inspected include:

 

Public Works (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Material Storage (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Vehicle Services (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center and 2717 Victory Boulevard)

Waste Management (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Sheriff’s Work Center (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Property Management (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Sign Shop (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Signal Shop (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Parks and Recreation (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Public Utilities (Meander Road Operations Center)

Churchland High School Fueling Facility

 

Severe Weather Response

In the event of a snow storm or other severe weather, the City of Portsmouth is prepared to handle the removal of any snow and/or debris that may follow. Following snowfall, the City will promptly address major arteries and then any secondary roadways that may have the potential to ice over during a storm. Collection of debris resulting from severe weather will be carried out on a routine basis with a fleet of garbage trucks equipped with trash booms unless otherwise noted.

 

Municipal Facility Inspections

The City of Portsmouth inspects each facility quarterly using the City yard inspection form. Copies of the completed forms are filed in the Department of Engineering and Technical Services, Division of Stormwater Compliance. Facilities currently inspected include:

 

Public Works (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Material Storage (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Vehicle Services (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center and 2717 Victory Boulevard)

Waste Management (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Sheriff’s Work Center (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Property Management (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Sign Shop (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Signal Shop (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Parks and Recreation (Frederick Boulevard Operations Center)

Public Utilities (Meander Road Operations Center)

Churchland High School Fueling Facility