New Safety Rules for Storm Drains

In response to a ProPublica investigation highlighting the dangers of storm drains, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has implemented new safety regulations for federally funded projects. The rule, effective since May, mandates that local officials in flood-prone areas consider safety measures, such as grates, for stormwater drains. This initiative follows ProPublica's 2021 report, which linked uncovered storm drains to at least three dozen fatalities over six years. The updated regulations require project leaders to evaluate and document the safety features they will incorporate, including protective gates or angled grates for culverts and stormwater drains. A HUD spokesperson expressed optimism that these measures will help reduce injuries and drownings during flood events. The tragic case of a child who died after being pulled from a storm drain underscores the urgency of these new guidelines. Holly Piza, director of research and development at the Mile High Flood District, welcomed the inclusion of safety grates in the federal rule but noted that the true impact of these changes remains to be seen. In May, HUD also announced over $3 billion in funding for repairs and improvements to public housing across the nation, including territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While the new regulations aim to enhance safety, the decision to implement specific measures ultimately rests with state transportation departments, which manage many of the storm drains linked to past fatalities.