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Paradise Lake
Paradise Lake is located north of John Hawkins Parkway. Water enters the lake via Patton Creek and eventually flows under the John Hawkins Parkway and into the Cahaba River. The lake was filled with sediment and debris during the development of Patton Creek Shopping Center and dredged. In recent years the lake has once again filled with sediment and debris flowing downstream from Patton Creek and settling in the lake.
Many residents of Paradise Lake responded to the Consent Decree between USS (United States Steel) and ADEM (Alabama Department of Environmental Management) in April of 2021. ADEM has, once again (December of 2021), found USS in violation of numerous regulations; "Sediment accumulation was observed leaving the site and being deposited in an UT to Hurricane Branch ". Sediment flows from the unnamed tributary (UT) to waters of Hurricane Branch flowing into Patton Creek and eventually polluting Paradise Lake.
1. In 1990 Hoover obtained a Stormwater Permit as required by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). This plan included Construction and Post-construction stormwater runoff regulations including annual inspections post-construction. Success was to be measured in 10-20 years (so by 2010) as Hoover streams, rivers and lakes were no longer polluted. Sediment is the most common pollutant in rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs according to the EPA. Over thirty years and sediment and debris continue to flow into Paradise Lake.
2. Since 1982 Hoover Subdivision regulations have aimed to protect adjacent properties from development. Further, the city is responsible for maintaining drainage systems, including some ditches, to control stormwater.
3. It is estimated that Hoover collects over one million dollars annually for stormwater management.
4. Sediment and debris are being dumped in Paradise Lake via Patton Creek. This should not happen. Paradise Lake has become a detention pond.
____________________________________________The city subdivision regulations (approved 7-31-2012) recognize the responsibility of the city to maintain public improvements.
You might be interested to know:
The City of Hoover will not allow the development of one site to cause an adverse effect on adjacent property. (Ord. No. 89-857, § 1, 1-3-90)
1.3.3 Erosion and Sedimentation Control: Administer, implement, and enforce a construction site runoff control program (Ord. No. 89-857, § 1, 1-3-90)
Municipalities are sued successfully when there is negligence or failure to meet the standard of care (Corley et al, 2020[1]) Mr. Corley is the Hoover City Attorney.
Chapter 12 section 157 of Hoover Code RE: watercourse (drainage) protection states you must keep the watercourse clear and flowing but you are responsible only for material originating on your property.
Water leaving The Preserve toward Hurricane Branch. Hurricane Branch enters Patton Creek which is the major source of water in Paradise Lake (above). Sediment and debris has formed islands in the lake (below).
10-20 inspection by ADEM of the Preserve: http://lf.adem.alabama.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=104656177&dbid=0
10-20 Adem inspection of the Preserve.docx
Final City of Hoover SWMP Plan January 2021
Construction Site Run off (pages 78-9)
6.4.1. Erosion and Sediment Controls
The owner and/or operator shall select, design, install, implement, inspect, and maintain BMPs appropriate to specific site conditions to, at a minimum: 1. Manage stormwater volume and velocity within the site to minimize soil erosion;
2. Manage stormwater discharges, including both peak flow rates and total stormwater volume, to minimize erosion at outlets and to minimize downstream channel and stream bank erosion;
3. Minimize the disturbance of steep slopes;
4. Minimize sediment discharges from the site;
5. Minimize the generation of dust and off-site tracking of sediment from vehicles;
6. Stabilize all construction entrances and exits;
7. Provide and maintain natural buffers around surface waters, direct stormwater to vegetated areas to increase sediment removal and maximize stormwater infiltration, unless infeasible; and,
8. Implement measures or requirements to achieve the pollutant reductions consistent with a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) finalized or approved by EPA.
6.4.2. Soil Stabilization
Stabilization of disturbed areas shall, at a minimum, be initiated immediately whenever any clearing, grading, excavating, or other earth disturbing activities have permanently ceased on any portion of the site or temporarily ceased on any portion of the site and will not resume for a period exceeding thirteen (13) calendar days.
Islands of debris and sediment in Paradise Lake (above).
See photos of Paradise Lake below:
Water leaving the lake and eroding the John Hawkins (Hwy 150) Bridge piers.
Water leaving the lake over the dam.
Sediment is evident in the lake, the depth of the lake has been reduced as can be seen on the left.
February 27 2022 Water leaving the lake over the dam and under the bridge on John Hawkins (Hwy 150)
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