Now's your chance to speak your mind.

Are you sick and tired of flood warnings every time it rains? Then tell the Environmental Protection Agency how Charlotte's persistent flooding problem affects you. You've got until Dec. 30 to submit your comments.

What's the problem with stormwater?

According to the EPA, "Generally, as sites are developed, less ground area is available for rain to soak into, which increases stormwater volume. This stormwater flows across roads, rooftops and other surfaces, picking up pollutants that then flow into waterways." They also say, "Developed sites, such as subdivisions and commercial shopping centers, can significantly alter the hydrology of land can have a negative impact on receiving waterbodies."

Translated, that means all of the concrete and asphalt in our city is a problem. Water doesn't soak into those impervious surfaces, it rolls off -- fast -- and overburdens our streams and creeks, causing flooding. And, let's not forget that all of this flooding creates a giant mess, frustration and massive property damage and emergency service bills.

On the flip side, green space, like lawns and gardens, not only soak up much of the water but also the pollutants the water's picked up, like oil and rubber residue from tires.

Now, you should know, this "public comment" period is really intended for the development industry and local governments ... which isn't very "public" if you ask me. How are they going to know the true impact of stormwater flooding if they don't hear from the people?

So, speak up. It is your right to do so. Let the EPA know how Charlotte's frequent floods affect your life and livelihood.

All you have to do is e-mail your comments to OW–Docket@epa.gov. Be sure to put "Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2009–0817" in the subject line.

From the summer of 2007:

From the summer of 2008:

From the summer of 2009: