A stormwater management facility is a structure or system designed to manage and control stormwater flow within a residential community, commercial property, or any other site where stormwater is intentionally captured. These facilities, often called stormwater BMPs (which stands for best management practices), play a crucial role in preventing flooding, reducing erosion, and protecting water quality by controlling the amount and speed of water runoff during and after rainstorms. Property managers, homeowner’s associations, and individual residents are usually responsible for maintaining these facilities to ensure they function correctly. Deferring maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line.
Typical stormwater BMPs include:
Retention Ponds
Retention Pond
Hold water permanently and help manage water levels during heavy rainfall by gradually releasing water to prevent flooding downstream.
Detention Basins
Detention Basin
Temporarily hold stormwater and release it slowly to reduce downstream flooding or allow stormwater to soak into the ground, recharging groundwater. They usually dry up between rain events.
Bioswales & Rain Gardens
Bioswale
Vegetated, shallow ditches or landscaped areas that collect and absorb stormwater while naturally filtering pollutants.
Wetland Retention
Wetland
The bottom and slopes are planted with native wetland plants that filter pollutants. Wetland detention can offer both pollutant filtering capabilities and habitat.
Native Buffers
Native Buffer
Vegetated areas surrounding wet ponds and wetlands and run parallel to streams and lakes. Buffers can be effective in water infiltration and filtering out non-point pollution before it reaches a water body.
How Do Stormwater BMP Inspections Work?
Regardless of the type of stormwater BMP, regular inspections should occur annually (at a minimum) and after big storms.
Inspections include visual checklists that look at all the components associated with the functionality of the BMP. The process typically includes:
Pre-Inspection Preparation
Review original design plans and previous inspection reports, if available.
Hydrological Assessment
Check water levels, inlets and outlets, and standing water that persists longer than the design intended.
Vegetation
Asses native plants to ensure they are healthy and provide adequate coverage for erosion control and water infiltration. Look for the presence of invasive species.
Sediment and Debris Accumulation
Check sediment thickness and compare to previous reports if available. Look for accumulation, especially near inlets. Look for litter or organic material that may be blocking water flow.
Structural Integrity
Check the integrity and functionality of side slopes and embankments, erosion control measures, and overflow structures.
Wildlife Impacts
Document evidence of wildlife, such as dams or burrows, that have the potential to destabilize shorelines. Look for signs of stagnant water that could harbor mosquitos.
The inspection product should be a well-documented report, including photos, with recommendations for maintenance, if needed. This should include a timeline for maintenance with prioritized activities based on the severity of the issues.
Most property managers or homeowners associations are not familiar with the infrastructure of a stormwater BMP and may need help with regular inspections. A stormwater BMP maintenance professional can inspect all system aspects and recommend proper maintenance and repairs when required.
Why Should You Care About Inspecting Your Stormwater BMP?
Stormwater BMPs have associated liability and can be very expensive to fix if neglected for many years. Other reasons to regularly inspect stormwater BMPs include:
Safety and Aesthetics
BMPs, such as retention ponds or drainage systems, can pose safety risks if not properly maintained. Regular inspections ensure they are safe for residents. Well-maintained BMPs contribute to the overall aesthetics of the community, which can enhance property values and resident satisfaction.
Regulatory Compliance
Many jurisdictions have regulations mandating the regular inspection and maintenance of stormwater BMPs. Ensuring compliance helps avoid fines and legal issues. In addition, developers often build BMPs to meet specific permit requirements. Stormwater BMP managers need to confirm that these conditions are still being met after the transfer.
Property Damage Prevention
Properly functioning stormwater BMPs reduce the risk of flooding, protecting community infrastructure and individual properties. BMPs help manage runoff and reduce soil erosion, which can otherwise undermine roads, pathways, and building foundations.
Environmental Protection
BMPs are designed to filter and treat stormwater runoff, removing pollutants before they reach natural water bodies. Regular inspections ensure they continue to contribute to local water quality.
Cost Management
Regular inspections can identify minor issues before they become significant problems, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Understanding the condition of stormwater systems helps BMP managers plan and budget for necessary maintenance and repairs.
Common Stormwater BMP Maintenance Recommendations
Stormwater BMP inspections include maintenance recommendations that will improve the functionality of the BMP and help prevent more costly repairs in the future. These recommendations commonly include:
- Clear clogged culverts.
- Repair separated pipe joints.
- Repair eroded shoreline areas.
- Control invasive aquatic plants and/or algae.
- Control invasive/non-native plant species in buffer areas
- Supplemental planting or seeding of buffer areas.
- Convert turfgrass planted to shoreline edge to native buffer.
- Remove accumulated debris to ensure proper flow (including garbage).
- Perform additional sediment thickness probing if there is a noticeable build-up.
- Remove accumulated sediment removal (spot or larger areas).
- Control wildlife.
- Conduct detailed water quality testing.
- Perform nutrient deactivation.
Resource:
Wet Pond or Wet Extended Detention Basin Inspection and Maintenance Checklist (PDF)
Contact Us to Learn more About Stormwater BMP Inspections.
