Stormwater FAQ

Stormwater management involves the effort to control and reduce the runoff of precipitation (rainwater or melted snow) into the ground, streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality. Stormwater picks up contaminates, including pesticides, chemicals and sediment, which pollutes the water, if not managed properly. Stormwater management is important to prevent physical damage from flooding and to maintain and improve ecological quality.

When seeking to successfully manage the runoff near your building, you may wonder about the difference between our aboveground and belowground facility services. Aboveground systems are generally located where storm runoff can easily flow away from buildings, paved areas, and other public property into the system. In contrast, underground systems are designed around existing infrastructure, new development, and insufficient soil conditions.

Typically, you only need one or the other to remain compliant with EPA stormwater management guidelines. Underground facilities are generally better suited for newly developed areas and urban areas where space is a larger concern. Aboveground facilities are more commonly seen in rural areas where there are fewer concerns about water damaging other people’s property. Consult your iSTORMWATER representative to find out which solution is best for your industry or application.

A notice of violation is a formal notice served to those who have not remained compliant with current stormwater management best practices. You can receive a notice of violation if you’ve violated any of the following conditions:

• Illegal animal feedlot operations
• Wastewater discharge without permit
• Fish kills
• Late or non-submittal of mandatory reporting
• Illegal discharge of oil or hazardous materials
• Late registration or renewal
• Failure to employ a certified wastewater treatment plant operator
• Improperly certified laboratory
• Limits and monitoring violations of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit
• And more

iSTORMWATER’s services help ensure you remain compliant with local and EPA guidelines pertaining to runoff management. Our aboveground and belowground facility services provide the solutions property owners need to avoid steep fines from stormwater regulation authorities.

There are more than 12,000 stormwater management facilities in the County that require inspection. When they function well, stormwater facilities:

• Reduce flooding in our urban environment

• Remove pollution carried by stormwater

• Recharge the groundwater supply

• Protect local stream banks from erosion

• Protect public health

The Stormwater Facility Maintenance Program inspects stormwater facilities at minimum every three years in order to ensure the facilities are functioning properly.

Type and Location of Facility

• Non-Environmental Site Design stormwater facility on residential HOA/CA common areas

Maintenance Responsibility

• Structural Maintenance: DEP’s Stormwater Facility Maintenance Program works with citizens to assume responsibility for structural maintenance for residential stormwater facilities if the property owner has completed the maintenance transfer process.
• Nonstructural Maintenance: For all facilities, nonstructural maintenance is the responsibility of the owner.

Type and Location of Facility

• Environmental Site Design stormwater facility on private lots or on residential HOA/CA common areas

Maintenance Responsibility

• Structural and non-structural maintenance are the responsibility of the owner.

Type and Location of Facility

• Any stormwater facility on nonresidential property

Maintenance Responsibility

• Structural and non-structural maintenance for most nonresidential facilities is the responsibility of the owner.

Type and Location of Facility

• Any stormwater facility on County government property

Maintenance Responsibility

• Montgomery County assumes responsibility for structural maintenance and either assumes all, or shares responsibility for non-structural maintenance with the owner (e.g. parks, schools, and libraries).

All stormwater facility maintenance contractors working in Montgomery County are required to have a Certificate of Attendance from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Stormwater Facility Maintenance Contractor Training. Once contractors have attended a training, they will be placed on a list of contractors approved by the County for maintenance of stormwater facilities.