Author: bluecorona

Stormwater Experts Explain

Keeping our local waters clean is essential from an ecological and safety standpoint. If your business deals with waste, sewage lines, or potentially toxic chemicals, it’s critical that you stay in compliance with federal regulations to avoid any potential liability.

The experts at iSTORMWATER discuss the origins of the United States Clean Water Act and how it can impact businesses in the Mid-Atlantic area.

Learn more about the implications of the Clean Water Act today by calling (443) 699-2828 to get stormwater management services in the DMV.

The Clean Water Act Summarized

Originally labeled the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Clean Water Act was first enacted in 1948 to limit pollution of the waters of the United States. Under it, the Environmental Protection Agency has implemented pollution control programs and national water quality criteria for pollutants in surface waters.

The legislation makes it illegal to discharge pollutants into pipes, ditches, or any other system that may lead to navigable waters without a permit. The goal of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain our Nation’s waters.

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What It Means for Your Business

While environmental compliance is important for any business, the complexities of the Clean Water Act and other regulations can be difficult to understand. It may be necessary to seek guidance on how to meet your business goals while adhering to these standards and when obtaining permits may be necessary.

We recommend that industries, including land developers, municipal governments, construction companies, and industrial businesses, assess their current operations to ensure legal compliance. Otherwise, you may be liable and subject to financial and legal complications.

Get Stormwater Services in the DMV Today

At iSTORMWATER, we help businesses navigate proper runoff management to help protect our nation’s water and avoid fines and legal trouble. With our stormwater management services, we’ll work with you to:

• Create customized stormwater inspection and maintenance plans to prepare your site for stormwater runoff
• Perform erosion control measures
• Inspect, maintain, repair, and update aboveground and belowground stormwater management facilities
• Provide you with documentation of our stormwater inspections for your records

With more than 20 years of industry experience, we’re here to ensure that your business experiences minimal disruptions. Plus, with our various certifications and understanding of local permitting, you’re sure to get friendly and knowledgeable service!

Call iSTORMWATER today at (443) 699-2828 to request stormwater services to ensure your business operates in line with federal regulations.

Professionals Explain the Process

When the skies open up, they can deposit considerable amounts of moisture across the region. As this water flows through drains and gutters, it makes its way down the road, but to where? It’s a common question with a couple of possible answers.

At iSTORMWATER, our team is always ready to give you the answers you need to these questions and more.

Contact iSTORMWATER at (443) 699-2828 to speak with our specialists about the needs of your business in Maryland, Virginia, or DC.

Where Does Stormwater Go?

Unlike the water from your sinks, showers, and toilets, stormwater may or may not go into the sanitary sewer system, where it’s treated, cleaned, and released into the regional water supply. In some cases, the stormwater goes directly into a water body, i.e., a lake, river, or catch basin.

Catch basins are designed to trap and remove contaminants from stormwater runoff before they pollute waterways. Catch basins are lined with various media filters engineered to remove sediment, oil, grease, and other contamination. This process is vital because these toxins can cause significant damage to the local ecosystem. Should this water enter the water supply untreated, it can cause extensive damage to fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life, birds, mammals, and more.

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Stormwater vs. Wastewater

Water from your roof drain, foundation drain, and catch basin is deposited into the stormwater sewer or directly into rivers, lakes, or streams. Wastewater has a much more complicated path as it must be treated to remove a wide range of chemical and biological contamination, including oil, pesticides, fertilizer, heavy metals, etc.

As such, wastewater from your toilet, washing machine, sink, floor drain, etc., goes to a water treatment facility. There, it undergoes screening, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and final treatment. Sometimes, the water may be used to generate power or returned directly to rivers, lakes, etc.

Stormwater Management in the DMV

A broad range of local regulations govern the handling and treatment of stormwater runoff. Adhering to these isn’t just good for the environment and the appearance of your property; it’s essential for protecting your business from fines and potentially costly repairs to your facilities.

In the DMV area, businesses must adhere to numerous stormwater management regulations. This list includes the installation, design, and management of stormwater systems. At iSTORMWATER, our specialists can help you navigate these regulations so that your stormwater system is code compliant and effective at resolving the stormwater needs on your property.

Schedule a Consultation With iSTORMWATER

Designing and installing a code-compliant stormwater system is essential for DC area businesses. Because of varying rules in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, our team will help you determine the best solution based on your needs and any governing regulations. We’ll help you protect your business and the regional ecosystems that enhance the beauty and vitality of our communities.

When you need reliable stormwater solutions in the DMV area, contact iSTORMWATER at (443) 699-2828 to schedule a consultation with our stormwater specialists.

For businesses and commercial sites, managing stormwater is a necessity. Stormwater management is critical in protecting our infrastructure and environment from the potentially devastating effects of uncontrolled runoff. The storm filter catch basin offers a straightforward, state-of-the-art solution to a complex problem.

This innovative system is a component of stormwater management that is worth exploring. It’s a strong player for environmental protection that is easy to operate and manage.

Ready to learn more about storm filter catch basins? We’re here to explain how they keep us safe and our waters clean.

What Storm Filter Catch Filters Are For

Storm filter catch filters play an important role in stormwater management. These systems are designed to effectively trap and remove pollutants from stormwater runoff before they enter our waterways or affect the infrastructure of your property.

They work by using a variety of media filters. These filters capture sediments, oils, and other contaminants. This process promotes cleaner, safer water, helps maintain the ecological balance, and reduces the strain on municipal treatment facilities.

Their simple but effective work makes them indispensable tools in our efforts to preserve natural water bodies and provide sustainable urban development.

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How They Work

The storm filter catch basin operates on a straightforward but highly effective principle. As stormwater enters the system, it flows through cartridges filled with absorbing materials that trap pollutants. These specially designed cartridges ensure easy maintenance and replacement and guarantee the system’s long-term effectiveness and reliability.

Once treated, the water exits the system cleaner, which reduces environmental impact and aids in preserving our natural water bodies. Plus, this system plays a critical role in helping businesses meet regulatory requirements, helping them to contribute to environmental stewardship while maintaining their operations smoothly and efficiently.

Schedule Stormwater Services Today

At iSTORMWATER, we offer effective, ethical, and transparent stormwater management services. Our team holds professional certifications in Erosion and Sediment Control, Stormwater Management Inspection, and Stormwater Maintenance Facility Contracting. We’ll make sure your project is handled with professionalism and expertise.

Why Choose Us?

When you schedule a service with us, you can expect a fair and ethical approach from start to finish. We begin with an upfront inspection and clearly explain the recommended work. You’ll receive a detailed cost estimate and timeline projection before any work begins, and we schedule our services at your convenience to minimize disruption to your operations.

Our certified engineers and project staff treat your facility with care and respect. We’ll maintain clear communication throughout the project. We’re committed to delivering the highest level of quality and attention to detail. After the job, we conduct a follow-up to make sure you’re completely satisfied with the work.

Our commitment to quality, 24/7 availability, and certified expertise makes us a leading choice for commercial stormwater management services. Protect your property and help create a healthier environment with our solutions.

For top-quality StormFilter Catch Basin services, count on iSTORMWATER. Call us at (443) 699-2828 to schedule your service today.

Following precipitation, stormwater is runoff from various surfaces like streets, lawns, and construction sites. It can carry pollutants like oil, grease, metals, and sediments into bodies of water. Stormwater can lead to erosion, flooding, and water pollution if left unmanaged. But with proper management, it can replenish groundwater supplies and protect land and waterways.

Understanding what stormwater regulations apply to you can feel overwhelming. After all, every state has its own rules tailored to protect public waterways and manage the impact of urban development. Learn the crucial standout points of stormwater regulations in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, especially concerning construction sites.

To get professional assistance in Maryland, Virginia, or DC to manage these regulations, contact iSTORMWATER at (443) 699-2828.

Virginia

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality leads the charge in stormwater management. The DEQ is the primary agency responsible for developing and implementing statewide programs to safeguard water quality and quantity from stormwater runoff. They issue permits, certify land disturbances, and provide compliance assistance.

Virginia classifies stormwater as a “point source” of pollution, meaning its origin is identifiable. This classification includes:

• Municipal separate storm sewer systems: MS4s, which are publicly owned, need permits and must develop stormwater management programs.
• Construction activities: Permits are often necessary to discharge stormwater from construction activities under the Virginia Stormwater Management Program.
• Industrial discharges: Industrial activities are regulated under industrial stormwater permits, requiring specific management practices and monitoring to ensure water quality is maintained.

Erosion and sediment control are other critical aspects, with separate permits needed for land disturbances. Stormwater runoff that is not confined to a single origin is considered a “nonpoint source” of pollution, mainly controlled through erosion and sediment control.

Maryland

Maryland’s stormwater management program, established under the 2007 Stormwater Management Act, differs from Virginia’s in several ways. Maryland’s program is more localized, with exemptions for agricultural practices and smaller land disturbances. It requires consultation with local Soil Conservation Districts and Planning and Zoning Departments, especially for projects impacting agricultural lands.

This approach contrasts with Virginia’s recent move to consolidate regulations for efficiency, focusing on statewide standards and permits. But while specific regulations and requirements differ, both states share the same underlying goal: to balance development needs with environmental protection.

Washington, DC

DC has yet another perspective on stormwater management. Due to its dense urban environment and significant development activities, the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy & Environment has specific requirements for managing stormwater post-construction.

Large development projects in DC must manage stormwater runoff through on-site and off-site practices. These include green roofs, rain gardens, cisterns, and permeable pavements. The district’s Stormwater Management Guidebook provides comprehensive details on compliance, design requirements, and technical guidance.

On January 31, 2020, the DOEE finalized amendments to these regulations. This update reflects the evolving nature of stormwater management in DC, ensuring that practices stay current with the latest environmental standards and urban development trends.

Schedule Stormwater Services Today

If you own a construction company or another type of business in Virginia, Maryland, or DC, you are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable stormwater regulations. This calls for expertise, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of regional differences and similarities in environmental protection standards.

That’s where iSTORMWATER steps in. With over 20 years of industry experience, we can keep your business compliant. Our approach includes upfront inspections, clear communication, detailed cost estimates, convenient scheduling, and post-job follow-up. Our certified engineers and project staff are committed to the highest level of quality for long-lasting results and your complete satisfaction.

To schedule stormwater solutions in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, please contact us at (443) 699-2828 today.

Effective stormwater management is essential for protecting your business and ensuring employees’ and patrons’ health and safety. Our commercial stormwater treatment services create reliable solutions that keep stormwater from inundating your property, damaging landscaping, and more.

We can design, install, and maintain a broad range of effective, code-compliant solutions that will enhance the appearance of your property while maximizing the protection you enjoy.

Call iSTORMWATER at (443) 699-2828 for more information about our commercial stormwater treatment solutions in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

5 Stormwater Treatment Methods

There are many effective solutions for controlling and managing stormwater on your property. At iSTORMWATER, our team can help you identify the optimal solution for your needs, available space, and other factors. Common water-sensitive urban design solutions our team can build include:

Detention basins: Detention basins are designed to remain dry between rainfall events. When the rain falls, the basins fill and contain the water as it gradually channels into the drain, sewer, retention pond, etc.

Rain gardens: Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants and sustainable plant species. These can be positioned anywhere in the landscape because the design allows water to penetrate and drain into the underlying soil, where it flows into groundwater supplies.

Infiltration systems: Infiltration systems incorporate a shallow, excavated trench that detains and retains runoff until the surrounding soil can absorb the moisture and deposit it within groundwater aquifers.

Gravity drainage: Gravity drainage systems utilize underground drains and open channels to channel the water into wetlands, cisterns, or city sewer systems.

Bioretention swales: Like rain gardens and infiltration systems, bioretention swales detain runoff within a filtration trench planted with native grasses and plant species. The water is treated as the runoff percolates through the soil and filter media and is then deposited into pipes and channeled into waterways downstream.

Top Expert Tips for Reducing Stormwater Pollution

Every business needs to do its part to help contain pollution within our regional environment. To that end, there are some simple steps that commercial enterprises can take that will enhance the performance of their stormwater management systems and plans, including:

• Refrain from overfertilizing, as this can increase soil salinity and cause root burn.
• Sweep, don’t hose driveways and parking lots. This reduces the amount of pollutants, dirt, and other waste the stormwater management system must filter.
• Use native plants around your landscape to create a biodiverse ecosystem that will thrive in our climate.

Belowground Treatment Technology

Our teams work hard to help our clients enjoy superior stormwater management. Whether you operate an office, educational institution, retail center, healthcare facility, or other enterprise, we have modern solutions customized to meet your needs.

Our stormwater services include:

• Stormwater program development and consulting
• Responses to an NOV (notice of violation)
• Common area stormwater maintenance and sustainability
• Stormwater Control Measure (SCM), including system design, installation, retrofitting, and repairs
• Green construction stormwater management to control runoff using porous pavement, biofiltration, etc.
• Stormwater inspections, recordkeeping, and documentation
• And more

Schedule With iSTORMWATER Today

Proper stormwater control is important for commercial operators in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. At iSTORMWATER, we have decades of experience and advanced certifications to improve water flow through our client’s properties. Our 24/7 stormwater services are customized to meet your needs and resolve the most challenging problems.

When you choose our team, we guarantee detailed cost estimates with an accurate timeline projection. Our convenient scheduling and clear communication make us your top choice for commercial stormwater management.

When you need superior solutions you can rely on, call (443) 699-2828 to schedule an appointment with our teams in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland.