Stormwater Maintenance Requirements

When it comes to properly handling runoff from storms, preventative action is a critical best practice. Knowing how your stormwater system is performing is a must, and inspections with needed maintenance are the smartest way to avoid costly disasters.

iSTORMWATER can inspect your system and provide the documentation needed to obtain permits and certification in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. Call us at (443) 699-2828 or contact us online to get started.

Types of Stormwater Inspection

For routine inspections carried out monthly, weekly, or even daily to make sure the system is working in accordance with your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, facilities typically follow a checklist that contains:

  • Date and time of inspection
  • Information on who is performing the inspection
  • Controls that require replacement or repair
  • Compliance and noncompliance documentation
  • Weather conditions at the time of inspection

In addition to routine inspections, facilities need quarterly inspections performed to ensure stormwater mitigation meets the standards set in the permit. Quarterly inspections include visual checks on outflow areas and obtaining stormwater samples from multiple points for analysis.

At least once a year, facilities need a comprehensive inspection of the premises from a certified inspector. These inspections require:

  • Observing storm drains and any other area the permit covers
  • Documenting all materials that may have been touched by stormwater
  • Summarizing data from routine inspections
  • Noting spills or leaks
  • Documenting control measures

The inspector will note any repairs or maintenance required to keep the permit valid.

State Requirements for Stormwater Maintenance

Stormwater permits are required under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, to limit the discharge of pollutants from industrial and municipal sources. State environmental departments are responsible for setting permit requirements on an individual basis.

Keeping up with which permits require what criteria can be a huge headache, so working with a stormwater management specialist is key to maintaining compliance.

Stormwater Maintenance FAQ

How do I get a stormwater permit?

The process differs depending on your state, but you will need to begin by preparing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan in accordance with state law.

Can I perform a stormwater inspection myself?

You can perform routine inspections for record-keeping, but quarterly and annual inspections and maintenance must be performed by a professional with the appropriate license.

How long is a stormwater permit valid?

As long as requirements are met, NPDES permits are valid up to five years, although you must submit a renewal application 180 days or more ahead of the permit expiration date.

Simplify Your Stormwater Maintenance

Maintenance and inspection requirements for stormwater management systems are complex, but iSTORMWATER can ensure your facility stays compliant. Our certified inspectors will find and explain any points of noncompliance and recommend the work needed to keep your permit and provide all the documentation you will need to submit for renewal.

Call us at (443) 699-2828 or contact us online to schedule your stormwater inspection and maintenance.  

Stormwater Retention Pond Maintenance Guide

One way to battle stormwater runoff and the water pollution it causes is through retention ponds. Also known as “wet ponds,” these helpful structures are created to store and treat runoff. The collected stormwater is then eventually emptied into a larger body of water.

Proper maintenance of stormwater ponds is critical to ensure their safety, effectiveness, and longevity and avoid serious problems like flooding and increased pollutants. Follow our guide for complete retention pond care.

Who Is Responsible for the Maintenance?

Let’s start with who is required to take care of this pond maintenance. It primarily comes down to the location of the pond. Cities are responsible for any retention ponds within the public right of way or land owned by the town. Runoff that occurs on private property is the responsibility of the property owner, property management company, or community Homeowners Association (HOA). So, if a retention pond is in your community, office park, or shopping center, your HOA or property management company needs to take steps to care for it.

Businesses are required by the Clean Water Act to control runoff from construction sites and completed structures. This includes implementing measures to prevent polluted runoff from flowing into the area’s water supply (such as a retention pond).

If you’re unsure if a stormwater pond is your responsibility, it’s best to contact your city utility department.

Common Retention Pond Problems

Despite their importance, retention ponds can experience problems that may undermine their effectiveness. Here are three common issues:

  • Sediment Buildup: Over time, pollutants and other materials settle on the pond bottom, creating sediment buildup that reduces the pond’s capacity and increases the risk of flooding.
  • Erosion: Retention pond embankments can erode due to wave activity, storms, or poor construction, leading to leaks and breaches.
  • Vegetation Growth: When left unchecked, vegetation can overgrow and interfere with water flow, obstructing drainage and impeding the pond’s ability to store water.

Get expert retention pond services from iSTORMWATER today. Call (443) 699-2828 for commercial service in the DMV.

Retention Pond Laws To Know

In addition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) federal regulations, different states and counties may have their own laws governing stormwater ponds. For instance, Maryland and Virginia have specific stormwater management acts that property owners should review before constructing or maintaining retention ponds. A professional stormwater maintenance company like iSTORMWATER can help navigate these regulations and ensure legal compliance.

Why Is It Essential To Maintain Retention Ponds?

Stormwater ponds can be a powerful tool in managing runoff, but only if properly cared for. Failure to do so can result in the release of pollutants downstream and an increased risk of flooding.

On the other hand, preventative maintenance ensures the stability of downstream channels, maintains good water quality, prevents unpleasant odors and annoying insects, and keeps the area looking well-kept — all critical aspects for both a business and a residence.

How Often Should Retention Ponds Receive Maintenance?

There are several retention pond maintenance tasks to stay on top of. Read on for a list of the most important routine measures you should take to prevent more significant problems and keep your pond in good working condition.

  • Inspections: Stormwater pond inspections should be performed as part of an overall stormwater management plan. Depending on the size of the property, they should be conducted quarterly or annually and within 24 hours of a major storm event that generates more than 1 inch of rain. Inspectors should have a detailed checklist of things to look for after rainfall, including obstructions, trash accumulation, erosion, and sedimentation.
  • Vegetation management: Monthly mowing helps prevent erosion and maintains pleasing aesthetics around the stormwater pond. Businesses or property owners should minimize fertilizer and pesticide use to avoid downstream pollution.
  • Mechanical equipment maintenance: Check valves, pumps, fence gates, locks, and mechanical components during periodic inspections.
  • Sediment removal: About every six months, accumulated sediment must be removed from the bottom of the outlet structure. During this process, pond depths should also be checked at several points. Accumulated sediment should be removed if it has decreased the pond’s original design depth by more than 25%.
  • Structural repair and replacement: Eventually, the structural components of a stormwater pond will need to be repaired or replaced. A stormwater professional can help you determine when this is necessary.

Where Can I Get Maintenance Help?

If you’re responsible for maintaining a stormwater pond on your property and need help, turn to the industry experts at iSTORMWATER. We have over 20 years of industry experience in pond management and maintenance and offer a satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind.

Call us at (443) 699-2828 or contact us online to schedule preventative or emergency stormwater pond maintenance in the MD, VA, and DC areas.

The Costs of Not Maintaining a Stormwater Facility

terrible downpour in the summer

Are you responsible for maintaining your property’s stormwater facility? You may be concerned about the costs of preventative maintenance, but rest assured that keeping it flowing smoothly is a cost-effective investment. The real costs lie in not maintaining the facility. Consider the dangers of letting a stormwater facility go unmaintained for too long.

Unnecessary Repairs

Skipping maintenance or neglecting established best practices could cause your stormwater facility to fall into disrepair. For instance:

  • Dumping leaves, grass clippings, soil, or trash into a storm inlet can clog the facility’s components.
  • Leaving pet waste in the grassy area near a facility can allow disease-causing, oxygen-consuming bacteria to enter the system.
  • Over-fertilizing lawns can lead to chemical runoff, which shortens the life span of storm drain components.
  • Leaving bare areas unstabilized can lead to soil erosion that quickly clogs a stormwater facility.
  • Disposing of paint, motor oil, antifreeze, grease, or other hazardous materials greatly increases maintenance costs. It also kills aquatic vegetation and plant life, making it a criminal offense with steep fines.

You may save a little money today by neglecting your stormwater facility. However, this decision will cost you in the long run by increasing the costs and frequency of unnecessary repairs. The longer you wait to address a developing problem, the more it will cost to fix.

Higher Risk of Flooding & Erosion

In urban settings, rainwater flows across hard surfaces and directly into storm drains. This is different from natural environments, where rain soaks gradually into the earth. Urban runoff can cause flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage. In fact, one primary purpose of stormwater facilities is to prevent such problems.

If your storm drains become clogged, they can’t work as intended, putting your property at risk of costly water damage during torrential rainfall. In this way, stormwater facility maintenance acts as a form of flood insurance.

Increased Water Pollution

It is a common misconception that storm drains lead to a water treatment plant. In reality, they flow directly into streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Failure to maintain your stormwater facility can increase the amount of debris, chemicals, bacteria, sediment, and other pollutants in these natural bodies of water. This may not directly impact your finances, but it carries a high environmental cost.

Storm & Sanitary Sewer System Overflow

Several types of stormwater facilities are designed to hold excess rainwater, and careful capacity calculations are required to avoid overflow. The same is true for sanitary sewer systems. Stormwater runoff may not pass through treatment plants, but the sewer system itself could overflow if stormwater management systems aren’t implemented and maintained correctly. It’s not difficult to imagine the costs associated with cleaning up an overflowed sewer system, which you can avoid with routine stormwater facility maintenance.

Noncompliance with Environmental Regulations

Federal, state, and local water quality regulations are becoming increasingly stringent these days. You may receive a notice of violation for improper site preparation, failure to adjust to changing water runoff patterns, and neglected maintenance. You must make stormwater management a priority to avoid fines and penalties associated with regulatory noncompliance.

Choose iSTORMWATER for Stormwater Facility Maintenance

A neglected stormwater facility can become a constant financial drain. On the other hand, taking proper care of it should result in reliable performance and minimal maintenance costs over the years.

iSTORMWATER provides the cost-effective services you seek. We tackle stormwater facility maintenance, so you don’t have to! We have over 20 years of industry experience and back everything we do with our iSTORMWATER guarantee. Whether you’re hoping to keep your well-maintained facility in optimal shape or you need help resolving compliance issues, we’re here for you.

Please call iSTORMWATER at (443) 699-2828 or contact us online to schedule stormwater facility maintenance in MD, DC, or VA.