How Vegetation Affects Stormwater Performance – The Good and the Bad

Vegetation plays a critical role in stormwater management. When properly selected and maintained, plants improve water quality, stabilize soils, and help stormwater facilities function as designed. When vegetation is neglected, invasive, or overgrown, it can reduce hydraulic capacity, damage infrastructure, and create long-term compliance and maintenance challenges.

Understanding the good and the bad of vegetation in stormwater systems is essential for property managers, facility operators, and municipalities responsible for ongoing inspection and maintenance.

Vegetation in stormwater management

Why Vegetation Matters in Stormwater Systems

Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) are designed to slow, filter, and treat runoff before it reaches local waterways. Vegetation is not just decorative – it is a functional component of many stormwater facilities, including:

  • Retention and detention ponds
  • Bioretention cells and rain gardens
  • Swales and filter strips
  • Constructed wetlands
  • Stream buffers and outfall stabilization areas

When vegetation performs as intended, it supports both hydraulic performance and pollutant removal.

The Good: How Vegetation Improves Stormwater Performance

1. Improved Water Quality Treatment

Properly established vegetation helps remove pollutants from stormwater runoff by:

  • Trapping sediment and debris
  • Absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus
  • Filtering hydrocarbons, metals, and other contaminants

Dense root systems slow runoff, allowing pollutants to settle out or be biologically processed before water leaves the site.

2. Reduced Erosion and Bank Stabilization

Vegetation stabilizes soils in high-flow areas such as pond shorelines, swales, and outfalls. Root systems reinforce soil structure, reducing erosion caused by storm events and fluctuating water levels.

This is especially important in retention ponds and wet ponds where wave action and repeated inundation can quickly degrade unprotected slopes.

3. Flow Reduction and Velocity Control

Vegetated systems slow down stormwater runoff, reducing peak flow rates and downstream impacts. This supports flood control goals and helps prevent scouring at discharge points.

Slower flows also increase the effectiveness of downstream treatment practices.

4. Enhanced Infiltration and System Longevity

In bioretention and vegetated swales, healthy plant roots help maintain soil structure and prevent compaction. This improves infiltration rates and extends the functional life of the facility.

5. Regulatory and Aesthetic Benefits

Well-maintained vegetation helps facilities meet permit and design requirements while also improving site appearance. Many local jurisdictions require minimum vegetative coverage percentages for compliance.

The Bad: When Vegetation Hurts Stormwater Performance

While vegetation is essential, not all plant growth is beneficial. Poor vegetation management is one of the most common issues identified during stormwater inspections.

1. Overgrown Vegetation Reduces Hydraulic Capacity

Excessive growth can block:

  • Inlets and outlets
  • Riser structures
  • Spillways and emergency overflows

When vegetation restricts flow paths, stormwater cannot move through the system as designed, increasing the risk of flooding and structural damage during major storm events.

2. Invasive Species Compromise System Function

Invasive plants such as phragmites, cattails in inappropriate locations, or aggressive vines can:

  • Displace native vegetation
  • Create dense root mats that clog underdrains
  • Interfere with inspection and maintenance access

These species often grow faster than intended plantings and require specialized removal strategies.

3. Woody Vegetation Threatens Structural Integrity

Trees and shrubs growing too close to stormwater infrastructure can cause serious issues, including:

  • Root intrusion into pipes and underdrains
  • Cracking or displacement of concrete structures
  • Obstructed access for inspections

Most stormwater facilities are not designed to support woody vegetation within embankments or near control structures.

4. Poor Vegetative Coverage Leads to Erosion and Failure

Bare or sparsely vegetated areas are just as problematic as overgrowth. Without adequate coverage, facilities are vulnerable to:

  • Erosion at inflow points
  • Sediment accumulation
  • Reduced storage volume

Many design standards require 80% or greater vegetative coverage to ensure proper performance.

5. Maintenance and Compliance Challenges

Unmanaged vegetation makes routine inspections more difficult and can lead to:

  • Missed structural issues
  • Non-compliant inspection reports
  • Increased long-term maintenance costs

What begins as a landscaping issue often becomes a regulatory and operational problem.

Vegetation Management Is a Maintenance Issue – Not a Landscaping One

A common misconception is that stormwater vegetation is purely aesthetic. In reality, vegetation management is a core component of stormwater system maintenance.

Effective vegetation management includes:

  • Routine inspections
  • Selective mowing and trimming
  • Invasive species identification and removal
  • Replanting with approved, site-appropriate species
  • Maintaining clear access to structures and flow paths

Without a proactive approach, vegetation issues compound over time and become more expensive to correct.

Balancing Vegetation for Optimal Stormwater Performance

The goal is not more vegetation – it is the right vegetation, in the right place, at the right density.

A well-functioning stormwater system should have:

  • Stable, well-vegetated slopes
  • Clear and accessible structures
  • Unobstructed flow paths
  • Healthy plant coverage without invasive dominance

Achieving this balance requires coordination between inspection, maintenance, and long-term management planning.

Final Thoughts

Vegetation can either enhance or hinder stormwater performance depending on how it is managed. When properly maintained, it supports water quality, erosion control, and regulatory compliance. When neglected, it becomes one of the leading causes of system failure.

Understanding the role vegetation plays – both good and bad – is essential for protecting stormwater infrastructure and ensuring systems perform as designed year after year.

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Hydrodynamic Separators: When Are They Needed?

Hydrodynamic separators (HDS) have become a go-to tool in modern stormwater management – especially for sites where space is limited or pretreatment is required to keep downstream systems functioning as designed. But many property managers and facility owners still aren’t sure when these devices are necessary, how they work, or what maintenance they require.

This guide breaks it all down so you can better understand the role an HDS plays in your stormwater system and what it means for ongoing compliance.

Hydrodynamic Separators

What Is a Hydrodynamic Separator?

A hydrodynamic separator is a flow-through stormwater treatment device that uses vortex action and gravitational settling to remove sediment, trash, floatables, and hydrocarbons from runoff.

They are typically not full treatment systems – they are pretreatment devices designed to protect downstream BMPs such as:

  • Bioretention cells
  • Stormwater ponds
  • Underground vaults
  • Sand filters
  • Contech StormFilter units
  • Permeable pavement systems

By capturing coarse pollutants early, HDS units extend the lifespan and performance of other stormwater infrastructure and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

When Are Hydrodynamic Separators Needed?

Hydrodynamic separators are typically required or recommended in the following situations:

1. When a Site Needs Pretreatment Before Another BMP

Local regulations often require pretreatment to keep sediment and debris from clogging more complex systems. HDS units excel at this because they handle high flows and remove coarse pollutants effectively.

Common downstream BMPs requiring pretreatment:

  • Bioretention facilities
  • Modular wetland systems
  • Cartridge-based filtration
  • Ponds and wetland basins
  • Extended detention structures

2. When Space Is Limited

Urban and commercial sites often lack the room for large pretreatment cells or forebays. Hydrodynamic separators fit entirely underground – ideal for:

  • Tight urban infill
  • Parking lots
  • Retail centers
  • Industrial facilities
  • Roadway corridors

3. When Local Codes or Permits Require Them

Many jurisdictions specify hydrodynamic separators during plan review, especially when:

  • The drainage area is highly impervious
  • The site is adjacent to a waterway
  • Oil/grease capture is needed
  • A TSS (total suspended solids) removal target must be met

HDS units are often approved “standalone” for regulatory compliance at smaller sites.

4. When High-Flow Bypass Protection Is Needed

Storm events with heavy flows can overwhelm traditional sediment traps.
Hydrodynamic separators include internal bypasses that protect the unit and prevent re-suspension of pollutants.

5. Industrial or High-Pollutant-Load Sites

Certain sites generate more trash, sediment, and hydrocarbon runoff than others. For these properties, an HDS is a practical first line of defense.

Ideal high-load sites include:

  • Gas stations
  • Auto shops
  • Distribution centers
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Waste handling yards

6. When Maintenance Access Must Be Simple

Because HDS units consolidate pollutants into a sump that can be vacuumed out, they are generally easier to maintain than ponds or bioretention.

For property managers, that means:

  • Less frequent maintenance
  • Lower risk of non-compliance
  • Easier documentation for inspectors

How Hydrodynamic Separators Work

While designs vary by manufacturer, most separators operate through:

  1. Vortex flow – Incoming stormwater spins within a chamber, forcing heavier sediments to settle.
  2. Floatable capture – Trash, oils, and debris rise and are trapped above the flow path.
  3. Internal bypass – Large storms pass through without disturbing pollutants in storage.
  4. Sump storage – Sediment and captured pollutants collect for easy vacuum removal.

This combination makes HDS units highly effective as pretreatment devices, though they do not remove nutrients or dissolved pollutants on their own.

Hydrodynamic Separator Maintenance: What Property Managers Should Know

Regular maintenance is critical – an overloaded hydrodynamic separator can re-release pollutants downstream.

Typical Maintenance Frequency:

1–2 times per year, depending on pollutant loads.
Industrial or debris-heavy sites may require more frequent service.

Inspection Checklist Includes:

  • Trash and floatables accumulation
  • Sump sediment depth
  • Hydrocarbon buildup
  • Flow obstructions
  • Structural integrity of the unit
  • Access hatch and safety grate condition

Vacuum cleaning is performed using a vactor truck to remove debris from the sump.

Staying ahead of maintenance not only protects water quality – it also preserves your investment in downstream BMPs like bioretention or filtration systems.

Benefits of Installing a Hydrodynamic Separator

  • Improves downstream BMP performance
  • Reduces lifecycle maintenance costs
  • Compact footprint for tight sites
  • Handles high flows effectively
  • Helps meet regulatory pretreatment requirements
  • Captures multiple pollutant types: sediment, trash, oil, floatables
  • Easy and predictable maintenance schedule

For many commercial, industrial, and urban properties, an HDS unit is the most efficient way to stay compliant and protect stormwater assets.

How Hydrodynamic Separators Fit Into Your Stormwater System

While engineers determine when and where hydrodynamic separators are installed, property managers and facility teams play a crucial role in keeping these systems functioning properly. Understanding the purpose and location of an HDS helps you stay ahead of compliance obligations.

These devices are commonly positioned upstream of filtration systems, bioretention facilities, vaults, and other BMPs. Their job is to intercept large pollutants before they reach those structures.

For property managers and operations teams, the most important responsibilities include:

  • Identifying whether an HDS is on the property
  • Knowing its location and function within the stormwater network
  • Scheduling required inspections to meet permit conditions
  • Coordinating routine cleanouts to prevent system failure
  • Maintaining documentation for annual reporting or regulatory audits

If you are unsure whether your property includes a hydrodynamic separator, iSTORMWATER can assess your stormwater infrastructure, confirm what devices are installed, and develop a maintenance plan that ensures ongoing compliance.

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Industrial Park Stormwater Management: Compliance, Inspections & Maintenance

Industrial parks face some of the most demanding stormwater requirements of any commercial property type. With large impervious surfaces, outdoor operations, and shared drainage networks, these sites must balance regulatory compliance, effective day-to-day stormwater management, and routine maintenance to keep systems functioning as designed.

Whether you oversee a single facility or an entire multi-tenant industrial park, having a clear stormwater strategy protects your site, your tenants, and your compliance standing. This guide breaks down what facility managers need to know about stormwater compliance – and how proper management and maintenance keep everything running smoothly.

Industrial Park Stormwater Management

Why Stormwater Compliance & Management Matter for Industrial Sites

Industrial facilities can generate runoff that carries sediment, oil, metals, and other pollutants. Without proper controls and consistent upkeep, this runoff can:

  • Lead to violations or regulatory enforcement

  • Cause flooding or ponding around buildings and loading areas

  • Accelerate wear on shared stormwater infrastructure

  • Create liability between property owners and tenants

  • Impact nearby waterways and sensitive watersheds

Compliance is essential – but so is having a management and maintenance program that keeps all systems working year-round.

Core Stormwater Compliance Requirements for Industrial Facilities

Most industrial sites fall under state or federal stormwater permitting, which typically includes:

1. An Up-to-Date SWPPP

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan outlines:

  • Pollutant sources

  • Best management practices (BMPs)

  • Inspection schedules

  • Maintenance responsibilities

  • Site-specific controls

A SWPPP should evolve with your site – especially in industrial parks with changing tenants.

2. Routine Inspections & Documentation

These usually include:

  • Quarterly site inspections

  • Quarterly visual assessments

  • Annual comprehensive evaluations

  • Sampling when required

Accurate records are critical not only for compliance, but also for tracking maintenance needs over time.

3. Good Housekeeping & Operational Controls

Simple management practices reduce pollutants before they enter your storm system:

  • Keeping loading areas clear

  • Managing waste and recycling

  • Covering outdoor materials

  • Implementing spill prevention procedures

These day-to-day controls support both compliance and infrastructure performance.

Stormwater Management Challenges Unique to Industrial Parks

Industrial parks often require a higher level of coordination and attention:

Shared Drainage & BMP Responsibility

Multiple tenants often discharge to:

  • The same pond

  • The same underground vault

  • Shared inlets or pipe networks

Without clear maintenance agreements, issues can quickly escalate into compliance risks.

Large Impervious Areas

Parking lots, roofs, and loading zones increase runoff volume, requiring well-maintained systems capable of handling high flows.

Pollutant “Hotspots”

Fueling stations, equipment yards, dumpsters, and outdoor storage areas require targeted BMPs and more frequent inspection.

Aging Infrastructure

Older industrial parks often rely on ponds, swales, or vaults that haven’t been maintained to modern standards – a common source of violations.

Stormwater Solutions for Industrial Facilities & Parks

Effective stormwater management blends structural BMPs, operational practices, and preventive maintenance.

1. Structural BMPs That Support Compliance & Performance

These systems help treat and control stormwater across the park:

  • Detention and retention ponds

  • Underground stormwater vaults

  • Contech StormFilter® or similar cartridge systems

  • Oil–water separators

  • Forebays, sumps, and hydrodynamic separators

These require ongoing maintenance such as sediment removal, power washing, and cartridge replacement to remain effective.

2. Green Infrastructure & LID Retrofits

Industrial parks can improve water quality and reduce runoff with solutions such as:

  • Bioretention cells

  • Vegetated swales

  • Infiltration practices

  • Permeable pavement

These help modernize older parks and reduce pressure on existing systems.

3. Operational Stormwater Management Practices

Low-cost, high-impact steps include:

  • Regular pavement sweeping

  • Covering materials and dumpsters

  • Spill control and secondary containment

  • Staff training on stormwater awareness

Strong management practices directly support permit compliance.

4. Park-Wide Maintenance & Management Strategies

Coordinated approaches make a major difference:

  • Standardized inspection schedules

  • Shared maintenance contracts

  • Centralized SWPPP oversight

  • Defined tenant responsibilities

  • Quarterly or semiannual system cleanouts

This creates consistency across every facility and reduces the risk of system failure.

Stormwater Maintenance: The Key to Preventing Violations

Even the best stormwater designs fail without regular upkeep. Maintenance is not just a “good idea” –  it’s a requirement of every stormwater permit.

Critical maintenance tasks for industrial parks include:

  • Sediment and debris removal

  • Cleaning or unclogging inlets

  • Maintaining vegetation in swales and bioretention

  • Power washing vaults and stormfilter housings

  • Replacing StormFilter® cartridges

  • Repairing erosion and stabilizing soil

  • Removing overgrowth around ponds and channels

Proactive maintenance protects structural BMPs, reduces costly repairs, and prevents last-minute issues before inspections.

Staying Ahead of Stormwater Requirements

A comprehensive approach – combining compliance, management, and maintenance – keeps industrial parks inspection-ready year-round.

Facilities benefit from:

  • Annual stormwater audits

  • Updated SWPPPs that reflect current operations

  • A preventive maintenance schedule

  • Documented inspection and service logs

  • Fast response to sediment buildup or infrastructure failure

When compliance, management, and maintenance work together, industrial sites operate more safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Support for Industrial Park Compliance, Management & Maintenance

Industrial parks have complex stormwater needs, and staying compliant requires a dependable, proactive program. iSTORMWATER offers full-service support – from inspections and SWPPP updates to pond cleanouts, vault cleaning, and StormFilter® maintenance – tailored to the unique needs of industrial facilities.

If you’re ready to improve compliance, streamline management, or establish a preventive maintenance program, our team is here to help.

📞 Call us at (410) 231-3455 or 💬 Contact us online.

Comparing Structural vs. Non-Structural Stormwater BMPs

Stormwater regulations across the Mid-Atlantic continue to tighten – and for good reason. As development increases and rainfall patterns shift, effective stormwater management is essential for protecting local waterways, reducing flood risks, and maintaining compliance.

At the center of these efforts are Best Management Practices (BMPs): the tools, strategies, and systems used to control runoff, improve water quality, and meet state and local requirements. But not all BMPs work the same way.

Understanding the difference between structural and non-structural BMPs is foundational for anyone responsible for commercial, industrial, or multi-family properties. Here’s a practical, “back-to-basics” comparison – and what each type means for ongoing maintenance, budgeting, and compliance across Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Structural VS Non-structural BMPs - storm drain

What Are Structural Stormwater BMPs?

Structural BMPs are physical, built systems designed to control, capture, filter, or treat stormwater. They are engineered solutions that require design, construction, and ongoing maintenance to function properly.

Common Structural BMPs

These include:

  • Retention (Wet) Ponds
    Designed to hold a permanent pool of water while treating runoff through settling and biological processes.
  • Detention (Dry) Ponds
    Temporarily store runoff during storms and release it slowly to reduce peak flows.
  • Bioswales & Bioretention Facilities (Rain Gardens)
    Use engineered soil and vegetation to filter runoff and remove pollutants.
  • Underground Stormwater Vaults
    Store or treat runoff in areas with limited space – common in urban and commercial sites.
  • Contech StormFilter® Systems & Other Proprietary Devices
    Cartridge-based systems that remove sediment, oils, nutrients, and other pollutants.
  • Sand Filters & Media Filters
    Treat runoff through layered filtration beds.

Structural BMP Benefits

  • Highly effective at pollutant removal
  • Address volume control, water quality, and peak flow reduction
  • Required for many development and redevelopment projects
  • Can handle large drainage areas

Structural BMP Challenges

  • Require routine inspection and maintenance
  • Can accumulate sediment, debris, and invasive vegetation
  • May need periodic rehabilitation (e.g., regrading, replanting, cartridge replacement, dredging)
  • Higher upfront cost compared to non-structural strategies

For property managers, structural BMPs are an investment – but one that only performs if properly maintained.

What Are Non-Structural Stormwater BMPs?

Non-structural BMPs are operational, procedural, or design-based strategies that reduce stormwater impacts without requiring built infrastructure.

These BMPs focus on prevention, minimizing pollution and reducing runoff at the source.

Common Non-Structural BMPs

Examples include:

  • Good housekeeping practices (spill prevention, routine sweeping, proper waste handling)
  • Pollution prevention plans (P2 Plans)
  • Landscaping choices that reduce runoff (native plants, reduced impervious areas)
  • Public education and signage
  • Illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) programs
  • Nutrient-smart landscaping and fertilizer reduction
  • Rainwater harvesting policies
  • Maintenance programs that reduce pollutant buildup
    (like regular storm drain cleaning or parking lot sweeping)

Non-Structural BMP Benefits

  • Cost-effective
  • Support long-term compliance
  • Improve overall site cleanliness and safety
  • Reduce the load placed on structural BMPs

Non-Structural BMP Challenges

  • Require staff training and consistent implementation
  • Results may be less visible to property managers
  • Must be routinely documented for regulatory compliance
  • Typically work best when paired with structural systems

Why You Need Both: The Best Approach for Compliance

Most commercial and multifamily properties in the Chesapeake Bay watershed – including Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia, and Delaware – rely on a combination of both BMP types.

Structural BMPs

Manage the physical runoff, control peak flows, and remove pollutants.

Non-Structural BMPs

Reduce pollution before it enters the stormwater system and support regulatory documentation.

Together, they create a complete stormwater compliance strategy that:

  • Protects local waterways
  • Reduces maintenance emergencies
  • Improves long-term site performance
  • Helps avoid violations and fines
  • Supports MS4 and Chesapeake Bay TMDL requirements

What This Means for Property Managers and Owners

If you’re responsible for stormwater compliance, here’s what matters most:

1. Know what BMPs your property has

Many facilities have multiple BMP types – and some property managers inherit systems without complete documentation.

2. Maintain structural BMPs consistently

Retention ponds, bioretention areas, storm filters, and vaults must be inspected and serviced regularly to remain compliant.

3. Document non-structural BMP programs

Regulators require records demonstrating pollution-prevention practices.

4. Conduct routine inspections

Professional oversight helps catch issues early – before they become expensive or lead to violations.

5. Plan for long-term budgets

Structural BMPs may need periodic restoration (replanting, sediment removal, repairs).

iSTORMWATER: Your Partner for Complete Stormwater BMP Support

Our team works with commercial property managers, government contractors, and developers across MD, DC, Northern Virginia, and DE to keep facilities compliant and performing.

We offer:

  • Structural BMP inspections, maintenance, installation & repairs
  • Vault and StormFilter® cartridge cleaning
  • Pond maintenance and dredging
  • Bioretention restoration and vegetation management
  • Non-structural BMP program support
  • Stormwater compliance documentation
  • Emergency service and corrective action plans

If you’re unsure what BMPs your site has – or whether they’re functioning properly – we can help.

📞 Call us at (410) 231-3455 or 💬 Contact us online.

Maryland Stormwater Compliance Guide

When it comes to stormwater management, Maryland sets a high bar. The state’s program emphasizes protecting local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay through proactive design, permitting, and maintenance requirements.

For commercial property managers and owners, understanding these regulations is key to staying compliant and protecting your investment. Let’s break down how Maryland’s stormwater rules work – and what steps you can take to keep your property in good standing.

Maryland Stormwater Compliance - Baltimore Harbor

Maryland’s Approach to Stormwater Management

Maryland’s stormwater program is guided by the Stormwater Management Act of 2007 and administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Each county or municipality is required to implement its own stormwater management program based on MDE’s standards, meaning local requirements can vary.

The Maryland Stormwater Design Manual (Volumes I & II) sets the statewide technical framework. This manual requires that new development and redevelopment use Environmental Site Design (ESD) – also called “low impact development” – to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP).

In short, Maryland’s regulations prioritize green infrastructure and site-level runoff control over large detention ponds or centralized systems. The goal is to mimic natural drainage and protect water quality by slowing, filtering, and infiltrating runoff where it falls.

Key Requirements for Commercial Properties

If you own or manage commercial or multi-residential property in Maryland – whether it’s a retail center, office complex, industrial site, HOA or COA – you’ll likely need to comply with one or more of the following requirements:

1. Stormwater Management Plan Approval

Any development, redevelopment, or major improvement project that increases impervious area typically requires an approved stormwater management plan.
This plan outlines how your site will manage runoff in accordance with MDE’s Design Manual and your county’s local ordinances.

2. Environmental Site Design (ESD) to the MEP

Maryland requires projects to incorporate non-structural stormwater controls whenever possible. Examples include:

  • Rain gardens or bioretention areas

  • Permeable pavement systems

  • Grass swales or filter strips

  • Rooftop disconnection and micro-scale infiltration practices

Only after ESD options are exhausted can structural BMPs (like vaults or detention ponds) be considered.

3. Redevelopment Standards

If you’re renovating or expanding an existing property, you may be required to reduce impervious surfaces or retrofit existing BMPs to meet today’s standards.

Many counties require redevelopment projects to treat runoff from 50% or more of the disturbed area, depending on local policy.

4. Long-Term Maintenance & Inspection

Once stormwater facilities are installed, they must be regularly inspected and maintained to remain in compliance. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their systems function as designed – and most local jurisdictions require documentation of ongoing maintenance activities.

Local Variations Across Maryland

Although MDE provides the statewide framework, local governments set the details. Counties like Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel have their own stormwater manuals, design criteria, and inspection programs that may be more stringent than the state’s baseline.

For example:

  • Prince George’s County requires detailed ESD design documentation for redevelopment projects.

  • Montgomery County has one of the state’s most robust stormwater inspection programs for commercial sites.

  • The City of Annapolis enforces its own local standards for stormwater facility design and maintenance.

Because requirements vary, it’s important to coordinate early with your local approving authority – typically the Department of Public Works, Environmental Services, or Soil Conservation District.

Common Stormwater Challenges in Maryland

Commercial properties in Maryland often run into a few recurring issues when it comes to stormwater compliance:

  • Outdated systems that no longer meet current ESD standards

  • Clogged or eroded BMPs reducing performance and risking violations

  • Incomplete maintenance records that make it hard to prove compliance during inspections

  • Unclear ownership of maintenance responsibility, especially in multi-tenant or HOA-controlled sites

Addressing these issues proactively helps avoid enforcement actions and protects your site’s long-term drainage performance.

How iSTORMWATER Helps Maryland Property Managers

At iSTORMWATER, we specialize in helping commercial and multifamily property owners stay compliant with Maryland’s stormwater regulations. Our team understands the nuances of both state and county programs – from the Maryland Design Manual to local inspection requirements.

We offer:

  • Stormwater system inspections and maintenance

  • Compliance audits and record-keeping support

  • Retrofit and repair services for underperforming BMPs

  • ESD implementation and consulting for redevelopment projects

  • Annual maintenance programs tailored to your site’s needs

Whether you’re preparing for an inspection or managing multiple properties across Maryland, our experts make compliance simple and cost-effective.

Stay Ahead of Maryland’s Regulations

Stormwater management in Maryland isn’t just about avoiding fines – it’s about protecting your property, reducing liability, and contributing to cleaner local waterways.

If you’re unsure whether your stormwater facilities meet current standards or need help maintaining compliance, contact iSTORMWATER. We’ll inspect your systems, provide clear recommendations, and help you stay ahead of changing regulations.

📞 Call us at (410) 231-3455 or 💬 Contact us online.