Stormwater Maintenance

Stormwater is simply water from rain or other precipitation. It travels across the land in two main ways: sometimes it’s channeled, like in pipes and gutters, and other times it flows more broadly, like a gentle sheet across the ground. This water is a vital part of our natural water cycle – some of it soaks into the earth to become groundwater, some is used by plants, and some evaporates back into the air. Eventually, it makes its way to our streams and lakes!

Now, when towns and cities grow, we see some interesting changes in how stormwater behaves. Think of it like this: when we build roads and buildings, more water flows quickly into our streams and storm drains, and less soaks into the ground. This can actually lead to some challenges, like loose soil being washed away, which we call erosion, and sometimes too much water in our streams all at once – flash floods!

But don’t worry! We’re working hard to keep our streams healthy and our communities safe. By carefully managing our stormwater systems, and planning ahead, we can make sure that our water resources are protected for everyone to enjoy! We’re always learning more about how to best care for our environment and make our towns even better places to live.

Yes, stormwater management systems are highly recommended in North Carolina due to the state’s regulations to protect water quality and mitigate flooding risks.

With frequent heavy rainfall and urban development, unmanaged stormwater runoff can lead to erosion, flooding, and contamination of natural waterways. Municipalities and the state require property owners to implement stormwater control measures (SCMs) to meet environmental standards and prevent adverse effects on the ecosystem.

North Carolina follows strict stormwater management regulations outlined in the state’s Stormwater Design Manual, which includes compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). These laws govern the control of water runoff from both residential and commercial properties, and they require SCMs to reduce pollutants and prevent waterway contamination.

Additionally, municipalities may enforce their ordinances to confirm adherence to erosion control, water quality standards, and annual inspection requirements.

Please contact our team directly if you have further questions about regulations or North Carolina laws.

At Clearwater Lake & Pond, our stormwater management process begins with a thorough site evaluation to assess your property’s needs. We then design or repair SCMs such as retention ponds, bioswales, and permeable pavements to manage runoff effectively.

Then, our routine maintenance and compliance inspections confirm your system operates at peak efficiency while meeting all regulatory requirements. Last, but certainly not least, we provide guidance and ongoing support to help you maintain the long-term performance of your stormwater management system.

A retention pond is designed to hold water permanently, creating a consistent water level that helps manage stormwater runoff while improving water quality by allowing sediments and pollutants to settle.

In contrast, a detention pond is a temporary storage solution that collects runoff during rainfall and slowly releases it to prevent flooding and erosion. While retention ponds often improve the landscape with vegetation and aquatic life, detention ponds are typically dry between rain events.

Both play critical roles in North Carolina stormwater management, and their usage depends on the specific needs of the site. To learn more, get in touch with our team.

The cost of stormwater management for North Carolina homeowners varies depending on the size of the property, the type of SCM installed, and the complexity of the project.

On average, property owners can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for stormwater systems like retention ponds or permeable pavements. Maintenance costs are additional but necessary to avoid expensive repairs and maintain compliance with state and municipal regulations.

For a precise estimate, contact Clearwater Lake & Pond and schedule a consultation today.

A stormwater control measure (SCM), sometimes called a best management practice (BMP), is any structure or practice used to manage stormwater runoff in order to reduce its impact on the environment and surrounding communities. Think of them as tools in the tool box on how we manage stormwater runoff.

SCMs are designed to:

Reduce the volume of stormwater runoff: This can be achieved through methods like infiltration (allowing water to soak into the ground), detention (temporarily holding water to release it slowly), or retention (storing water for later use or evaporation).

Improve the quality of stormwater runoff: SCMs are designed to filter pollutants, such as sediment, nutrients, and chemicals, from the water before it’s released into streams or other water bodies.

Control the rate of stormwater runoff: By slowing down the flow of water, SCMs can help prevent erosion and flooding.

Here are some common examples of SCMs:

Wet Ponds: These are basins designed to temporarily hold stormwater and release it slowly, or store it for evaporation. By holding water, this allows particles to settle to the bottom.

Bioretention Areas (Rain Gardens): These are shallow depressions planted with vegetation that act much like a sand filter. These are often planted with nice shrubs/trees and a layer of mulch, making them attractive in the landscape.

Stormwater Wetlands: A man-made shallow depression designed to hold shallow water, mimicking a natural wetland. Uses wetland plants and microorganisms to absorb pollutants.

Filter Strips and Grassed Swales: These vegetated areas help filter pollutants and slow down the flow of stormwater.

The selection and implementation of SCMs depend on various factors, including the specific site conditions, the type and amount of pollutants present, and the regulatory requirements in place. They are a crucial part of a comprehensive stormwater management plan.

Responsibility for maintaining stormwater control measures (SCMs) typically falls on the property owner where the SCM is located. Local governments often have ordinances that outline maintenance responsibilities and may require a certified annual inspection for each device.

It’s important to remember that SCMs are an engineered devices that serve a specific function. As with anything, maintenance is critical to keeping the device operating as intended. If neglected, the repair costs far exceed the cost of maintenance – “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Protect Water Quality: SCMs are designed to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff before it enters our streams, rivers, and lakes. Without regular maintenance, these pollutants can build up, reducing the SCM’s effectiveness and allowing harmful substances to contaminate our waterways. This can negatively impact aquatic life, drinking water sources, and recreational activities.

Prevent Flooding: SCMs help control the volume and rate of stormwater runoff. If they’re not properly maintained, they can become clogged with debris or sediment, reducing their capacity to hold water and increasing the risk of flooding.

Comply with Regulations: Many jurisdictions have regulations requiring property owners to maintain their SCMs. Failure to do so can result in fines or other penalties.

Prevent Erosion: Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can cause significant erosion, damaging property, infrastructure, and natural areas.

Protect Property Values: Well-maintained SCMs contribute to the overall health and aesthetics of a property. Neglected SCMs can become eyesores and even pose safety hazards, potentially reducing property values.

Two categories are used to describe the costs associated with SCMs: Maintenance Costs & Repair Costs. You can refer to our Cost Guide for a cost range that will get you in the ballpark. Specific costs will vary, but it’s widley known that maintenance costs are significantly lower than repair costs. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Even with proper maintenance, repairs may be necessary over time due to wear and tear, natural events, or unforeseen circumstances.

Maintenance Costs

Regular Inspections: Necessary to identify potential problems early on.

Algae / Aquatic Weed Control: Maintain healthy and attractive water in the device.

Vegetation Management: Mowing, trimming, and removal of invasive species

Trash & Debris Removal: Trash, leaves, and other debris can clog SCMs and reduce their effectiveness.

Repair Costs

Repair costs can be significantly higher than maintenance costs, especially if major components of the SCM need to be replaced. Some common repair needs include:

Structural damage: Cracks in concrete, damaged pipes, or erosion can compromise the structural integrity of SCMs.

Riprap Dissipators: Rock aprons at inlets/outlets collect sediment or become displaced and need refreshed.

Sediment Removal: Accumulated sediment needs to be removed from SCMs to maintain their storage capacity.

Clogging: Severe clogging can cause costly repairs, such as excavation and replacement of filter media.

Complete Replacement: In some cases, SCMs may need to be completely replaced if they are beyond repair.

Factors Affecting Costs

Type of SCM

Size of SCM

Site conditions

Frequency of maintenance

Many municipalities in North Carolina requires yearly inspections of SCMs to ensure they’re working correctly and protecting water quality. Property owners must hire qualified professionals to conduct these inspections and submit reports. These checkups identify maintenance needs and ensure compliance with regulations, preventing pollution and potential fines.

It is highly recommended to hire a company that specializes in stormwater management for SCMs. Most landscapers are not familiar with the technical aspects of these devices.

If you receive a non-compliance letter or NOV, it usually means that your SCM is not functioning correctly. You should consult with a stormwater specialist like Clearwater to identify the corrective actions needed and address any issues. NOV’s typically come from the local jurisdiction and you can reach out to the inspector to get more information on your specific SCM.