Help Ensure Stormwater Pond Compliance with Inspection, Maintenance & Bathymetry
Stormwater facilities (also known as BMPs) are structures that play a vital and multifaceted role in the preservation of our surrounding wetland and aquatic ecosystems. These systems are typically constructed in relation to residential and commercial development infrastructure that increases impervious surfaces and overland stormwater flow. They provide the essential temporary collection of stormwater in order to allow for filtration and basic improvement of water quality (removal of sediment, organic debris, animal waste, fertilizers, and other contaminants/nutrients) before entering natural wetland systems. For this reason, it is critical that these specially designed and constructed systems remain functioning as intended and maintain pond compliance with local, state, and federal stormwater regulations.
- Controlling Stormwater Pond Algae
Learn About The Clean Water Act
According to the Clean Water Act and the regulations created by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, as well as state and local regulatory agencies, it is the responsibility of the property owner (i.e. homeowners associations, golf courses, commercial developments, and industry) to maintain stormwater structures located on their properties. It’s important to remember that pond compliance often differs at both the state and local levels, and can vary based on the type of stormwater structure. To ensure you are meeting the requirements of your jurisdiction and any approved maintenance plans, it’s advantageous to consult with a stormwater management professional. A professional can work with you to identify and avoid common problem areas and develop maintenance solutions that fit your needs and budget. Be sure the consultant you work with is accredited and/or licensed in Stormwater Facility Inspection and Maintenance, is a Certified Compliance Inspector of Water (CCIS), and is a National Stormwater Center Certified Stormwater Inspector.
Stormwater Lake & Pond Facilities Need Proactive Maintenance
Stormwater systems are built to last for decades, but damage can happen, especially after heavy rains. Like a car requires regular examinations to ensure it operates efficiently, the engineered components of your stormwater facility should receive proactive maintenance. The metal, plastic, and cement structures in your stormwater facility should be professionally inspected each year for damage, which may include corrosion, fractures, cracks, and signs of collapse. When small deficiencies are caught early on, they will have very little impact on the structural integrity or overall lifespan of the facility. If stormwater systems are not properly maintained and small problems go unnoticed or are left to worsen, the future consequences and costs can be substantial.
The Most Frequent Stormwater Pond & Lake Compliance Issues
For infiltration basins and bioswales, which often appear to be dry, grassy areas when not holding stormwater, the build-up of sediment is also a common problem. These systems function by filling with stormwater during precipitation events. Bioswales channel the water to a more appropriate location, while infiltration basins allow it to filter directly into the ground. These structures are typically lined with engineered soils or rip-rap, allowing for faster and more effective relocation of the stormwater. But, if left unmanaged, infiltration basins and bioswales can quickly accumulate sediment and become home to deep-rooted vegetation, impairing the designated purpose of the structures and increasing the risk of erosion in the surrounding area. Infiltration basins and bioswales should be consistently evaluated by a professional to help reduce impacts to adjacent ecosystems.
Likewise, one of the most frequent pond compliance issues in stormwater ponds is insufficient volume. If the facility is unable to contain the designated volume of water or release water at the specified rate, it is likely due to system breakdowns or outlet blockages. Within the waterbody, trash and nuisance vegetation can obstruct water flow and increase the level of organic sediment as plants die off and decompose. Woody vegetation and burrowing animals can also produce holes in dams, cause leaks, and weaken the structure. A stormwater management professional can regularly survey the structure and service any areas that have become blocked with trash and organic materials.
The Build-Up Of Muck Needs Immediate Attention
Likewise, one of the most frequent pond compliance issues in stormwater ponds is insufficient volume. If the facility is unable to contain the designated volume of water or release water at the specified rate, it is likely due to system breakdowns or outlet blockages. Within the waterbody, trash and nuisance vegetation can obstruct water flow and increase the level of organic sediment as plants die off and decompose. Woody vegetation and burrowing animals can also produce holes in dams, cause leaks and weaken the structure. A stormwater management professional can regularly survey the structure and service any areas that have become blocked with trash and organic materials.
The build-up of muck and sediment in these systems must also be addressed. Dredging is a reliable method of restoring depth and volume to stormwater facilities but can be incredibly costly. Bathymetric mapping tools can be utilized by your lake management professional during inspections to determine when dredging may need to take place and the anticipated cost to dredge. Bathymetry is the process whereby the surface of the lake or pond is plotted using GPS lake mapping technology, and each of the GPS points recorded is correlated to the corresponding depth of the waterbody at that specific point. After collecting thousands of surface points with their associated depths, a three-dimensional model of the bottom of the lake can be developed. With this information, the current maximum storage capacity (volume) of the waterbody can be quantified and compared to original design plans to determine how much of the original storage capacity has been displaced by the accumulation of sediment and organic matter.
Determine Pond Depth With Lake Mapping Or Bathymetry
The build-up of muck and sediment in these systems must also be addressed. Dredging is a reliable method of restoring depth and volume to stormwater facilities but can be incredibly costly. Bathymetric mapping tools can be utilized by your lake management professional during inspections to determine when dredging may need to take place and the anticipated cost to dredge. Bathymetry is the process whereby the surface of the lake or pond is plotted using GPS lake mapping technology, and each of the GPS points recorded is correlated to the corresponding depth of the waterbody at that specific point. After collecting thousands of surface points with their associated depths, a three-dimensional model of the bottom of the lake can be developed. With this information, the current maximum storage capacity (volume) of the waterbody can be quantified and compared to original design plans to determine how much of the original storage capacity has been displaced by the accumulation of sediment and organic matter. In some cases, mechanical hydro-raking or spot dredging can be considered as more budget-friendly sediment-removal options.
Sediment & Muck Removal Services
This management method is used to increase the depth of waterbodies and remove nutrient-heavy sediments using a backhoe, rake, or scoop.
Lake Mapping & Bathymetry
Bathymetric mapping involves the use of integrated GPS and depth-sensing technology to create a three-dimensional model of your waterbody.
Consider Working With Us
Understanding the different types of stormwater facilities, the various parts, and the particular regulations associated with your region can be difficult, but it’s up to the property owner to know them and abide by them, or suffer the consequences. Consider working with stormwater management professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to ensure you remain in pond compliance with stormwater management laws and regulations. The long-term care for your stormwater facility will far outweigh the headache—and cost—of non-compliance.
