Best Management Practices (BMPs) helps to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff, so your waterway areas become protected. However, the efficacy of stormwater control depends upon regular inspections and maintenance of all aspects of your facility.  

There are two types of BMPs, commonly referred to as routine maintenance and corrective maintenance.  

Corrective maintenance repairs a defective part identified during an inspection, while routine maintenance actions return the area to the original conditions for suitable function. 

Below are some maintenance items for your Detention and Infiltration Programs to help identify critical components that require maintenance and timelines of occurrence.  

When inspecting the inlets and outlets of your Detention and Infiltration systems, you must consider several things. 

First, evaluating the structural integrity of your Detention Pond includes looking at whether or not your pipes are broken, separated, or crumbling. At the same time, your inspection should assess the structural integrity of the system to naturally divert the stormwater runoff flow to areas where it can percolate. Both should take place annually.  

 Your Detention BMP has requirements to review the condition of your pipes annually as well. For example, if noticeable changes have occurred, the report needs to detail the size, type, material, and other relevant information. 

Furthermore, other annual inspections include checking your inlet riprap, any clogged stones near your outlet, or any signs of physical inlet/outlet erosion, and making sure your inspecting and cleaning your upstream catch basin.  

Lastly, monthly surveys typically focus on making sure trash, light debris, and any overflow of spillways are clear.    

To ensure proper functionality of your pond, outlet, and infiltration devices annually, it’s good practice to involve a PE (Professional Engineer). An engineer has the know-how to detect and repair specific parts accurately and on time to mitigate problems or delays.  

We note that your Infiltration checklist varies slightly from your Detention checklists in addition to the other previously mentioned guidelines. These points focus on your BMP Infiltration Surface, aggregate, and vegetation (if applicable).  

Ensuring your sediment and erosion are non-present and that aggregate is replaced properly helps proper stormwater function along with maintaining your vegetative cover, especially after a significant storm.   

Optional annual enhancements that add to your BMP include establishing limits on intrusive components near your ponds and instituting no-mow zone areas. Maintaining a 15-20 ft. no-mow or chemical-free space helps keep your pond natural and systems healthy.   

Keeping your stormwater systems eco-friendly includes adding no fertilizer (unless testing requires it) and limiting landscaping services only when necessary. Also, making sure to avoid unauthorized plantings and other invasive species helps preserve your pond or systems aesthetics and mitigates residential complaints.  

 If, in the event, you must utilize a herbicide, contact a qualified commercial application specialist that selectively uses herbicide for invasive species. These experts can also aid in increasing your plant diversity by sowing vegetation that promotes the health of your pond and the infiltration basin area. 

We recommend performing your BMP inspections by a licensed PE or specialized commercial contractor to safeguard the design and function of your ponds or stormwater drainage system.  

Contact your partner or specialist to discuss your options and for other necessary next steps.