Help & Questions
What is stormwater management?
Stormwater management is the process of controlling, directing, treating, and monitoring rainwater runoff to reduce flooding, erosion, pollution, and damage to surrounding properties and waterways.
What types of stormwater systems require maintenance?
Common systems include storm drains, catch basins, detention and retention ponds, drainage channels, culverts, pipes, outfalls, swales, inlet structures, and other stormwater control measures.
What are common signs of a failing stormwater system?
Warning signs include standing water, slow drainage, clogged or damaged inlets, excessive sediment, erosion, sinkholes, unusual ponding, damaged pipes, excessive vegetation, and water flowing where it shouldn't.
How does stormwater monitoring help prevent environmental damage?
Monitoring can identify pollutants or system problems early, allowing corrective action to be taken before contaminated runoff reaches nearby waterways.
What happens when monitoring identifies a problem?
The issue should be documented, evaluated, and addressed with appropriate corrective action. Depending on the situation, this may involve cleaning, repairs, additional monitoring, or other measures.
Maintenance & Inspections
What does a stormwater inspection include?
An inspection typically evaluates drainage structures, inlets, outlets, pipes, ponds, channels, erosion, sediment accumulation, vegetation, structural conditions, and potential sources of pollution.
How often should storm drains be cleaned?
There isn't one schedule that fits every property. Our services provides a monthly inspections. With high-traffic or debris-prone areas may require more frequent service.
What is storm drain maintenance?
Storm drain maintenance involves inspecting and servicing drainage structures to keep them operating properly. Services may include debris and sediment removal, cleaning, repairs, and documentation.
How do you know when a stormwater system needs cleaning?
Visible sediment or debris, slow drainage, standing water, blocked inlets, reduced pond capacity, or excessive material near outlets are common indicators that maintenance may be needed.
What is sediment removal and why is it necessary?
Sediment removal is the process of removing accumulated soil and other material from stormwater structures. It helps restore system capacity and maintain proper drainage performance.
How are detention and retention ponds maintained?
Maintenance can include inspecting inlet and outlet structures, removing accumulated sediment and debris, managing vegetation, addressing erosion, maintaining embankments, and checking for structural problems.
How do you identify erosion around a stormwater system?
Look for exposed soil, rills or gullies, undermined structures, sediment deposits, damaged vegetation, and areas where concentrated water flow is causing soil loss.
Can preventative maintenance reduce repair costs?
Yes. Identifying small problems early can help prevent them from developing into major drainage failures, structural damage, flooding, or expensive emergency repairs.