What is Stormwater Management?
In developed areas, impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally returning to the ground. Instead, rainwater enters inlets, storm sewer systems, combined sewer systems, drainage swales, and detention systems. Without monitoring and maintenance, these systems can cause flooding, erosion, turbidity, and damage. Since the 1990s local state and federal agencies have required ongoing management of constructed systems in the form of inspections, monitoring, and maintenance.
In most cases, a permit is required that details the management requirements for best management practices of the stormwater system. The permit breaks down the system components, inspection criteria, and routine inspection timeline.
Why should I care?
Noncompliance can be an expensive hassle, more importantly, protecting the environment is the right thing to do. Municipalities, States, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can charge significant fines for non-compliance. Then there is the liability of storm damage resulting from malfunctioning systems.
The Clean Water Act was enacted to protect the condition of water in the United States and prohibits pollution. The EPA is mandated with the enforcement of pollution control programs and regulations. The EPA looked to the states for assistance in implementing and controlling pollution. Many of the states looked to cities and towns for additional assistance.
If you own or operate a property that was built after 1990, more than likely a stormwater permit was obtained or is required for your property.
What are stormwater inspections?
Stormwater inspections are a regular review of stormwater infrastructure and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that proactively identify areas in need of repair to avoid discharging pollutants. These areas can include high-risk point sources like stockpiles, as well as storm drains to ensure the operating condition.
By following BMPs, repairs can be made or actions are taken to prevent the failure of stormwater systems. Inspections can also be used to track compliance with permit requirements over time.
Inspection procedures and schedules are required to be included in Stormwater Management Plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans. Successful plans describe the processes, activities, and procedures that will be used to prevent pollutants from being discharged into waterways, and inspections are a key component of these plans.
