Stormwater Management Services
Stormwater Solution
- Retention Ponds
- Detentions Ponds
- Bioretention
- Bioswales/Vegetative Swales
- Wetlands
- Sand Filters
- Level Spreaders
- Permeable Pavement
Why is brush clearing necessary?
Brush clearing is necessary to clear the way for construction site preparation, but it can also help improve the overall condition of your land. If you live near a forest, we recommend our regular brush clearing services because:
- Your soil will better support plant growth
- Your landscape will be easier to maintain
- Your trees won’t spread diseases
The best time of year for our regular brush clearing services is the winter, so schedule an appointment with us today.
Get Stormwater Under Control
Explore our stormwater management services in the Statesville or Winston-Salem, NC area
Stormwater runoff can damage your property. However, Clearwater Lake & Pond can effectively manage the flow of stormwater. We specialize in responsible and reliable stormwater control measures that limit the damaging effects of stormwater runoff.
Our team based in the Charlotte and Statesville, NC areas works with:
To find out more about what we can do for you, call (704) 450-1598 today. You can also email us about stormwater management services. We can mow slopes, including those surrounding ponds and basins, while following state and municipal standards.
Compliance Inspections
Increased stormwater ordinance enforcement at the municipal level has led to a demand for our comprehensive stormwater management services. Clearwater Lake & Pond has experience in local regulation compliance and the design and function of different types of stormwater control measures (SCMs).
Most municipalities in the Carolinas require adherence to the state Stormwater Design Manual. This document is the rulebook for operation and maintenance determinants, as well as annual certified inspections of regulated stormwater control measures.
The majority of operation and maintenance manuals require monthly visual inspections, corrective measures after a severe weather event and an annual inspection that must be filed with the municipality. Inspection requirements vary among municipalities.
These inspections must be completed by a certified stormwater professional. We maintain the licenses and certifications needed to handle the inspection, maintenance, and repairs of all types of SCMs.
Contact us now to find out more.
Routine maintenance
Stormwater devices require regular maintenance. We can inspect these devices and maintain them so that they adhere to municipal regulations. Routine maintenance usually requires vegetation management (aquatic and terrestrial), monitoring of erosion control measures, evaluation of accumulated sediment, examination of inlet and outlet structures and removal of trash and debris.
We’ll recommend any corrective actions necessary. With your approval, we’ll repair or renovate devices in accordance with the original engineered design criteria and municipality requirements. Our careful maintenance work will help you avoid excess repair and restoration costs.
Construction and Repair
Clearwater Lake & Pond maintains numerous professional licenses and certifications. We’re fully prepared to meet your stormwater inspection, repair, renovation and construction needs.
We specialize in shoreline stabilization, littoral shelf restoration, riparian buffers, erosion control and repair, floating wetlands (nutrient removal), sediment excavation (dredging) and inlet and outlet structures.
Stormwater Management
CONVERSION
Stormwater Control Measures (SCM’s) usually begin as sediment catch basins on construction sites. These temporary basins are intended to capture displaced soil and pollutant runoff during a rain event on a construction site. Stormwater conversions are the process of transforming a sediment basin into a stormwater control measure. i.e. wet pond, dry pond, bioretention, constructed wetlands, infiltration systems, sand filters, bio swales.
Once the construction project is complete, the basin is converted to the permanent stormwater device. The SCM will then effectively treat and control stormwater runoff for the new construction…with proper maintenance
MAINTENANCE
Understand that SCM’s are engineered devices with specialized maintenance requirements.
Whether your SCM’s are part of a commercial property or residential community, this is the first step to implementing a successful maintenance program. Wet ponds, dry ponds, bioretentions, constructed wetlands, infiltration systems, bio swales, etc, all have specialized maintenance requirements. Most of these SCMs utilize living plants and/or natural products to effect treatment of stormwater runoff, thus creating a small ecosystem within the SCM.
Putting off maintenance often leads to large unexpected expenditures. The old saying holds true here, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
REPAIRS
Proper functionality is the whole premise behind stormwater systems. SCMs that are not maintained on a regular basis can quickly become non-compliant, requiring repairs and/or restoration. We maintain proper credentials to inspect, maintain, and repair all types of SCMs. Municipalities under NPDES permitting require an annual inspection to be submitted for each SCM.
If these devices fail inspection, a Notice of Violation (NOV) may be issued, which could ultimately lead to fines if not corrected. However, compliance repairs often can be prevented with a specialized management program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered Stormwater?
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.
Is a stormwater management system necessary in North Carolina?
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.
What are the laws for water runoff in North Carolina?
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.
What does our stormwater management process look like?
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.
What is the difference between a retention pond and a detention pond?
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.
How much does residential stormwater management cost in NC?
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.
What is a Stormwater Control Measure (SCM)?
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.
Who is responsible for maintaining SCMs?
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.
Why do we have to maintain SCMs?
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.
What costs are associated with stormwater management?
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
What is an Annual Compliance Inspection?
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.
Can my landscaper do the maintenance?
We received a non-compliance letter (NOV). Now what?
Protect Your North Carolina Property With Our Help
Call us at (704) 450-1598 or contact us online to schedule an evaluation and learn more about our stormwater management services. We’re here to provide reliable solutions that defend your property and help maintain compliance with local regulations.
Don’t wait until bad weather strikes – take the first step toward responsible stormwater management today.