Top 5 Signs Your Stormwater Facility Needs Maintenance

Stormwater facilities, such as retention ponds, detention basins, and rain gardens, are essential for managing runoff, preventing flooding, and improving water quality. However, these systems require regular maintenance to function effectively. Without proper care, stormwater facilities can become liabilities, leading to compliance issues, property damage, and environmental harm.

In this article, we’ll outline the top 5 signs that your stormwater facility needs maintenance and what steps you can take to address these issues.

1. Sediment Buildup

What to Look For:

• Visible layers of sediment accumulating at the bottom of your retention or detention pond.

• Reduced water storage capacity.

• Cloudy or muddy water entering or exiting the facility.

Why It Matters:

Sediment buildup reduces the storage capacity of stormwater facilities, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains. It also disrupts water quality by carrying pollutants into nearby rivers and tributaries, such as the Patuxent River and the Monocacy River, which eventually flow into the Chesapeake Bay.

Solution:

Schedule routine sediment removal to restore your facility’s capacity and ensure compliance with Maryland regulations.

2. Erosion Around the Facility

What to Look For:

• Exposed soil or gullies around embankments, spillways, or drainage channels.

• Unstable slopes or sloughing of soil into the pond.

Why It Matters:

Erosion weakens the structural integrity of your facility, potentially leading to dam failure or increased sediment pollution. Left unaddressed, it can result in costly repairs and environmental damage.

Solution:

Implement erosion control measures, such as stabilizing slopes with vegetation or riprap, to prevent further damage.

3. Overgrown or Invasive Vegetation

What to Look For:

• Overgrowth of grasses, shrubs, or trees that obstruct the facility’s function.

• Presence of invasive species like phragmites or kudzu.

Why It Matters:

Uncontrolled vegetation can block inlets and outlets, reducing water flow and increasing the risk of flooding. Invasive plants can outcompete beneficial vegetation, degrading the facility’s ability to filter pollutants.

Solution:

Work with a professional team to manage vegetation, removing invasives and planting native species to maintain ecological balance.

4. Blocked or Damaged Outlets and Spillways

What to Look For:

• Debris such as branches, trash, or sediment clogging the outlet structures.

• Cracks, rust, or damage to pipes and spillways.

Why It Matters:

Blocked or damaged outlets prevent stormwater from draining properly, increasing the likelihood of overflows or flooding. Damaged infrastructure also puts your facility out of compliance with Maryland’s stormwater regulations.

Solution:

Inspect and clean outlets regularly, and repair or replace damaged infrastructure as needed.

5. Poor Water Quality or Algae Growth

What to Look For:

• Persistent algae blooms or stagnant, foul-smelling water.

• Excessive nutrient levels (e.g., visible scum or discoloration).

Why It Matters:

Poor water quality can harm local ecosystems and contribute to pollution in downstream waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Algae blooms are often a sign of nutrient pollution from runoff, which needs to be addressed to maintain compliance and environmental health.

Solution:

Investigate and address sources of nutrient pollution, such as fertilizers or untreated runoff. Consider aeration systems or natural solutions, like planting aquatic vegetation, to improve water quality.

Why Proactive Maintenance Matters

Neglecting these warning signs can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Regulatory Fines: Maryland has strict stormwater management regulations, and non-compliance can result in costly penalties.

• Increased Liability: Facility failures can cause property damage or personal injury, leaving you legally and financially responsible.

• Environmental Harm: Poorly maintained facilities contribute to pollution and degradation of local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.

How Patriot Natural Resources Can Help

At Patriot Natural Resources, we specialize in maintaining stormwater facilities across Maryland to ensure they remain compliant, efficient, and environmentally friendly. From sediment removal to erosion control, our team provides comprehensive services tailored to your needs.

Contact us today for an inspection or to schedule maintenance, and let us help you protect your property and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.