Stormwater BMPs
Maintaining Stormwater Facilities and BMPs
“Urban stormwater facilities” and “best management practices” (BMPs), or structures for managing stormwater, have become common in North Carolina during the past fifteen years.
BMPs are typically designed to control both the quality and quantity of runoff, but they will cease to function if not properly maintained. Businesses and homeowners are generally responsible for routine maintenance and repair of on-site stormwater management facilities.
Stream with vegetated riparian buffer
Constructed wetland receives parking lot runoff
Wet detention pond treats stormwater runoff
Simple maintenance can be performed by homeowner’s associations and facility managers; knowledgeable consultants should be contacted for detailed or complex maintenance and repairs. An effective maintenance program will prolong the life of stormwater facilities, avert expensive repair costs, and prevent adverse impacts to receiving waters.
Typical BMPs in central and coastal NC are:
- wet detention ponds
- dry detention ponds
- bioretention areas
- sand filters
- constructed wetlands
- grass swales
- riparian buffers
Bioretention area treats stormwater runoff
Dry detention stores stormwater runoff
Grass swale conveys and treats stormwater runoff
Rain barrel captures stormwater runoff
Green roof captures stormwater runoff
Porous pavers in Kinston capture stormwater runoff
Additional Resources
Guidance for specific industries from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Helpful documents on designing and maintaining BMPs from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection provides another maintenance manual and links to more information
On the Job
Sand filter in parking lot
