Stormwater Maintenance offers annual maintenance contracts tailored to your specific situation and requirements which usually includes scheduled maintenance services. As in the case of inspections, our contract can be modified as you prefer. Regardless of who does the specific work, our program makes sure the facility is being maintained properly.

Our typical maintenance contracts will address the following items:

Mowing
Most maintenance requirements require grass or groundcover be mowed at least two time every year.

Maintain Vegetative Cover
We monitor grass and ground cover and will routinely seed or treat bare areas as needed.

Tree and Brush Removal
Woody growth cannot be allowed to grow on fill embankments or close to riser structures. A proper mowing schedule will keep trees and brush from becoming established, however, some areas may not be accessible for mowing equipment. We make sure all areas are maintained to ensure long-term embankment stability and regulatory compliance.

Trash and Debris Removal
Litter and debris gets washed away in the rain, but guess where it ends up... If removed on a consistent basis, it shouldn't become a major problem or expense.

Removal of Sediments
Sediments can contain many pollutants and one of the primary purposes of stormwater management is to remove them before they can reach streams. Maintenance visits allow us to monitor the volume of sediments so we can clean them out of the facility before they become a major issue.

Risers, Pipes and Other Appertances
These elements are crucial to the function and safety of stormwater management facilities. They regulate and convey flows from storm events - sometimes at significant volumes and flow rates. The most common problem that can lead to major problems during large storms is blockage.

Signs of surface external blockage are checked - and corrected - at least twice a year. Underground pipes, orifices, etc. are inspected for blockage or other problems at least once a year.

Access, Fencing and Safety
We make sure that access and fencing is appropriately maintained. If major repairs or upgrades for safety should occur, you will know as early as possible to include it in your budgeting process.

We recommend clear signage for all surface facilities to ensure the public is aware of potential danger when water is impounded during and after storm events. In residential areas, we recommend and can facilitate public awareness campaigns to make sure the residents, especially children, are aware of potential dangers.

Mosquitoes
Standing water is the perfect habitat for the breeding of mosquitoes. Given the potential of disease and illness transmitted by these insects, it can be an important issue that those responsible for stormwater management facilities should be aware of and address. If a problems exists, we approach it using the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) concept. The IMM approach applies consideration of source reduction (reducing standing water, reducing weed growth, etc.), biological control (fish, bird, and bat habitat establishment), and chemical control (pesticide application).

Learn more about mosquitoes from the American Mosquito Control Association. Click here to see a recent document published by the Maryland Department of the Environment concerning mosquitoes and stormwater management.

Stormwater Management and Mosquito Issues- information from the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Vermin
Rodents, such as groundhogs, beavers, etc. can cause significant damage to stormwater management facilities by burrowing in embankments or clogging appertances. In most cases, it is the facilities that are not maintained regularly that have the most problems. We survey for and correct burrow holes and monitor other potentially damaging activity and eradicate the vermin as needed.

To discuss the specifics of your situation, feel free to contact us at tscott@swmaintenance.com