Stormwater Maintenance Services in North Carolina
Stormwater Management
CMS Stormwater provides professional stormwater maintenance services in North Carolina for commercial properties, HOAs, municipalities, and regulated sites. Our maintenance services ensure stormwater control measures (SCMs) remain functional, compliant, and free of sediment buildup, erosion, and debris. Routine maintenance is essential to meet NCDEQ requirements, prevent system failure, and extend the life of stormwater infrastructure.
Comprehensive Stormwater Maintenance
Our Stormwater Maintenance Services
- Routine Stormwater Maintenance
- Sediment Removal & Cleanout
- Vegetation Management
- BMP / SCM Maintenance
- Drainage System Cleaning
- Erosion Control Repairs
How Maintenance Supports Stormwater Systems
Stormwater maintenance is typically performed following stormwater inspections to address identified issues and ensure systems continue to function properly. Regular maintenance reduces long-term costs, prevents system failure, and helps maintain compliance with North Carolina stormwater regulations.
Stormwater Maintenance Requirements in North Carolina
In North Carolina, ongoing stormwater maintenance is required to keep stormwater control measures (SCMs) compliant with NCDEQ regulations and local municipal requirements. Maintenance ensures systems continue to treat runoff effectively and prevent pollutants from entering waterways.
Core Aspects of Stormwater System Maintenance
Vegetation Management
Effective vegetation management preserves the performance of stormwater control measures (SCMs) such as swales, detention basins, and bioretention areas. Routine mowing of swales and basin embankments prevents overgrowth that can obstruct water flow, conceal structural deficiencies, and contribute to woody root intrusion. Proper vegetation control also stabilizes soil, reduces erosion risk, and supports long-term stormwater system sustainability.
Infrastructure Cleaning & Inspection
Routine stormwater infrastructure cleaning and inspection is essential to maintaining proper hydraulic flow and preventing system failure. Catch basins, curb inlets, pipes, and grates should be cleared of debris, leaves, trash, and sediment buildup to reduce blockages and localized flooding. High-capacity vacuum trucks (vactor services) are critical for removing accumulated sediment from catch basins and underground stormwater systems, restoring capacity and ensuring compliance with municipal stormwater regulations.
Structural Maintenance
Ongoing structural maintenance ensures the integrity and safety of stormwater infrastructure components such as culverts, headwalls, outlet control structures, manholes, and underground vaults. Regular inspections should identify cracks, joint separation, corrosion, leaks, or structural displacement that could compromise performance. Early detection and repair prevent catastrophic failure, extend infrastructure lifespan, and reduce long-term capital expenditure.
Documentation & Regulatory Compliance
Accurate documentation of stormwater inspections, maintenance activities, and repairs is essential for demonstrating compliance with NPDES permits and local stormwater ordinances. Maintaining detailed logs, photo records, and corrective action reports protects property owners from enforcement actions and regulatory penalties. Comprehensive recordkeeping also supports long-term asset management and proactive budgeting for stormwater infrastructure improvements.
Outlet Structure & Orifice Protection
Outlet control structures regulate water discharge rates and are critical to maintaining designed drawdown times, peak flow reduction, and downstream erosion control. Routine maintenance of outlet components—including orifices, weirs, trash racks, risers, and low-flow devices—is essential to prevent clogging from sediment, debris, and vegetative growth. Blocked or damaged outlets can lead to overtopping, embankment failure, flooding, and non-compliance with post-construction stormwater permit requirements. Proactive inspection, cleaning, and timely repair of these structures ensure they function as designed and extend their service life.
Inlet Protection
Stormwater inlets serve as the first line of defense in protecting stormwater control measures (SCMs) from sediment and debris loading. Routine inspection and maintenance of inlet protection devices—such as riprap aprons, sediment forebays, curb inlet screens, and erosion control measures—are critical to minimizing sediment transport into detention basins, bioretention cells, and underground systems. Damaged or unprotected inlets accelerate erosion, increase maintenance costs, and reduce water quality treatment effectiveness, particularly during high-intensity rainfall events. Regular upkeep ensures inlets continue to protect downstream infrastructure and preserve overall system performance.
Erosion Control & Bank Stabilization
Erosion along swales, detention pond embankments, inflow channels, and outfall discharge points threatens both structural integrity and water quality compliance. Routine maintenance and proactive stabilization of disturbed areas using sod, riprap, erosion control matting, reinforced turf systems, or vegetative cover prevent sediment migration into downstream stormwater infrastructure. Maintaining bank stability preserves storage capacity, protects adjacent properties, and ensures compliance with state stormwater and sediment control regulations. Consistent monitoring and repair of erosion-prone areas reduce costly emergency interventions and prolong the effectiveness of SCMs.
Illicit Discharge & Pollution Prevention
Illicit discharge detection and prevention are critical components of stormwater compliance, particularly within regulated MS4 municipalities. Routine monitoring and maintenance—including inspections for oil sheen, chemical discharge, illegal dumping, and unauthorized connections—help identify and mitigate potential water quality threats early. Implementing pollution prevention best management practices (BMPs), employee training, and thorough documentation ensures ongoing NPDES compliance, protects receiving waters, and reduces liability exposure. Consistent attention to these measures reinforces the long-term performance and credibility of a property’s stormwater management program.
Stormwater Systems We Maintain
Aboveground Stormwater SCMs
Above-ground stormwater SCMs such as wet ponds, bioretention basins, vegetated swales, and permeable pavement systems manage stormwater runoff by slowing flow, promoting infiltration, and removing pollutants before discharge. Proper inspection, maintenance, and repair of above-ground stormwater control measures are essential to maintain hydraulic capacity, prevent erosion, and ensure long-term stormwater compliance in North Carolina.
Above-Ground Stormwater SCMs
CMS performs routine inspection, cleaning, vegetation management, sediment removal, and structural repairs to maintain above-ground stormwater SCMs, ensuring reliable performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term drainage function.
Bioretention Basin
CMS provides maintenance for bioretention basins including sediment removal, plant care, mulch replacement, inlet and outlet inspection, and routine cleaning to ensure proper stormwater filtration.
Bioretention Cells (Rain Gardens)
CMS maintains bioretention cells and rain gardens through vegetation care, debris removal, soil media management, and inlet inspection to support effective stormwater treatment and drainage performance.
Constructed Wetlands
CMS conducts maintenance for constructed wetlands including vegetation management, sediment removal, debris clearing, and outlet inspection to preserve stormwater treatment capacity and ecological function.
Debris Collection Devices
CMS maintains debris collection devices by removing accumulated trash, sediment, and pollutants while inspecting structural components to ensure reliable stormwater flow and pollution control.
Dry Detention Ponds
CMS performs maintenance on dry extended detention ponds including mowing, sediment removal, outlet structure inspection, and debris clearing to maintain proper stormwater storage and drainage.
Green Roof
CMS maintains green roof stormwater systems through vegetation care, drainage inspection, debris removal, and routine system checks to ensure efficient stormwater retention and roof protection.
Level Spreader – Filter Strips
CMS maintains level spreaders and filter strips by clearing sediment, repairing grading, managing vegetation, and ensuring even stormwater distribution for effective runoff filtration.
Outfalls
CMS performs maintenance on stormwater outfalls through debris removal, erosion inspection, structural repairs, and sediment clearing to maintain proper discharge and system stability.
Permeable Pavement Systems
CMS maintains permeable pavement systems through vacuum sweeping, sediment removal, joint inspection, and surface repairs to preserve stormwater infiltration and pavement performance.
Permeable Pavers
CMS performs maintenance on permeable pavers including joint cleaning, vacuum sweeping, debris removal, and surface inspection to maintain effective stormwater infiltration and pavement durability.
Retention Ponds
CMS maintains retention ponds through vegetation management, sediment removal, inlet and outlet inspection, and debris clearing to support continuous stormwater storage and treatment.
Sand Filter System (Aboveground)
CMS performs maintenance on aboveground sand filter systems including sediment removal, filter media inspection, debris clearing, and structural checks to maintain effective stormwater treatment.
Vegetated Treatment Swales
CMS maintains vegetated treatment swales through mowing, sediment removal, vegetation management, and debris clearing to support effective stormwater conveyance and filtration.
Underground Stormwater SCMs
Underground stormwater SCMs, including detention vaults, chamber systems, infiltration trenches, and sand filters, provide high-capacity stormwater storage and treatment while preserving valuable surface space on commercial and industrial sites. Routine stormwater inspection, sediment removal, and structural maintenance are critical to ensure underground stormwater systems operate efficiently, prevent blockages, and remain compliant with stormwater management requirements.
Catch Basins
CMS maintains catch basins by removing sediment and debris, inspecting grates and structures, and ensuring proper drainage to keep stormwater systems functioning effectively.
Hydrodynamic Separators
CMS performs maintenance on hydrodynamic separators including vacuum cleaning, sediment removal, inspection of internal components, and debris extraction to maintain stormwater pollutant removal efficiency.
Infiltration Trenches / Infiltration Systems
CMS maintains infiltration trenches and systems by removing sediment buildup, inspecting inlets, restoring infiltration capacity, and ensuring proper stormwater drainage and groundwater recharge.
Proprietary Filtration Devices (e.g., StormFilter)
CMS maintains proprietary filtration devices such as StormFilter systems through cartridge replacement, sediment removal, system inspection, and routine servicing for optimal stormwater treatment.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
CMS provides maintenance for rainwater harvesting systems including tank inspection, debris removal, filter cleaning, and pump checks to ensure efficient stormwater reuse.
Sand Filter Systems (Underground)
CMS performs maintenance on underground sand filter systems including sediment removal, filter media inspection, confined-space cleaning, and structural checks to maintain treatment performance.
Storm Sewer Systems
CMS maintains storm sewer systems through pipe inspection, debris removal, jetting, and structural repairs to ensure reliable stormwater conveyance and drainage.
Stormwater Chamber System
CMS maintains stormwater chamber systems through sediment removal, inlet inspection, vacuum cleaning, and structural evaluation to preserve underground stormwater storage capacity.
Underground Detention Pipe Systems (CMP/HDPE)
CMS performs maintenance on underground detention pipe systems by inspecting pipes, removing sediment buildup, cleaning inlets, and ensuring proper stormwater storage and flow.
Underground Detention Vaults (Concrete)
CMS maintains underground concrete detention vaults through sediment removal, structural inspection, debris clearing, and confined-space cleaning to ensure effective stormwater storage.
Related Stormwater Services
Contact CMS Stormwater Today
Phone
Office: (252) 200-4774
Cell: (252) 903-6260
PO BOX 552
Nashville, NC 27856
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours
Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Emergency Response: Call Immediately