Hydro Excavation Services

Stormwater Management

Hydro excavation equipment safely exposing underground stormwater utilities

Hydro excavation provides safe, non-destructive digging for stormwater pipe locating, utility daylighting, and drainage infrastructure exposure. Using high-pressure water and vacuum extraction, this method precisely removes soil without damaging underground stormwater systems. It is ideal for exposing storm sewer lines, culverts, outlet structures, and SCM components during inspections and repairs. Hydro excavation reduces liability, prevents utility strikes, and protects critical stormwater infrastructure assets.

Commercial & Industrial Hydro Excavation Services

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Why Choose Hydro Excavation

Safe, Non-Destructive Utility Exposure
Protect underground stormwater pipes, force mains, and buried utilities with precision hydro excavation that reduces utility strikes, service disruptions, and costly infrastructure damage.

Precision Stormwater Utility Daylighting
Accurately expose storm sewer lines, culverts, outlet structures, and underground drainage systems with minimal soil disturbance — ideal for congested municipal and commercial sites.

Faster Stormwater Repairs & Inspections
High-pressure water and vacuum extraction accelerate stormwater pipe locating, inspections, and rehabilitation projects while reducing labor hours and downtime.

Effective in Difficult Conditions
Performs reliably in clay, compacted soil, sandy conditions, and frozen ground, with the ability to reach deep or remote stormwater infrastructure locations.

Minimal Surface & Environmental Impact
Targeted excavation limits pavement damage, protects surrounding stormwater control measures (SCMs), and reduces site restoration costs.

Vactor truck removing debris and sediment from stormwater catch basin to prevent blockages.

Vacuum hydro excavation removing soil around storm drain structure to prevent utility damage

Hydro Excavation Applications

CMS hydro excavation delivers precise, non-destructive digging for stormwater pipes, catch basins, culverts, and underground utilities. Services include potholing, slot trenching, debris removal, deep structure excavation, and cold-weather access for year-round maintenance. Our targeted soil removal and remote-access capabilities protect stormwater infrastructure, minimize site disruption, and support environmental remediation. Efficient, safe, and versatile, hydro excavation ensures peak performance of drainage and stormwater systems.

Stormwater Daylighting & Potholing: Expose stormwater pipes, culverts, and underground utilities to confirm location and depth before excavation or repairs.
Slot Trenching for Drainage: Create precise trenches for stormwater pipes or conduit installation with minimal surface impact.
Storm Sewer & Utility Repairs: Safely uncover damaged pipes and drainage structures for repair without heavy machinery.
Cold Weather Excavation: Break through frozen ground to maintain year-round stormwater and utility work.
Deep Structure Excavation: Dig accurate holes for structural supports, outlet structures, and light poles.
Manhole & Debris Removal: Remove sediment, slurry, and debris from manholes, vaults, and catch basins efficiently.
Remote & Limited-Access Excavation: Access tight, congested, or sensitive areas traditional equipment cannot reach.
Environmental Soil Removal: Precisely remove contaminated soil near stormwater systems with minimal disruption.

Stormwater Services

Importance of Stormwater Management

Stormwater management is a critical part of protecting property, infrastructure, and natural resources by controlling runoff volume and reducing pollutants carried by rainwater. Engineered stormwater control measures (SCMs) such as wet ponds, bioretention basins, infiltration systems, and swales are designed to treat runoff, reduce erosion, and improve water quality before water enters streams, rivers, and lakes. Without effective stormwater management, uncontrolled runoff can cause flooding, property damage, and increased sedimentation in receiving waters, leading to non-point source pollution concerns. For commercial, industrial, and regulated sites across North Carolina, proactive stormwater management supports regulatory compliance and reduces long-term operational risks. CMS provides comprehensive stormwater solutions that help property owners plan, implement, and maintain stormwater systems to protect assets and meet performance expectations.

Maintenance of Stormwater SCMs

Routine maintenance of stormwater SCMs is essential for long-term performance, as sediment buildup, vegetation overgrowth, and clogged inlets can significantly diminish treatment capacity and hydraulic function. Regular maintenance ensures that SCMs, such as wet ponds, permeable pavements, and sand filters, continue to capture and treat stormwater runoff as designed. Without ongoing care, SCMs can fail to remove pollutants effectively, increasing the risk of flooding and environmental impacts downstream. CMS provides scheduled maintenance programs tailored to each SCM, helping clients avoid costly failures and ensuring reliable stormwater performance.

Repairs of Stormwater SCMs

Stormwater SCM repair services are critical when systems demonstrate structural issues, sediment reduction in storage capacity, or impaired hydraulic performance. Repairs may involve restructuring outlet controls, restoring eroded embankments, replacing damaged components, or rehabilitating clogged media in filtration systems. Timely SCM repairs prevent small issues from developing into system failures that compromise water quality and increase risk of flooding. CMS delivers stormwater system repair expertise that addresses both routine and non-routine corrections to restore SCMs to their original operating condition.

Inspections of Stormwater SCMs

Stormwater SCM inspections identify maintenance needs, structural concerns, and performance deficiencies that could reduce treatment effectiveness or lead to regulatory non-compliance. Quarterly, annual, and post-storm inspections help owners track sediment accumulation, vegetation conditions, and hydraulic function to ensure SCMs operate as intended. CMS utilizes certified stormwater inspectors and documented inspection protocols to provide thorough evaluations and detailed reporting. These professional inspections support stormwater compliance goals and help guide maintenance and repair planning for each SCM device.