Stormwater Conversion

Stormwater Management

Retrofit of detention pond to modern stormwater BMP standards

CMS provides comprehensive stormwater retrofit services, replacing or upgrading existing pipes, ponds, and BMPs to improve water quality and reduce runoff volume. Our SCM conversion projects transform older stormwater control measures—such as dry ponds—into modern, high-performance systems that meet current regulatory standards. We enhance existing SCMs by adding forebays, wetland vegetation, or other features to boost hydraulic function and treatment capacity. Temporary construction sediment basins can also be converted into permanent, functional stormwater ponds for long-term runoff management. Through these upgrades, property owners can earn retrofit credits from permitting authorities while ensuring compliant, efficient, and sustainable stormwater infrastructure.

CMS Stormwater Conversion Specialist

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Core Conversion & Retrofit Sevices

Stormwater Retrofit

Stormwater retrofit services replace or upgrade existing drainage infrastructure to improve water quality and reduce runoff volume. These projects restore system performance while ensuring compliance with current stormwater regulations.

SCM Conversion

SCM conversion transforms older or underperforming stormwater control measures into systems that meet modern regulatory and performance standards. Examples include converting dry ponds to wet ponds or updating detention basins for enhanced treatment.

SCM Enhancement

SCM enhancement increases the functionality of existing stormwater control measures by adding features like forebays, wetlands, or improved vegetation. Enhancements boost water quality treatment, hydraulic performance, and long-term system efficiency.

Basin to SCM Conversion

Basin to SCM conversion turns temporary construction sediment basins into permanent, functional stormwater ponds. This approach repurposes infrastructure to provide long-term runoff management, water quality treatment, and compliance benefits.

Retrofit Credit

Retrofit credit programs allow property owners to earn regulatory credits for upgrading older stormwater systems. These credits help demonstrate compliance and incentivize improvements in drainage infrastructure performance.

Vactor truck cleaning a trench drain to remove debris and restore proper stormwater flow.

Stormwater conversion project integrating improved BMPs for a commercial site

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.