Bioretention Cells

(Rain Gardens)

Stormwater Management

Bioretention Maintenance Services

CMS provides bioretention cell and rain garden stormwater maintenance services throughout North Carolina. These systems rely on engineered soils, vegetation, and infiltration to filter pollutants from runoff. Over time, sediment buildup, plant loss, and clogged inlets can reduce performance. CMS crews maintain these systems to keep infiltration rates high and ensure stormwater permits remain compliant. Routine maintenance protects both water quality performance and system longevity.

Bioretention Maintenance Notes

Our maintenance teams service bioretention systems using NCDEQ maintenance guidance and stormwater industry best practices. Routine care keeps the filtration media and vegetation healthy while preventing sediment clogging. Preventive maintenance significantly reduces the need for expensive media replacement.

Typical CMS Bioretention Maintenance Services

Annual mulch replacement
Sediment removal from inlets
Vegetation replacement and plant care
Weed and invasive plant removal
Soil media maintenance
Overflow and underdrain inspections

Bioretention Inspection Services

CMS inspectors evaluate infiltration performance, ponding depth, and plant health during routine rain garden inspections. Inlets, overflow structures, and underdrains are checked for blockages. Inspection reports help property owners maintain regulatory compliance.

Bioretention Repair Services

CMS repair teams restore clogged or failing bioretention systems by replacing soil media, repairing underdrains, and restoring vegetation. Structural repairs may also include erosion control at inlets and outlets. These repairs restore filtration performance and infiltration capacity.

Bioretention FAQs

How often should bioretention cells be maintained?
Most systems require quarterly maintenance and annual inspections.

What services does CMS provide for rain gardens?
Mulch replacement, plant maintenance, inspections, and media restoration.

Can rain gardens stop working over time?
Yes. Sediment buildup and plant loss can reduce infiltration performance.

Do rain gardens require plant maintenance?
Yes. Healthy vegetation is critical for filtration.

Can CMS restore failing bioretention cells?
Yes. CMS provides full repair and rehabilitation services.

Request a Consultation

Above Ground SCM Maintenance, Repairs, and Inspections

Stormwater Maintenance – Aboveground SCM Devices

Routine maintenance of aboveground stormwater control measures (SCMs) such as bioretention areas, detention ponds, sand filters, and vegetated swales ensures these systems function as originally designed. Services include debris removal, sediment cleanout, vegetation management, erosion repair, and outlet structure cleaning to maintain proper flow and treatment capacity. CMS provides proactive maintenance programs that protect water quality, prevent system failures, and keep facilities operating efficiently year-round.

Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Consistent maintenance helps property owners remain compliant with state and local stormwater permits by ensuring SCMs meet performance standards. Removing sediment buildup and correcting minor issues early extends the service life of infrastructure and prevents costly rehabilitation. Properly maintained systems improve pollutant removal, reduce downstream impacts, and support long-term environmental sustainability goals.

Vegetation management at stormwater retention pond

CMS repairing damaged stormwater pipe and drainage infrastructure

Stormwater Repairs – Aboveground SCM Devices

Stormwater repair services address structural damage, erosion, failing outlet structures, compromised embankments, and deteriorated components within aboveground SCMs. Timely repairs restore hydraulic performance and prevent minor deficiencies from escalating into major failures. CMS evaluates system conditions and implements targeted repair solutions to return SCMs to full operational capacity.

Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Prompt repairs help maintain regulatory compliance by correcting deficiencies often cited during inspections. Restoring structural integrity protects the long-term durability of the asset and reduces the risk of emergency replacements. Sustainable repair practices preserve existing infrastructure, reduce waste, and ensure continued water quality treatment performance.

Stormwater Inspection – Aboveground SCM Devices

Professional inspection of aboveground SCMs includes detailed visual assessments, sediment measurements, structural evaluations, and documentation of overall system performance. Regular inspections identify developing issues such as clogging, erosion, vegetation overgrowth, or structural deterioration before they compromise function. CMS provides thorough inspection reporting to support maintenance planning and regulatory documentation requirements.

Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Routine inspections are critical for meeting permit requirements and demonstrating due diligence to regulatory agencies. Early detection of deficiencies reduces long-term repair costs and maximizes the lifespan of stormwater assets. By ensuring systems operate efficiently, inspections contribute to sustainable watershed protection and responsible environmental stewardship.

Certified SWPPP inspector conducting stormwater compliance inspection with erosion and sediment control measures on active construction 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.