Storm Sewer Systems

Stormwater Management

Underground storm sewer system conveying runoff beneath pavement

Storm Sewer System Maintenance Services

CMS provides storm sewer system maintenance services across North Carolina for commercial, municipal, and industrial stormwater infrastructure. Storm sewer systems convey stormwater runoff through underground pipe networks to outfalls or treatment systems. Over time, sediment buildup, debris, and structural deterioration can reduce system capacity and cause drainage problems. CMS crews inspect, flush, and clean storm sewer systems to restore proper flow. Routine maintenance helps prevent flooding and protect drainage infrastructure.

Storm Sewer Maintenance Notes

Storm sewer systems require routine pipe cleaning and inspection to maintain hydraulic capacity. CMS maintenance programs focus on sediment removal and drainage system flushing. Preventive maintenance reduces the risk of pipe blockages and drainage failures.

Maintenance Tasks

Flush storm sewer pipes
Remove sediment from pipe inverts
Clean inlet and junction structures
Inspect pipe joints and connections
Remove debris from drainage lines
Monitor structural pipe condition

Storm Sewer Inspection Services

CMS performs storm sewer inspections to evaluate pipe condition, sediment accumulation, and flow performance. Inspectors identify potential blockages and structural damage. Inspection reports help property owners maintain drainage infrastructure.

Storm Sewer Repair Services

CMS repair crews address pipe damage, joint failures, and drainage blockages. Repairs may include pipe replacement, structural stabilization, or drainage corrections. Prompt repairs restore stormwater system performance.

Storm Sewer Frequently Asked Questions

How often should storm sewer systems be cleaned?
Most systems require inspection annually and cleaning when sediment buildup reduces pipe capacity.

What causes storm sewer blockages?
Sediment buildup, debris, and trash entering the drainage system.

Does CMS perform storm sewer pipe flushing?
Yes. CMS provides pipe flushing and sediment removal services.

Can storm sewer pipes collapse?
Yes. Corrosion, structural damage, or soil movement can cause pipe failure.

Why is storm sewer maintenance important?
It prevents flooding and protects underground stormwater infrastructure.

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Underground SCM Maintenance, Repairs, and Inspections

Stormwater Maintenance – Underground SCM Devices

Routine maintenance of underground stormwater control measures (SCMs) such as vaults, pipes, and chambers ensures these systems continue to manage runoff and treat water effectively. Services include sediment removal, debris clearing, and monitoring for blockages to maintain proper hydraulic performance. CMS provides scheduled maintenance programs throughout North Carolina to protect system functionality and prevent costly failures.

Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Regular maintenance helps property owners meet NC DEQ and local stormwater permit requirements by keeping systems fully operational. Preventing sediment buildup and minor damage extends the service life of underground SCMs. Well-maintained systems improve water quality, manage runoff efficiently, and support long-term environmental sustainability.

Technician performing maintenance on an underground stormwater control measure (SCM) vault, removing sediment and debris.

Underground stormwater detention system providing flow control and treatment at a space-constrained site

Stormwater Repairs – Underground SCM Devices

Underground SCM repairs address structural damage, clogged pipes, damaged vaults, or eroded chambers that compromise system performance. Timely repairs restore full hydraulic capacity and ensure water quality treatment goals are met. CMS offers targeted repair solutions to return underground systems to optimal operation while minimizing disruption to surrounding properties.

Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Prompt repairs ensure systems remain compliant with regulatory requirements and avoid penalties. Restoring structural integrity protects the long-term durability of the underground infrastructure. Efficient repairs reduce material waste, extend asset life, and maintain sustainable stormwater management practices.

Stormwater Inspection – Underground SCM Devices

Professional inspections of underground SCMs include structural evaluations, sediment and debris assessments, and hydraulic performance checks. Regular inspections identify developing issues such as clogs, damage, or decreased flow before they escalate into major problems. CMS provides detailed inspection reporting to support maintenance planning and regulatory documentation requirements.

Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Routine inspections demonstrate due diligence and help property owners comply with NC DEQ and local stormwater regulations. Early detection of deficiencies reduces long-term repair costs and maximizes the lifespan of underground assets. Properly inspected systems ensure continued pollutant removal, efficient runoff management, and environmentally responsible operations.

CCTV camera inspecting the interior of an underground stormwater control measure (SCM) vault for blockages and structural issues.

Routine/Quarterly Inspections

CMS provides routine quarterly stormwater inspections to evaluate stormwater control measures, verify BMP functionality, ensure regulatory compliance, and identify sediment buildup, erosion, or drainage issues.

Our inspectors document stormwater infrastructure conditions, photograph deficiencies, and recommend maintenance actions to maintain stormwater management system performance, protect water quality, and meet municipal compliance requirements.

Post-Storm Inspections

CMS conducts post-storm stormwater inspections after significant rainfall events to evaluate stormwater control measures, detect erosion, sediment displacement, flooding impacts, and structural damage affecting system performance.

Our stormwater specialists assess drainage structures, detention basins, conveyance systems, and BMP components to ensure proper operation, regulatory compliance, and long-term stormwater management effectiveness.

Annual Certified Inspections

CMS performs annual certified stormwater inspections conducted by qualified stormwater professionals to evaluate stormwater BMP functionality, structural integrity, maintenance needs, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Our certified inspectors provide detailed stormwater inspection reports, compliance verification, maintenance recommendations, and documentation required by municipalities, permitting authorities, and environmental regulations.

As-Built/Final Inspections

CMS conducts as-built and final stormwater inspections to verify stormwater control measures are constructed according to approved engineering plans, specifications, and stormwater management permits.

Our inspection team confirms proper installation of drainage infrastructure, detention systems, and stormwater BMPs, ensuring compliance with design standards before project closeout or regulatory approval.

Remedial/Repair Inspections

CMS performs remedial and repair stormwater inspections to identify damaged stormwater infrastructure, failing BMPs, sediment accumulation, and drainage deficiencies requiring corrective maintenance or rehabilitation.

Our stormwater inspection specialists evaluate repair effectiveness, verify stormwater system functionality, and ensure remediation actions restore stormwater management performance and regulatory compliance.

Key Types of SCM Inspections

CMS excels in professional stormwater inspection services, ensuring stormwater control measures (SCMs) operate efficiently and remain compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Our team delivers expert stormwater management inspections, compliance monitoring, and BMP performance evaluations to protect water quality and prevent costly violations. CMS provides reliable, data-driven stormwater inspection solutions for municipalities, HOAs, commercial properties, and developers seeking regulatory compliance and environmental protection.