Types of Stormwater Control Measures

Stormwater consultant reviewing stormwater management plans and stormwater control measures

CMS provides comprehensive stormwater management services, maintaining an extensive range of stormwater control measures (SCMs) and advanced stormwater systems to keep your site compliant, efficient, and operational. Our stormwater inspection and maintenance services include stormwater wetlands, wet ponds, dry ponds and detention basins, permeable pavement, sand filters, and infiltration systems designed to control runoff, improve water quality, and reduce peak flow. We also service level spreaders and vegetated filter strips, rainwater harvesting and cistern systems, green roofs, underground detention systems, proprietary stormwater devices, and permeable pavers to ensure effective pollutant removal and flow management. CMS supports industrial, commercial, and solar facilities with proactive stormwater maintenance programs aligned with regulatory requirements. Through routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and long-term system care, we help protect your stormwater infrastructure, maintain compliance, and optimize performance year-round.

Stormwater Systems, assets, and control measures (SCM)

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Stormwater Management Systems We Service

Aboveground Stormwater Assets

Above ground stormwater assets manage, convey, and treat runoff at the surface through engineered features that control flow, reduce erosion, and improve stormwater quality while remaining accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Stormwater catch basin with inlet, frame, and grate capturing roadway runoff

Catch Basins, Inlets, Frames & Grates

Catch basins and inlets capture stormwater runoff, sediment, trash, and debris at the surface level, preventing clogging and protecting downstream stormwater infrastructure and receiving waters.

Detention Ponds

Detention ponds temporarily store stormwater runoff to control peak flow rates, reduce downstream flooding and erosion, and protect receiving waters and stormwater infrastructure.

Stormwater retention pond with permanent pool for water quality treatment

Retention Ponds

Retention ponds permanently store stormwater runoff to improve water quality, reduce pollutant loads, and protect downstream waterways and aquatic systems.

Grassed and rip rap swale conveying stormwater runoff

Grassed and Rip Rap Swales

Grassed and rip rap swales convey stormwater runoff to reduce flow velocity, limit erosion, and promote sediment removal along drainage paths.

Hydrodynamic Separators

Hydrodynamic separators treat stormwater runoff to remove sediment, trash, and hydrocarbons, improving water quality before downstream discharge.

Level spreader dispersing stormwater evenly across a vegetated area

Level Spreaders

Level spreaders disperse stormwater runoff evenly to reduce erosion, prevent channelized flow, and protect downstream vegetated areas.

Stormwater outfall discharging treated runoff into receiving waters

Outfalls

Stormwater outfalls discharge treated runoff to receiving waters while controlling erosion and protecting downstream water quality.

Proprietary stormwater treatment system installed underground

Proprietary Stormwater Systems

Proprietary stormwater systems treat runoff to meet regulatory requirements, improve water quality, and manage flows on constrained sites.

Underground storm sewer system conveying runoff beneath pavement

Storm Sewer Systems

Storm sewer systems convey stormwater runoff underground to reduce surface flooding and transport flows to treatment or discharge points.

Stormwater infiltration system allowing runoff to soak into soil

Stormwater Infiltration Assets

Stormwater infiltration assets capture runoff to promote groundwater recharge, reduce discharge volumes, and improve site hydrology.

Alt Text Title Caption Function<br />
Stormwater catch basin with inlet, frame, and grate capturing roadway runoff Catch Basins, Inlets, Frames & Grates Catch basins and inlets collect surface runoff and debris at paved areas. Catch basins and inlets collect stormwater runoff to capture debris and sediment, prevent system blockages, and protect downstream stormwater infrastructure.<br />
Stormwater detention pond managing peak runoff during rainfall events Detention Ponds Detention ponds temporarily store runoff to reduce flooding and erosion. Detention ponds temporarily store stormwater runoff to control peak flow rates, reduce downstream flooding and erosion, and protect receiving waters and stormwater infrastructure.<br />
Stormwater retention pond with permanent pool for water quality treatment Retention Ponds Retention ponds provide water quality treatment through permanent storage. Retention ponds permanently store stormwater runoff to improve water quality, reduce pollutant loads, and protect downstream waterways and aquatic systems.<br />
Grassed and rip rap swale conveying stormwater runoff Grassed & Rip Rap Swales Swales convey and slow stormwater runoff across developed sites. Grassed and rip rap swales convey stormwater runoff to reduce flow velocity, limit erosion, and promote sediment removal along drainage paths.<br />
Hydrodynamic separator system removing sediment and debris from stormwater Hydrodynamic Separators Hydrodynamic separators remove sediment and floatable pollutants. Hydrodynamic separators treat stormwater runoff to remove sediment, trash, and hydrocarbons, improving water quality before downstream discharge.<br />
Level spreader dispersing stormwater evenly across a vegetated area Level Spreaders Level spreaders distribute runoff as sheet flow. Level spreaders disperse stormwater runoff evenly to reduce erosion, prevent channelized flow, and protect downstream vegetated areas.<br />
Stormwater outfall discharging treated runoff into receiving waters Outfalls Outfalls safely convey stormwater from collection systems. Stormwater outfalls discharge treated runoff to receiving waters while controlling erosion and protecting downstream water quality.<br />
Proprietary stormwater treatment system installed underground Proprietary Stormwater Systems Engineered systems designed to meet site-specific requirements. Proprietary stormwater systems treat runoff to meet regulatory requirements, improve water quality, and manage flows on constrained sites.<br />
Underground storm sewer system conveying runoff beneath pavement Storm Sewer Systems Storm sewers transport runoff from developed surfaces. Storm sewer systems convey stormwater runoff underground to reduce surface flooding and transport flows to treatment or discharge points.<br />
Stormwater infiltration system allowing runoff to soak into soil Stormwater Infiltration Assets Infiltration systems reduce runoff volume through soil absorption. Stormwater infiltration assets capture runoff to promote groundwater recharge, reduce discharge volumes, and improve site hydrology.<br />
Underground stormwater vault providing storage and treatment

Stormwater Vaults

Stormwater vaults store and manage runoff underground to control flows and provide treatment in space-limited developments.

Devices intercept trash before entering waterways.

Debris Collection Devices

Debris collection devices capture trash and floatable contaminants from stormwater runoff to protect downstream systems and receiving waters.

Underground Stormwater Assets

Underground stormwater assets manage and store runoff below ground to maximize site usability and maintain stormwater compliance.

Permeable Pavement

Permeable pavement allows stormwater runoff to infiltrate through the surface, reduce runoff volumes, and promote groundwater recharge while improving site drainage.

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.

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.