Vegetated & Rip Rap Swale

Wet Ponds

Wet ponds are permanent pool stormwater basins designed to remove sediment, nutrients, and pollutants while controlling peak runoff rates in North Carolina commercial and residential developments. CMS provides stormwater pond inspections, dredging coordination, structural evaluations, and compliance documentation to ensure wet ponds meet NC DEQ stormwater permit requirements.

Stormwater Wetlands

Stormwater wetlands are shallow treatment systems that use wetland vegetation to enhance nutrient removal and improve stormwater water quality performance. CMS assists with inspection, sediment assessment, vegetation management oversight, and structural restoration to maintain regulatory compliance and long-term treatment efficiency.

Bioretention Cells (Rain Gardens)

Bioretention cells filter stormwater runoff through engineered soil media and vegetation to achieve nutrient reduction and infiltration standards required in North Carolina. CMS performs system evaluations, soil media assessments, drainage corrections, and compliance reporting to preserve stormwater functionality.

Dry Extended Detention Ponds

Dry extended detention ponds temporarily store stormwater runoff and release it at controlled rates to reduce flooding and downstream channel erosion. CMS conducts detention basin inspections, sediment evaluations, and outlet structure assessments to maintain peak flow control and permit compliance.

Permeable Pavement Systems

Permeable pavement allows stormwater to infiltrate through the surface into an underlying stone reservoir, reducing runoff volume and improving groundwater recharge. CMS evaluates infiltration performance and provides stormwater system assessments to ensure continued compliance with North Carolina stormwater standards.

Level Spreader – Filter Strips

Level spreaders distribute concentrated stormwater discharge into sheet flow across vegetated filter strips to prevent erosion and enhance pollutant removal. CMS evaluates grading accuracy and flow distribution to maintain effective water quality treatment and compliance with NC stormwater permits.

Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Rainwater harvesting systems capture and store stormwater runoff for reuse, reducing peak discharge and supporting sustainable stormwater management practices in North Carolina. CMS provides inspection, system evaluations, and compliance support to ensure proper storage capacity and operational efficiency.

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.

Contact CMS Stormwater Today

NC Stormwater Links

NC Department of Environmental Quality

EPA Stormwater Program