A GUIDE FOR MAINTAINING ANDOPERATING BMPs

A regional effort to help establishand maintain BMPs throughout

Hampton RoadsWhy BMPS? . . .1Types of BMPS

Infiltration Trenches/Basins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Detention Basins/Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Retention Basins/Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Grassed Swales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Filter Strips and Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Elements of BMP Maintenance ProgramOverview of BMP Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Routine Maintenance Needs

Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Vegetation Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Debris and Litter Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Mechanical Component Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Non-Routine Maintenance NeedsPond Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Bank Stabilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Sediment Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Sediment Removal in Retention and Detention Basins . . . . . .7Sediment Removal in Infiltration Trenches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Who Should Carry Out the Maintenance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Other Things You Can Do

Aquascaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Aeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Bioaugmentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Resource Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13BMP Inspection Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

A Guide to Maintaining BMPsBest Management Practices (BMPs), are devices used to reducepollution in stormwater runoff, thereby protecting areawaterways. These practices are often permanent facilitiesdesigned to handle stormwater runoff for a specific area. As a property owner or Homeowners Association, you may beresponsible for maintenance of a BMP.

Why BMPs?In recent years, the impacts on area waterways, due to the urban-ization of watersheds, have become evident. With continuedconstruction of paved surfaces and development projects, thedrainage patterns become altered, which often results in flooding.Normal day-to-day activities such as washing the car and fertil-izing the lawn, have also contributed to water pollution. Excessfertilizer, lawn chemicals, automotive products, pet waste, leaves,debris, litter and anything else that washes from the landscapeare carried with each rain storm into drainage systems, some ofwhich flow directly into area waterways. BMPs reduce the flowwhich allows for filtration of pollutants before the stormwaterenters our streams, rivers, lakes and bays. To ensure that BMPsperform as expected, they must be maintained properly. No twoBMPs are alike, and their maintenance needs may differ.

Types of BMPs InHampton Roads

Infiltration Trenches/Basins arestone-filled excavations thattemporarily store stormwaterrunoff and allow it to soak intothe soil beneath it. There are twobasic types of infiltration facilities,distinguished by how stormwaterenters the facility.

Dispersed input facilities allowstormwater to enter the top of thetrench or basin as overland runoff.

Concentrated input facilitiesreceive stormwater from curbinlets, gutters and pipes.1 A well-maintained detention or dry pond.

Talk the TalkHere is aglossary to helpguide youthrough themaze ofacronyms andtechnical jargon.

Access Systems:Measures and devicesthat provide access tofacility components bymaintenancepersonnel andequipment.

Aeration:The process toincrease oxygen levelsin the water bycirculating the waterin a lake or pond.

Algae:A small plant thatgrows naturally inmost rivers, lakes, andbays. Nutrients likephosphorus andnitrogen can makealgae grow faster.

Anti-vortex Device:A device thatpromotes the settlingof pollutants bypreventing a whirlpoolfrom occurring at theoutlet device.

Detention Basins/Ponds (also known as dry ponds) are man-made basins, which detain water for specified periods of timeafter a storm. Dry ponds do not contain a permanent pool ofwater and are normally dry during non-rainfall periods. Water is impounded temporarily to allow much of the sediment carriedby the runoff to settle to the bottom. Many of the pollutants,such as nutrients, are attached to sediment particles and arealso removed. The impounded water is discharged via an outlet. No standing water should remain if the facility isfunctioning properly.

RetentionBasins/Ponds (alsoknown as wet pondsor stormwaterponds) have apermanent pool ofwater. Retentionponds are moreeffective atimproving waterquality than dryponds because they

alllow more time for pollutant settling and removal. Since thereare only two natural lakes in Virginia, it is likely the lake in yourneighborhood is actually a stormwater retention pond.

Grassed Swales are gently slopedareas of vegetation that slow the flowof runoff, channeling it to otherBMPs. Grassed swales are typicallyfound in residential developments asan alternative to curb and gutter.Swale maintenance is typically theresponsibility of the homeowner andincludes mowing and periodicreseeding. Mowing the grass tooshort or improperly applying lawnchemicals can negatively impact theperformance of the BMP.

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Aquascaping:Landscaping theshoreline of ponds andlakes with aquatic andwetland vegetation.

B e r m :A ridge of mate r i a l ,typically soil,which isused to retain or re d i re cts to r m water flow.

Bioaugmentation:Adding naturallyoccurring bacteria to apond or lake to reducenutrient levels,typically used toreduce algae blooms.

BMP:Best ManagementPractice;devices usedto reduce pollution instormwater runoff.

Bypass System:A system which allowsmaintenance bytemporarily divertingstormwater.

Dam/Embankment:The structure thatimpounds runoff intoa stormwater facility.

If you have a grassed swale like this inyour yard, you have a BMP.

A well-kept retention pond with rip rap.

Filter Strips and Buffers are areas of vegetation that removepollutants in runoff as the water flows through it. Filter stripsare similar to grass swales, only wider. Buffer areas can contain avariety of vegetation, including trees and shrubs.

Elements of a Maintenance ProgramOverview of BMP MaintenanceBMPs will not perform as designed if they are not regularlymaintained. If a facility’s storage capacity is reduced, somedownstream flooding will indicate the problem; however, if afacility is not removing sediment and nutrients as originallydesigned, there may not be any obvious indicators of theproblem. A regular maintenance program is the best way toensure that a BMP will consistently perform its water qualityimprovement functions.

It is important to note that while general maintenance tasks canbe outlined, actual maintenance needs will vary according tospecific site conditions, particularly the following elements:

Landscaping: Certain vegetation may require more attention.Consider using native plants to reduce maintenance needs.Upstream Conditions: Watershed conditions upstream of the facilitywill affect the amount of sediment and pollutants that must bemanaged.Safety: Some tasks can be effectively handled by residents;however, a maintenance program should ensure the safety ofanyone carrying out tasks, and often a professional should behired to do the work.Technical Expertise: BMPs are stormwater treatment facilities.While many maintenance needs like litter and debris removalare obvious, some problems may not be detectable to theuntrained eye.Financing: A fund should be established to provide for the costsof long-term maintenance needs.

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DetentionBasin/Pond:A BMP which providestemporary storage ofstormwater runoff.Also known as a drypond.

E m e r g e n cyO u t l e t / Sp i l l way:A structure that safelyconveys stormwateroverflow from a BMPpond.

Emergent Plants:An aquatic plant thatis rooted in sedimentbut has leaves at orabove the water.

EnvironmentallyFriendlyLandscaping:Landscaping thatrequires minimalchemicals andimproves waterabsorption.

Fi l ter Fa b r i c /G e o m e m b r a n e :A webbed fabricwhich serves to filterpollutants or to hold afilter medium,such assand or gravel,inplace.

Routine Maintenance NeedsInspectionsLocal regulations do not re q u i re a particular schedule ofinspections. Annual inspection by a qualified professional isrecommended to ensure that the facility is functioning pro p e r l y.

Your local Department of Public Works or Department ofEngineering (see Resources on pg. 13) can answer questionsabout what to check for. At a minimum, an inspector shouldcheck for the following.

Vegetation ManagementVegetative cover serves several purposes in BMPs: slows thevelocity of the runoff; filters sediment from runoff as it iscollected in the BMP; and prevents erosion of the banks andbottom of the facility.

Grass is generally used around retention basins, infiltrationtrenches and in and around dry detention basins. It must bemowed and maintained. Mowing requirements can betailored to the specific needs of a site and the neighboring

properties. The grass in aBMP may be hardiest ifmaintained as an uplandmeadow, cutting noshorter than 6-8 inches.Maintaining a moremanicured expanse ofgrass decreases theeffectiveness of the BMP,as well as increasing itsmaintenance costs.Wetland plants may alsobe used along the fringeof the BMP in areas whereconditions are favorable.Some of these types ofplants may inhabit thearea naturally.

The vegetation sur-rounding infiltrationtrenches or buffer stripsalso removes some 4Plants along the edges of BMPs filter pollutants.

Fountain:A decorative waterfeature that does notimprove water qualitybecause it uses a lowvolume of water athigh pressure (not anaerator).

Impervious Cover:Any hard surface thatprevents water fromsoaking into the soil.

Infiltration Trench:Stone filledexcavations thattemporarily storestromwater runoff andallow it to soak intothe soil.

Inlet:The pipe that carriesstormwater into theBMP.

Nonpoint SourcePollution:A type of pollution thatdoesn’t come from asingle identifiablesource, or point, suchas a sewage treatmentplant or an industrialdischarge pipe. It isgenerated in day-to-day activities.

sediment before the stormwater enters the BMP. If plants aredamaged or become laden with sediment, they can no longerperform beneficially. Therefore, the condition of these areasshould be closely monitored, and vegetation replaced ifnecessary.

Debris and Litter RemovalRegular removal of debris and litter is efficient and effective,having several benefits:

• Reduces the chance of clogging in outlet structures, trashracks and other components.

• Prevents possible damage to vegetated areas.

• Reduces potential mosquito breeding habitats.

• Maintains facility appearance.

• Reduces conditions for excessive surface algae.

Mechanical Component MaintenanceEach type of BMP may have mechanical components thatneed periodic attention to ensure their continued perform-ance. Valves, gates, pumps, fences, locks and access hatchesshould be maintained at all times. Design and site factorswill determine the amount of maintenance that is necessary.

Pest ControlMosquito and other insect breeding grounds can be createdby standing water. The most effective control technique inretention basins is to prevent stagnant areas. Prompt removal5

Remove debris to improve BMP function and aesthetics.

Nutrients:Substances which helpplants and animalslive and grow. Excessamounts of twonutrients, nitrogenand phosphorus, cancause algae bloomsand fish kills.

Outfall:A pipe that dischargesstormwater directlyinto a stream,river, orwaterway.

Principle Outlet:The main structurethat controls andconveys a facility’sflow of water.

Pump System:Electrical andmechanicalcomponents includingpipework used toconvey BMPdischarge.

RetentionBasin/Pond:A BMP which providespermanent storage ofstormwater runoff.Also know as a wetpond.

of floating debris helps. In larger basins, it may also bepossible to maintain stocks of fish that feed upon mosquitolarvae. The wave action created by surface aerators increasesoxygen levels and also discourages mosquito breeding.

Animal burrows will also deteriorate the structural integrityof an embankment. Muskrats and nutria, in particular, willburrow tunnels up to six inches in diameter. Existingburrows should be filled as soon as possible.

Non-Routine Maintenance NeedsPond MaintenanceTo ensure peakperformance ofretention basins, ahealthy aquaticenvironment shouldexist. A healthyaquatic ecosystemtypically requires littlemaintenance. Excessnutrients are acommon problem with retention ponds. An indicator ofexcess nutrients is excessive algae growth in the permanentpool of a retention basin. In most cases, growth of moredesirable aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation in and aroundthe permanent pool will help to utilize nutrients in the pond,thus deterring the growth of algae and other nuisancevegetation.

Bank StabilizationIt is very important to prevent erosion of the banks andbottom of detention basins (dry ponds) and the visible banks of retention ponds. The easiest way to do this is to keep groundcover healthy. Areas of bare soil will erodequickly, clogging the basin with soil and threatening itsintegrity. Any bare areas should be re-seeded and stabilizedas quickly as possible.

The roots of woody growth, such as young trees and shrubs,can also destabilize embankments. Consistent maintenancecan control any stray seedlings that take root in anembankment. Woody growth away from the embankmentdoes not generally pose a threat to the stability of the 6

An algae bloom is an indicator of excessive nutrients.

Rip Rap:Large stonesengineered and placedto prevent erosion.

Riser: A vertical pipeextending from thebottom of a BMP thatis used to control therate of stormwaterdischarge.

Runoff Pollution:The pollution causedwhen water washeschemicals and otherpollutants off of farmfields, yards, and roadsand carries them tostreams andwaterways.

Sediments: Soilparticles carried byrainwater intostreams, lakes, riversand bays.

Stormwater:Rainwater that runsoff over land.

Swale: gently slopedarea of vegetationused to slow the flowof runoff, channeling itto other BMPs.

embankment and canplay an importantrole in the health ofthe vegetativeenvironment. Forease of maintenance,trees and shrubsshould be plantedoutside maintenanceand access areas.

Sediment Removal Sediment removal, or dredging, may be a maintenance option foryou to consider. Dredging removes the layer of highly enrichedmaterials from the lake’s bottom. Removing this nutrient “bank”p revents phosphorus from releasing back into the water columnand consequently being discharged into receiving waters duringthe next storm. This also helps lower nutrient concentrations inthe lake, thus decreasing nuisance algae blooms. Dredging canhelp to improve water quality by deepening the BMP, pro v i d i n gadditional storage capacity. But, deeper is not always better!Consult a professional for optimum BMP depth.

Sediment Removal in Retention and Detention Basins

Sediment will accumulate in a BMP and will eventuallyneed to be removed, but facilities vary so much that thereare no hard and fast rules about when and how. For

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Healthy ground cover prevents erosion.

Dredging helps lower nutrient concentrations in water.

Vegetative Buffer:Areas of vegetationthat removepollutants in runoff asthe water flowsthrough it (alsoknown as filter stripsand buffers).

Watershed: An areaof land that slopes ordrains toward or intoa lake, river, stream,orwetland. This is alsoknown as a drainagebasin.

planning purposes, sediment removal should be consideredon the following intervals:

• Extended detention basins (dry ponds): every 2-10 years

• Retention basins (wet ponds): every 5 –15 years

Sediment removal is usually the largest single cost of BMPmaintenance; therefore, it is best to plan ahead to allow forcontractual negotiations, as well as adequate funding.

The sedimentremoved fromyour basin willrequire properdisposal.Typically, anonsite area or asite adjacent tothe facility (butoutside thefloodplain) is setaside for thespoil. If such adisposal area isnot set aside,

transportation and landfill tipping fees can greatly increasethe cost of sediment removal. Once the sediment isremoved, the bottom of the basin and any disturbed areasneed to be stabilized and revegetated or the facility willquickly clog and require sediment removal again.

Wet sediment is more difficult and expensive to remove thandry sediment. In some cases the entire basin can be drainedand allowed to dry so that equipment can remove sedimentf rom the bottom. In other cases, where this is not practical,it may be necessary to remove sediment from avantagepoint on the shoreline or by hydraulic dre d g i n gf rom the surface. This additional cost of sediment re m o v a lfor a retention facility is partially offset by the longerinterval between dredging cycles. Disposal of wet sedimentis not allowed in many landfills, so the material often mustbe dried (dewatered) prior to disposal. This extra step addsto the cost and re q u i res a place where wet material can betemporarily placed to dry. 8

B M Ps re d u ce pollution and flooding by co ntaining sto r m wate r.

Sediment Removal in Infiltration TrenchesInfiltration facilities tend to clog more frequently than either detention or retention basins. Therefore, it isrecommended that these facilities be inspected at least twoto four times a year. Most infiltration trenches have asediment trap or filter to remove some sediment before thestormwater enters the trench. Keeping this sediment filterclean is vital to ensuring the long-term performance of theinfiltration trench.

This is especially critical for concentrated input facilitiesthat use sediment traps. If the sediment trap is full,sediment-laden water will be conveyed into the trench.With dispersed input facilities, a clogged sediment barrier isindicated when water cannot flow into the trench and goesthrough the overflow channel. For any overflow condition,the observation well should be checked to determine thecause. If the trench remains filled with water after a rainevent and causes regular overflow, then the aggregate stoneshould be excavated and the facility rebuilt.

The specific sediment removal procedure will depend onthe manner in which the stormwater enters the facility.Concentrated input facilities will have some kind of in-linefilter system or sediment trap. Clean-out proceduresshould be described in approved facility plans, as well as inany maintenance agreement. If there is any question onhow routine sediment removal is to be performed for a9

A properly functioning retention pond.

In general,maintenanceprograms willcontain thefollowingcomponents:

Routine:•Regular inspections•Vegetation management

•Debris and littercontrol

•Mechanical components maintenance

Non-Routine:•Bank stabilization•Sediment removal•Outlet structuremaintenance andreplacement

given facility, the designing engineer or your local PublicWorks or Engineering Departments can makerecommendations.

For typical trenches using dispersed input, routine sedimentremoval usually means removing the top 6 to 12 inches offilter gravel and replacing the filter cloth sediment barrierthat covers the aggregate reservoir. A layer of clean filtergravel replaces the gravel removed. Any bare spots ordamaged areas in the grass filter strip should be replacedwith sod upon completion of the sediment removalprocedure.

Who Should Carry Out the Maintenance?Before tackling any maintenance project, the first step is tocontact your local Department of Public Works orDepartment of Engineering. When designing a maintenanceprogram, safety, cost and effectiveness of the maintenanceactivities need to be balanced. Some activities, like mowingand litter removal, can be less expensive if done in-house.

It is usually worthwhile to hire professionals to detectproblems early, when they are most cost effective to fix. Thismight include filling eroded areas, soil disturbing activities,grading, and sediment removal. If not performed properly,efforts may be wasted, and cause damage to the facility byexcessive erosion. Be sure to contract with a reputable firmand ask for references and sites that you can check.

Other Things You Can DoAquascapingAquascaping is simply landscapingthe shoreline of ponds and lakes withaquatic and wetland plants. Pondsand lakes with a landscape designhave fewer problems than thosewithout. Vegetation filters pollutedrunoff and traps sediments. Aquaticplants pump oxygen into the waterand create habitats by providingcover and nurseries for fish and otherorganisms. More importantly,vegetated shorelines help improvewater quality. Vegetated stormwater 10

MinimumInspectionChecklist

•Excessive erosionor sedimentation

•Obstruction of theinlet or outletdevices by trash ordebris

•Cracking or settlingof the dam

•Low spots in thebottom of anextendeddetention facility

•Deterioration ofpipes

•Condition of theemergencyspillway

•Stability of theside-slopes, up anddownstreamchannel conditions

•Signs of vandalism

Plants absorb runoff water.

lakes have a pollutant removal capacity that can be up tofive times higher than unvegetated lakes. With properplanning and planting, stormwater BMPs can thrive likenatural lakes, prolonging their lifespan and enhancing theirability to improve water quality.

AerationAeration is a cost-effective methodof enhancingwater quality andprovides anenvironmentallyfriendlyalternative tochemical use.Aerationstimulates naturalprocesses that improve water quality. Aeration also keepsdissolved oxygen levels high, which can help prevent fishkills in the summer. By raising oxygen levels, aeration alsostimulates aerobic bacteria, which are important forstormwater BMPs, as they digest excess nutrients.

Aeration is a science, so when considering an aerationsystem for your pond or lake, consult an expert. Look forcompanies that specialize in lake management and aeration.

Remember that fountains are NOT aerators. A fountain is adecorative water feature that does not improve water quality.Fountains have no impact on water quality because they usea low volume of water at high pressure. Aerators use a highvolume of water at low pressure to circulate waterthroughout the lake, rather than simply spraying the waterinto the air.

ChemicalsChemical treatments require a professional with theappropriate licensing. A mistake in dosage can be toxic tofish and can have serious impacts downstream. Oxygendepletion and fish kills are distinct hazards when treatinglarge infestations of nuisance vegetation. Furthermore,chemical control is usually temporary and, at best, merelytreats the symptoms. 11

Aerators can be functional and decorative, unlike fountainswhich are only decorative.

Maintenance efforts that emphasize chemical treatments yearafter year are expensive and can perpetuate nuisance algaeand vegetation problems.

BioaugmentationBioaugmentation involves the addition of a special blend ofnaturally occurring bacteria to the pond or lake. Thesebacteria compete with algae for nutrients, digest dead organicmatter throughout the water column and sludge layer, andeliminate pond odor caused by ammonia and hydrogensulfide. Bioaugmentation products are sold under brandnames such as LakePak and OtterClear. If consideringbioaugmentation, consult a professional. The effectiveness ofany bioaugmentation product is greatly enhanced with theuse of an aeration system.

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Resource AgenciesStateDepartment of Conservation and

Recreation1548 Holland RoadSuffolk,VA 23434757-925-2468www.state.va.us/~dcr

Virginia Cooperative ExtensionDiamond Springs Research Station1444 Diamond Springs RoadVirginia Beach, VA 23455757-363-3900www.ext.vt.edu

Department of Environmental QualityTidewater Regional Office5636 Southern BoulevardVirginia Beach, VA 23462757-518-2000www.deq.state.va.us

LocalChesapeake

Deptartment of Public WorksStormwater Management757– 382-3333www.chesapeake.va.us

FranklinDeptartment of Public Works andUtilities757-562-8565

Gloucester CountyOffice of Community DevelopmentDepartment of Public Works804-693-4040www.co.gloucester.va.us

HamptonDeptartment of Public WorksEngineering757-727-6388www.hampton.va.us

Isle of Wight CountyDeptartment of Planning and Zoning757-357-3191

James City CountyEnvironmental Division757-253-6670www.james-city.va.us

Newport NewsDepartment of EngineeringStormwater Management757-926-8611www.newport-news.va.us

NorfolkDeptartment of Public WorksStormwater Management757-441-2408www.norfolk.va.us

PoquosonDeptartment of Engineering andUtilities757-868-3025www.ci.poquoson.va.us

RegionalHampton Roads Planning

District Commission723 Woodlake DriveChesapeake, VA 23320757-420-8300www.hrpdc.org

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PortsmouthDepartment of Engineering &

Technical Services757-393-8592www.portsmouth.va.us

Southampton CountyDepartment of Utilities757-653-3015

SuffolkDepartment of Public WorksEngineering757-934-3111www.suffolk.va.us

Surry CountyDepartment of Planning757-294-5210

Virginia BeachDeptartment of Public WorksEngineering Division757-427-4131www.virginia-beach.va.us

WilliamsburgDeptartment of Public Works andUtilities757-220-6140www.ci.williamsburg.va.us

York CountyDepartment of Environmental &

Development Services757-890-3752www.co.york.va.us

For further information,visit our website:www.hrstorm.org

Inspection LogDate: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Inspected by: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Observations: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Inspected by: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Observations: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Inspected by: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Observations: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Inspected by: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Observations: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

BMP Inspection ChecklistRoutine self inspe ction of your BMP is the best way to catc hpotential problems before they become a liability. The following is aguide to get you started. Answering YES to any of these questionsi n d i cates a need for co rre ct i ve action or co n s u l t ation with aprofessional inspector. We encourage you to copy this checklist andmaintain a record of your inspections.

Yes No

Does the facility show signs of settling, cracking, bulging, q qmisalignment or other structural deterioration?

Do the embankments, emergency spillways, side slopes q qor inlet/outlet structures show signs of erosion?

Is the outlet pipe damaged or not functioning properly? q q

Do the impoundment and inlet areas show erosion, q qlow spots or lack of stabilization?

Is woody vegetation that may interfere with the facility’s q qperformance present on the banks?

Is there evidence of animal burrows? q q

Are contributing areas unstabilized with evidence of erosion? q q

Do vegetated areas need mowing or is there a build up of q qclippings that could clog the facility?

Does the depth of sediment pose a threat to storage volume? q q

Is there standing water in appropriate areas? q qIn inappropriate areas? q q

Is there accumulation of trash or debris? q q

Is there evidence of encroachment or improper use of q qthe impounded areas?

Are there signs of vandalism? q q

Do any safety devices such as fences, gates or locks q qneed repair?

Is there excessive algae or dominance of one typ e q qof vegetation?

Is there evidence of automotive fluids entering or q qclogging the facility?

Is there evidence of a fish kill? q q

This publication is made possible by the Hampton Roads Regional StormwaterManagement Committee and HR STORM—a regional stormwater education effort,

coordinated by the

Hampton Roads Planning District Commission