STORMWATER INSPECTIONS
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
In order to mitigate any negative impacts from development, the five Florida Water Management Districts mandate that developers obtain an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) when constructing a site. This permit is necessary to address the increased risk of flooding to downstream/upstream, onsite, or adjacent properties caused by the construction of impervious surfaces (roadways, paved parking, buildings, homes, etc.) These surfaces prevent stormwater from infiltrating into the ground, resulting in increased runoff. To comply with the ERP requirements, developers and engineers must design a stormwater system that includes various components such as swales, inlets, control structures, conveyance pipes, vegetative natural buffers, gutters, dry/wet ponds, and preserved land. Each of these assets play a crucial role in maintaining regulated flow rates and water quality of the area. It is essential that stormwater management systems function properly to ensure the desired outcomes. To ensure compliance, ERPs must undergo periodic inspections and recertification by licensed engineers. These inspections verify that the stormwater management system aligns with the approved plans and is functioning as intended
The frequency of inspections can range from every month to every 5 years, depending on the specific requirements from local municipalities and Water Management Districts. This condition for your inspection can be found on your ERP permit, for when stormwater systems must be inspected. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) requires each permitted stormwater system to be inspected and recertified every 18 months to five years. The Saint Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) requires most systems to be inspected every two years. This is dependent on the system type and location of the project
Periodic examinations guarantee that a stormwater system remains operational as intended and adheres to federal, state, and local regulations. During inspection, each component of the system undergoes a comprehensive evaluation. From there an action plan is devised for systems that have been inadequately maintained, and need rehabilitation or corrective repairs. Finally, once any corrective measures have been taken, if needed, an annual inspection report is typically submitted to a local regulatory body.
OUR PROCESS
Stormwater Inspections is what M & D is known for, delivering the best service in the state for all types of stormwater drainage systems. We inspect stormwater systems for Southwest Florida Water Management District and Saint Johns River Water Management District. Our comprehensive service package encompasses everything for Operation and Maintenance Inspections along with certifications and inspection reports.
- Locating your permit file and obtaining the drawings or as-builts for the system.
- Review of the topography, soil properties, surrounding properties, and distinctive features to gain insight into the drainage conditions specific to each site.
- Conduct an inspection of the stormwater management system. Removing any sedimentation or debris around control structures, removing debris from the orifices (wet pond), percolation tests (dry ponds), unclogging accessible inlets, recommendations for improving drainage, and providing future maintenance recommendations to keep your system properly operating and maintained.
- A diligently prepared detailed inspection report, accompanied with high quality photos, to provide a comprehensive overview of the assessment. Additionally, we ensure that all necessary documentation, including the certification form and any other requirements per municipality or Water Management District, are completed accurately and efficiently.
- Submission of the complete required report directly to the appropriate Water Management District and sent to you, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.
To gain a deeper understanding of various pond systems and maintenace requirements,
please click on the links provided by South West Florida Water Management District and
Saint Johns River Water Management District.
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Regularly monitoring and conducting routine maintenance on a SWMS (Storm water management system) is usually more cost-effective. This will also help improve water quality and reduce the risk for flooding.
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