The Stormwater Risks Property Managers Don’t See Until It’s Too Late
Most stormwater failures don’t look like failures.
They look like ponds that still drain, pipes that still flow, and systems that haven’t caused a problem yet. The real knowledge gap for property managers isn’t what stormwater infrastructure is. Rather, the risk for property managers is how quickly unseen maintenance issues turn into compliance exposure and unplanned capital costs.
Why Stormwater Problems Stay Invisible
On industrial and commercial sites, stormwater systems operate quietly in the background, or often better stated “underground.” Sediment accumulates slowly. Vegetation grows gradually. Minor erosion progresses one storm at a time. Pipes slowly shift and joints seperate underground.
Without routine stormwater inspections, common issues go unnoticed:
Sediment reducing pond capacity
Obstructed risers and outlet structures
Erosion at inlets and outfalls
Maintenance access blocked by vegetation
Disjointed pipes
By the time these are visible, the solution is rarely inexpensive.
What Helpful Stormwater Management Actually Involves
Effective stormwater management services are not about constant construction—they are about early identification and documentation. A practical program includes:
Scheduled visual inspections
Clear photo documentation
Measurable sediment observations
Actionable maintenance recommendations
This approach helps property managers plan rather than react.
Why This Matters for Property Managers in the Upstate
Property managers responsible for sites across the upstate of South Carolina (Cherokee, Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens, and Anderson counties) need consistency. A documented inspection process provides clarity for owners, defensibility during reviews, and confidence that systems are functioning as intended.
For a deeper look at how inspections support long-term performance, see our internal resource on stormwater inspections. You may also find it helpful to understand how inspection findings affect detention pond performance over time, discussed in our article on detention pond functionality.
For regulatory context, the EPA explains why post-construction stormwater oversight is critical.
FAQ: Stormwater Management for Property Managers in South Carolina
How often should stormwater systems be inspected?
Most industrial and commercial sites in South Carolina benefit from at least annual inspections, with sites that have industrial activities requiring more frequent reviews. Regulated inspections are overseen by the state and fall under the federal requirements set out by NPDES. These inspections focuses on the site’s effect on bodies of water in our state. They fall short of fully inspecting the infrastructure to make sure they are being taken care of. We recommend that property managers representing the owner, to take seriously an annual asset assessment provided by a stormwater professional. These types of assessments ask if the infrastructure is sound.
What issues are most commonly found during inspections?
Sediment accumulation, obstructed outlet structures, erosion at inlets or outfalls, and vegetation blocking access are among the most common findings. Furthermore, an asset review also includes confine space entry to check pipes, looks at functionality of green spaces, and looks more futuristic structures and not just current functionality.
Why is documentation so important for compliance?
Documentation demonstrates due diligence. For property managers, clear records help protect against liability, support budgeting, and provide confidence during regulatory or ownership reviews.
Do older stormwater systems require different care?
Yes. Many systems in Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, and Anderson counties were designed years ago. Aging infrastructure often needs closer monitoring to ensure it still functions as intended. Up until the mid-1980’s, the most common conveyance pipe was corrugated metal. This pipe was touted to last for 100-150 years. However, we found that reality was about 30 years. Many of these pipes still exist. The are rusting out, allowing sediment infiltration. Sediment infiltration equals soil loss. Soil loss creates voids. These voids are called sink holes. So, yes, stormwater systems installed pre-1990, definitely need a closer watch.
If you manage an industrial or commercial property in South Carolina, specifically in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Cherokee and Pickens County, email us for a free review of your stormwater plan.
Author
Benji Buck is a stormwater professional based in Greenville County, South Carolina. He grew up with a strong foundation in water and soil conservation on his family’s Midwestern farm. A teacher at heart, Benji has taught at a local university and consulted with business owners across multiple industries. As a real estate investor himself, he understands stormwater management from both the property manager’s and property owner’s perspective. Benji knows the value of balancing compliance, cost, and long-term stewardship.