Your Detention Pond Is Functioning, but Is It Doing Its Job?
“Our detention pond seems to be working fine over the years.” The statement by itself means your detention pond needs attention. Do you know why?
How Pond Performance Degrades Over Time
The pond itself is designed to trap debris and sediment. Sediment accumulation builds up, decreasing the engineer designed capacity of the pond to reduce flood risks. Besides this, vegetation growth, and minor structural wear slowly reduce pond effectiveness. These changes rarely cause immediate failure, but they steadily increase risk.
Early indicators include:
Reduced storage capacity from sediment buildup
Slower drawdown times
Inlets or outlets partially obscured
Limited access for inspection and maintenance
These conditions are typically identified during stormwater inspections, not during emergencies.
Compliance Depends on Documentation
From a regulatory and ownership standpoint, compliance isn’t about assumptions. As a matter of fact, it there are no documenting records, it didn’t happen. It’s about records. Stormwater compliance services focus on:
Verifying current conditions
Documenting inspections
Identifying maintenance priorities
Supporting long-term budgeting
For property managers, this documentation protects against disputes and surprise expenses.
We outline maintenance expectations in our guide to detention pond maintenance. To understand how these maintenance findings connect to broader compliance responsibilities, look for our next article on stormwater compliance ownership for property managers.
Clemson Extension also explains how sediment impacts pond performance over time.
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..
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.
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. A structure built prior to 1990 needs closer monitoring to ensure it still functions as intended.
If you manage an industrial or commercial property in South Carolina, specifically in Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, or Anderson County, email us for a free review of your stormwater plan and how it’s presented on your website.
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—balancing compliance, cost, and long-term stewardship.