Construction Inspections

In South Carolina, an erosion and sediment control inspection is required weekly. This inspection must be conducted by a certified inspector (CEPSCI). We work with local GCs and graders and bring with us digital site boxes to help keep documents organized and communication with the office is simple.

Industrial SWPPP

Facilities that are permitted for their discharge must perform quarterly inspections as part of their Stormwater Pollutant Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Inspectors must be a stormwater professional and be assisted by an on-site member of the facility’s Stormwater Pollutant Prevention team. Documentation from this inspection must remain with the SWPPP.

PMA: Annual Inspections

The Permanent Maintenance Agreement (PMA), requires all stormwater infrastructure to be inspected annually. This inspection often requires a certification (Post-Con BMP). Counties like Lexington (SC), require these inspections to be documented with their offices, while most counties simply ask for the documentation to be available during audits.

PMA: Owner Assessment

Many investors feel their tenants take care of the inspection through the SWPPP. However, the landowner is required to fulfill the Permanent Maintenance Agreement (PMA). While there are many overlaps between the SWPPP and PMA, the property owner needs to have an assessment that represents their interest on the property. This looks much different from what the investor/owner should perform to protect their asset.

Stormwater Inspection Described

Benji Buck

Certified in both construction and post-construction inspections for North Carolina and South Carolina.

A stormwater inspection should do more than confirm everything is “working.” It gives you clarity on what’s next.

Asset Assessment – Is your system functioning as designed? Is it being cared for properly?
Corrective Action Plan – What should you keep an eye on before it becomes a problem?
CapEx Budget – Address small issues early, when they’re simpler and more cost-effective

What are stormwater structures designed to do?

Controlling QUANTITY in order to reduce flooding risk
Improving QUALITY in order to reduce pollution risk

There’s no downstream treatment for stormwater runoff. You’re infrastructure is it; therefore, a strong inspection helps you understand not just today’s condition, but your property’s ability to perform moving forward. The risks you are willing to accept, effects the whole community.

Stormwater Inspection Checklist

Your stormwater professional enters the property with a checklist. To be able to provide an official assessment of risks, one must be trained and certified. However, as the property manager, you should be able to see major signals that something is going on. We email you a checklist that can be used during routine walk throughs.

Want clarity beyond a checklist? Email us to start a conversation with a stormwater professional.

Stormwater Inspection Frequency

Regulations Framework

Examples of stormwater risks to look for:

Low Level Valve

Low level valve often rust and cannot be opened. Inspections should check that low level valves are functioning.

Vegetation

Ponds, when left alone quickly begin to grow trees. Common varieties in storm ponds include willows, mimosa, poplar, and pine.

Standing Water & Vegetation

Woody vegetation compromises a storm pond. Anything from briars to willows need to be managed. This detention pond (dry pond) also has water standing in it. Water should be drained within 72 hours of rain events.

Sediment Accumulation

Notice excessive sediment in the pond which minimizes the holding capacity. Next photo discusses debris.

Standing Water and Debris

A contractor came into this pond and cut down trees, leaving the limbs which clogged the discharge riser and retained water. Rule of thumb is that vegetation should not exceed diameter of… well, your thumb.

Trash rack clogged

The trash rack here is covered with pine straw. During heavy rain events the trash rack is designed to hold back debris and often needs to be cleaned off.

Burrowing animals

Groundhogs and armadillos can really wreck and storm pond. They love to burrow in the hillsides and up next to concrete infrastructure.

Vegetation Density

Vegetation is used to stabilize the soil, preventing it from eroding away. Notice on this red clay, the erosion reels where water is running down the embankment.

Vegetation around structures

This large wing wall on a retail center does not have enough grass to stabilize the ground and prevent erosion. There is also trees with roots growing around the concrete structure.

Trash

This retail center’s detention pond became a homeless camp. Tires and other “treasures” have been left around the area which leads to impeded water conveyance.