A storm water management pond is an artificial pond frequently constructed into urban areas and new development. They are designed to collect runoff and retain sediment and other materials.
Impervious surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, parking lots and roofs reduce the amount of time rainfall has before entering storm water drainage systems. The function of the storm water collection pond is to contain the surge of rainfall and release it slowly. This slow release mitigates the size and intensity of storm induced flooding at the downstream receiving waters. Poorly maintained collection ponds that cannot handle the influx of water back up and the results can be wide spread flooding causing damage to the surrounding habitat.
Storm water ponds also collect suspended sediments (ex. sand) which are often found in high concentrations due to development and construction projects. Poorly maintained collection ponds that cannot filter these sediments have the flow of rainfall reduced or completely blocked. During periods of excessive rainfall these blockages will result in flooding of surrounding streets or parking lots at the drain inlets.
Below are a few examples and explanations of what happens when one of Stormwater Pond Managements Technicians arrive on site.
Upon arriving on the property our technician will visually inspect the entire site and document the findings. This includes inspecting the outfalls for obstructions or sediment build up, overgrowth of vegetation or algae and liabilities, such as erosion on the pond banks, in or immediately around the pond.
Upon completing the inspection our technician will then determine the corrective actions for any of the issues documented. They will log the active ingredient of any aquatic herbicide
used and the quantity for future reference. Remove any trash from the shoreline and take digital photos of the current conditions along with any liabilities found during the inspection and pass them onto the owner or manager. All of the services performed are included in our service agreements.
Our technician arrives on site and at the completion of the inspection notes an extensive amount of algae has grown in the pond since the last service. At this point the technician will determine what course of action to use to control the algae. This begins by determining the appropriate algaecide and the rates to be used along with determining if an in water or shoreline application is needed.
Upon completion of the application the technician documents corrective actions taken and immediately schedules a follow up service to inspect the pond and retreat if necessary within 14 days. If retreatment is necessary we will continue to return every 14 days until the outbreak is under control.
These re inspections and re treatments are included in our service agreements.
Often times we are called on to inspect ponds that do not have a maintenance agreement in place. These ponds are usually in poor condition and are not operating the way they were originally engineered to. These are unique opportunities for us because it allows us to demonstrate and pass on to the owner, manager or associations our expertise and knowledge to individuals who may not have had the opportunity to work with us in the past.
Normally we would ask to schedule an onsite visit with the owner or designated representative so that we can better understand the concerns and expectations they may have. We will follow the same inspection process as mentioned above and provide a detailed proposal that lists the priorities and options to improve the effectiveness and appearance of the pond. There is no charge for the initial consultation.