Inspection and Maintenance

Understanding the role of inspection and maintenance in stormwater management
In order for stormwater practices to be effective at reducing runoff and removing pollutants before they reach the Chesapeake Bay, they need to remain functional over time.

Without proper inspection and maintenance (I&M), BMPs can clog, flood, fill with sediment, or have native vegetation die off.

Regular inspection and maintenance is required of stormwater practices in order to count towards their MS4 permit and receive nutrient and sediment reduction credit. Frequency of inspection can vary based on BMP type and the various jurisdictions.

CSN studying a river for the effects of stormwater best practices

Other Challenges

There are also challenges to inspection and maintenance, including a fleet of aging BMPs that have reached the end of their lifespan and need retrofitting; limited funding for maintenance; updates from paper to digital record-keeping; and climate stressors on BMPS causing practices to differ from original designs. 

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