Stormwater Management

Clean Stormwater, Healthy Future: Our Responsibility, Our Commitment.

There is a lot that goes into water runoff from rain. Stormwater runoff occurs when rainwater flows over impervious surfaces (such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots) and can pick up pollutants, sediment, and other contaminants along the way. BMP stands for "Best Management Practice," which is also known today as a SCM that stands for "Stormwater Control Measure." BMP and SCM refers to a structural, procedural, or managerial approach designed to effectively manage and mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff on the environment. Ponds, BMP, and SCM's are implemented to reduce the negative effects of the runoff on water bodies and ecosystems. They are commonly used to address stormwater management and water quality concerns.

Here are some of the key advantages of implementing a BMP / SCM:

Improved Water Quality: BMPs help reduce the amount of pollutants, sediment, and contaminants that enter water bodies, thereby enhancing the quality of water sources for drinking, aquatic life, and recreational activities.
Flood Prevention: BMPs control stormwater runoff, preventing excessive flow and reducing the risk of flooding in urban and downstream areas.
Erosion Control: BMPs mitigate soil erosion by slowing down stormwater runoff, allowing sediment to settle and preventing soil loss from construction sites and disturbed areas.
Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems: By minimizing the introduction of pollutants and sediment into streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans, BMPs help preserve aquatic habitats and the health of ecosystems.
Sustainable Development: Implementing BMPs supports environmentally responsible urban planning and development by minimizing the negative impact of impervious surfaces and infrastructure.
Groundwater Recharge: Some BMPs, like permeable pavements and infiltration basins, enable stormwater to infiltrate the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies and maintaining base flow in streams.
Public Health: Improved water quality from effective stormwater management reduces the risk of exposure to pollutants and pathogens, contributing to public health and safety.
Compliance and Regulations: Many jurisdictions have regulations mandating the implementation of BMPs for stormwater management, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
Long-Term Cost Savings: While there may be upfront costs associated with implementing BMPs, they often result in long-term cost savings by reducing the need for extensive flood control infrastructure, water treatment facilities, and repair of downstream erosion damage.
Resilience to Climate Change: BMPs contribute to urban resilience by managing stormwater effectively, mitigating the impacts of heavy rainfall events and helping communities adapt to changing climate patterns.
Wildlife Habitat: Certain BMPs, like constructed wetlands, can provide habitat for various wildlife species, contributing to local biodiversity.
Aesthetic and Recreational Benefits: BMPs such as rain gardens and ponds can enhance the visual appeal of landscapes, creating green spaces and recreational areas for communities.

Overall, the use of BMPs / SCMs for stormwater management promotes more sustainable and resilient environments while protecting the health and integrity of natural water systems.

SCM & BMP examples:

Rain Gardens: Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native vegetation that help absorb and filter stormwater runoff. They capture and treat rainwater before it enters storm drains, thus reducing the amount of pollutants reaching water bodies.
Vegetated Swales: Swales are gently sloped channels or ditches planted with grasses and vegetation. They slow down and filter stormwater runoff, promoting infiltration and reducing erosion.
Detention and Retention Basins: These are constructed depressions designed to temporarily hold and slowly release stormwater runoff. They help prevent downstream flooding and allow sediment and pollutants to settle out before the water is released.
Ponds: Did you know? Ponds can be classified as a wet pond or dry pond. During a rainfall event, rainwater that falls on rooftops, driveways, and roads flows into storm drains, which then direct the runoff into the pond. The pond has a design that allows it to hold a specific volume of water designed to accommodate the excess water that would otherwise cause flooding downstream.
Silt Fence: Silt fences are designed with a woven geotextile fabric that allows water to flow through slowly while trapping sediment and larger particles. When runoff encounters the silt fence, the water's velocity decreases, allowing sediment to settle out behind the fence.

Here are some of the key advantages of installing a pond:

Biodiversity and Habitat: Ponds provide a habitat for a variety of plants and animals, from aquatic plants to insects, amphibians, fish, and birds. They can contribute to local biodiversity and support a diverse ecosystem.
Water Conservation: Ponds can help with water conservation by capturing and retaining rainwater. This can be especially beneficial in areas where water is scarce or during periods of drought.
Erosion Control: Ponds can help control soil erosion by capturing and slowing down rainwater runoff, allowing sediment to settle before the water continues downstream.
Wildlife Attraction: Ponds attract a range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and amphibians. This can create opportunities for wildlife watching and enjoyment, contributing to a sense of connection with nature.
Water Filtration: Ponds can act as natural water filters. Aquatic plants and microorganisms in the pond can help remove pollutants and excess nutrients from the water, improving overall water quality.
Cooling Effect: Ponds can have a cooling effect on their surroundings. Evaporation from the pond's surface can help lower temperatures in the immediate area, providing relief during hot weather.
Microclimate Creation: Ponds can create microclimates that support unique plant growth and provide a more diverse range of habitats for various species.
Property Value: Well-designed and well-maintained ponds can increase the value of a property. Aesthetic water features can make a property more attractive to potential buyers.
Aesthetic Value: Ponds enhance the visual appeal of landscapes. They can serve as focal points in gardens, parks, and residential areas, adding beauty and tranquility to the surroundings.

It's important to note that the benefits of a pond can depend on factors such as its size, location, design, and maintenance. Proper planning and maintenance are crucial to ensure that a pond remains ecologically balanced and provides the desired benefits over the long term.

Pond Excavation Cost Factors

The cost of digging or maintaining a pond, BMP or SCM, can vary greatly, depending on where you live & the type of pond you are desiring. Please use the information below to get a better understanding on pond construction and some of the reasons for the costs to dig out your pond.

1. Soil Testing
Before diving into your pond project, determine if the area is suitable for a pond by having your soil tested. The soils being compactable is a very important part to the pond construction. Sandy soil, silt, gravel and other permeable materials make pond construction more difficult and time consuming. (Which may not be possible to do).

2. Pulling Permits
In many areas you will need to get a permit in order to dig a pond as regulations vary by jurisdiction. If you belong to a homeowner's association, you may also need to comply with your HOA rules about pond construction. In either case, the cost of securing a permit should be included in the contractor's price quote. In can take weeks, or even months, to get the proper approval so make sure to plan accordingly!

3. Your Geographic Location
Where you live often impacts the cost of your project. Prices for materials and labor tend to be higher in large metro areas, like Raleigh or Charlotte, than they would be in a small, rural town. If you live outside of the pond contractor's normal service area, you should expect to pay a travel and/or fuel charge.

4. Land Clearing
Before the contractor beings moving dirt, the worksite will need to be clear. This includes being clear of bushes, trees, stumps, and other plants. Tree and stump removal will come at an additional cost.

5. Pond Size
How large will the pond be? How much dirt needs to be moved? When thinking about how large you want the pond to be, you have to consider the desired length, width, and depth of the pond. Many contractors will charge a fixed fee per cubic yard of material moved for pond excavation. The size of the pond will determine the type of equipment needed for the project. As a result, smaller ponds are not always cheaper than larger ones.

6. Hauling Dirt and Debris
Where will the dirt be moved? The further away the dirt needs to be hauled, the more expensive the project will be. Moving the excavated dirt to another location on your property is the most affordable option. If you don’t have any use for it, you can offer it to neighbors and friends for free. However, if the dirt needs to be hauled away by the truck load, this will increase the cost of digging the pond significantly.

7. Sealing and Lining the Pond
In order to prevent leaks, your pond will need to sealed. Clay soils can be thoroughly compacted to create a tight seal. However, not everyone has an abundance of clay soil in their backyard to prevent seepage. If this is the case, you can have clay brought to the job site by the truck load. In other cases, the contractor may recommend the installation of a synthetic pond liner (rubber, vinyl, etc.). Either option will add to the total cost of excavating the pond.

8. Digging a Well
In many cases, the pond can be filled through natural sources. However, if you need to dig a well to supply water to the pond, this will make your project much more expensive.