Aboveground Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
Stormwater Management Solutions
Aboveground stormwater control measures (SCMs) are essential components of commercial and residential stormwater management systems across North Carolina. Designed to treat stormwater runoff, improve water quality, reduce peak discharge rates, and prevent downstream flooding, these systems play a critical role in regulatory compliance. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) requires proper inspection and ongoing performance of permitted SCMs to maintain compliance with state stormwater regulations.
When aboveground stormwater systems are not properly inspected and managed, sediment accumulation, vegetation overgrowth, erosion, and structural deficiencies can significantly reduce treatment efficiency. CMS provides professional stormwater inspection, rehabilitation, and compliance support services throughout North Carolina to ensure your above-ground SCMs operate as designed and meet all permit requirements.
Aboveground Stormwater Devices
Above Ground SCM Types
Wet Detention Ponds
Wet detention ponds are permanent pool stormwater basins designed to remove sediment, nutrients, and pollutants while controlling peak runoff rates in North Carolina commercial and residential developments. CMS provides stormwater pond inspections, dredging coordination, structural evaluations, and compliance documentation to ensure wet ponds meet NC DEQ stormwater permit requirements.
Stormwater Wetlands
Stormwater wetlands are shallow treatment systems that use wetland vegetation to enhance nutrient removal and improve stormwater water quality performance. CMS assists with inspection, sediment assessment, vegetation management oversight, and structural restoration to maintain regulatory compliance and long-term treatment efficiency.
Bioretention Cells (Rain Gardens)
Bioretention cells filter stormwater runoff through engineered soil media and vegetation to achieve nutrient reduction and infiltration standards required in North Carolina. CMS performs system evaluations, soil media assessments, drainage corrections, and compliance reporting to preserve stormwater functionality.
Dry Extended Detention Ponds
Dry extended detention ponds temporarily store stormwater runoff and release it at controlled rates to reduce flooding and downstream channel erosion. CMS conducts detention basin inspections, sediment evaluations, and outlet structure assessments to maintain peak flow control and permit compliance.
Permeable Pavement Systems
Permeable pavement allows stormwater to infiltrate through the surface into an underlying stone reservoir, reducing runoff volume and improving groundwater recharge. CMS evaluates infiltration performance and provides stormwater system assessments to ensure continued compliance with North Carolina stormwater standards.
Vegetated Treatment Swales
Vegetated treatment swales convey and filter stormwater runoff while reducing flow velocity and promoting sediment removal. CMS inspects grading, vegetation coverage, and hydraulic performance to ensure proper stormwater conveyance and regulatory compliance.
Level Spreader – Filter Strips
Level spreaders distribute concentrated stormwater discharge into sheet flow across vegetated filter strips to prevent erosion and enhance pollutant removal. CMS evaluates grading accuracy and flow distribution to maintain effective water quality treatment and compliance with NC stormwater permits.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Rainwater harvesting systems capture and store stormwater runoff for reuse, reducing peak discharge and supporting sustainable stormwater management practices in North Carolina. CMS provides inspection, system evaluations, and compliance support to ensure proper storage capacity and operational efficiency.
Above Ground SCM Maintenance, Repairs, and Inspections
Stormwater Maintenance – Aboveground SCM Devices
Routine maintenance of aboveground stormwater control measures (SCMs) such as bioretention areas, detention ponds, sand filters, and vegetated swales ensures these systems function as originally designed. Services include debris removal, sediment cleanout, vegetation management, erosion repair, and outlet structure cleaning to maintain proper flow and treatment capacity. CMS provides proactive maintenance programs that protect water quality, prevent system failures, and keep facilities operating efficiently year-round.
Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Consistent maintenance helps property owners remain compliant with state and local stormwater permits by ensuring SCMs meet performance standards. Removing sediment buildup and correcting minor issues early extends the service life of infrastructure and prevents costly rehabilitation. Properly maintained systems improve pollutant removal, reduce downstream impacts, and support long-term environmental sustainability goals.
Stormwater Repairs – Aboveground SCM Devices
Stormwater repair services address structural damage, erosion, failing outlet structures, compromised embankments, and deteriorated components within aboveground SCMs. Timely repairs restore hydraulic performance and prevent minor deficiencies from escalating into major failures. CMS evaluates system conditions and implements targeted repair solutions to return SCMs to full operational capacity.
Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Prompt repairs help maintain regulatory compliance by correcting deficiencies often cited during inspections. Restoring structural integrity protects the long-term durability of the asset and reduces the risk of emergency replacements. Sustainable repair practices preserve existing infrastructure, reduce waste, and ensure continued water quality treatment performance.
Stormwater Inspection – Aboveground SCM Devices
Professional inspection of aboveground SCMs includes detailed visual assessments, sediment measurements, structural evaluations, and documentation of overall system performance. Regular inspections identify developing issues such as clogging, erosion, vegetation overgrowth, or structural deterioration before they compromise function. CMS provides thorough inspection reporting to support maintenance planning and regulatory documentation requirements.
Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Routine inspections are critical for meeting permit requirements and demonstrating due diligence to regulatory agencies. Early detection of deficiencies reduces long-term repair costs and maximizes the lifespan of stormwater assets. By ensuring systems operate efficiently, inspections contribute to sustainable watershed protection and responsible environmental stewardship.
Stormwater Systems We Maintain
Catch Basins, Inlets, Frames & Grates
Vactor truck maintenance of catch basins, inlets, frames, and grates removes sediment and debris, restores hydraulic flow, prevents blockages, and ensures stormwater system compliance.
Detention Ponds
Vactor truck services for detention ponds remove accumulated sediment, clean outlet structures, and stabilize embankments to maintain storage capacity, peak flow control, and regulatory compliance.
Retention Ponds
Routine Vactor truck maintenance of retention ponds improves permanent pool conditions, clears debris, restores pollutant settling efficiency, and protects long-term water quality.
Grassed & Rip Rap Swales
Vactor truck cleaning and maintenance of grassed and riprap swales stabilizes erosion, removes sediment, and restores vegetation to maintain hydraulic performance and site compliance.
Hydrodynamic Separators
Vactor truck sediment and debris removal in hydrodynamic separators restores pollutant and hydrocarbon capture efficiency while maintaining proper stormwater flow and compliance.
Level Spreaders
Vactor truck maintenance ensures level spreaders distribute runoff evenly, prevent channelized flow, and protect downstream soils and vegetation for optimal stormwater management.
Outfalls
Vactor truck cleaning and rehabilitation of outfalls removes debris, repairs structural damage, prevents scour, and ensures reliable stormwater discharge and regulatory compliance.
Proprietary Stormwater Systems
Vactor truck services maintain proprietary stormwater systems by restoring filtration media, clearing blockages, and preserving hydraulic performance and permit compliance.
Storm Sewer Systems
Vactor truck maintenance of storm sewer systems removes sediment buildup, clears pipes, and repairs joint deterioration to restore proper drainage and system efficiency.
Stormwater Infiltration Assets
Vactor truck cleaning and maintenance of infiltration assets improves soil permeability, restores runoff absorption, and ensures groundwater recharge and compliance.
Stormwater Vaults
Vactor truck sediment removal and maintenance of stormwater vaults restore storage capacity, repair structural components, and maintain hydraulic performance and regulatory compliance.
Debris Collection Devices
Stormwater inspections of debris collection devices verify trash capture, floatable removal, and downstream protection of stormwater systems.
Underground Stormwater Assets
Vactor truck maintenance of underground assets—including pipes, chambers, and vaults—restores flow, structural integrity, and regulatory compliance.
Above Ground Stormwater Assets
Stormwater inspections of above ground assets ensure proper flow management, erosion control, and accessible maintenance for site compliance.
Permeable Pavement
Stormwater inspections of permeable pavement assess infiltration capacity, surface clogging, and overall drainage performance.
Sand Filters
Vactor truck maintenance of sand filters replaces clogged media, removes sediment, and restores filtration efficiency to ensure pollutant removal and compliance.
Routine/Quarterly Inspections
Routine quarterly inspections of stormwater control measures identify sediment accumulation, debris, erosion, and vegetation issues before they impact system performance. These inspections help maintain compliance, extend SCM life, and ensure effective stormwater management year-round.
Post-Storm Inspections
Post-storm inspections are conducted after significant rainfall events to assess SCM functionality, identify immediate damage, and address any safety or operational concerns. Prompt evaluation after storms prevents flooding, erosion, and costly downstream repairs.
Annual Certified Inspections
Annual certified inspections verify that stormwater control measures are operating according to local regulations and design specifications. These formal inspections provide official documentation for compliance and ensure long-term system performance.
As-Built/Final Inspections
As-built inspections confirm that newly constructed stormwater control measures match approved plans and design requirements. Final inspections ensure proper installation, identify potential construction issues, and validate long-term functionality.
Remedial/Repair Inspections
Remedial inspections assess SCMs after notices of violation, damage, or structural failure to determine required repairs. These inspections guide corrective actions that restore system performance and maintain regulatory compliance.
Key Types of SCM Inspections
Comprehensive stormwater control measure (SCM) inspections are essential to maintain proper function, ensure NCDEQ compliance, and protect water quality across commercial and regulated sites. Routine quarterly, post-storm, annual certified, as-built, and remedial inspections identify sediment buildup, debris, erosion, vegetation issues, and structural concerns before they cause flooding or system failures. By performing these targeted SCM inspections, CMS helps extend the life of stormwater infrastructure, prevent costly repairs, and optimize overall stormwater management performance.
Contact Us Today
Phone
Office: (252) 200-4774
Cell: (252) 903-6260
PO BOX 552
Nashville, NC 27856
Business Hours
Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Emergency Response: Call Immediately