Underground Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
Stormwater Management Solutions
Underground stormwater control measures (SCMs) are commonly used in North Carolina where land is limited and high-density development requires below-grade stormwater storage and treatment. Regulated under permits issued by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ), these systems manage runoff volume, provide water quality treatment, and reduce peak discharge while preserving usable surface area.
When underground stormwater systems are not properly inspected and maintained, sediment buildup, clogging, structural damage, and reduced hydraulic capacity can significantly compromise performance. CMS provides professional inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation, and compliance support throughout North Carolina to ensure your underground SCMs function as designed and continue to meet all permit requirements.
Underground Stormwater Devices
Underground SCM Types
Underground Detention Vaults (Concrete)
Underground detention vaults are large buried concrete chambers designed to temporarily store stormwater runoff and release it at controlled rates to prevent downstream flooding and erosion. CMS provides underground vault inspections, structural evaluations, sediment assessments, and stormwater compliance support throughout North Carolina.
Underground Detention Pipe Systems (CMP/HDPE)
Underground detention pipe systems utilize large-diameter corrugated metal pipe (CMP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to provide subsurface stormwater storage in commercial developments. CMS performs inspection, sediment level evaluation, and system performance assessments to ensure continued stormwater functionality and regulatory compliance.
Sand Filter Systems (Surface & Closed)
Sand filter systems use engineered sand media within concrete chambers to remove sediment, nutrients, and pollutants from stormwater runoff before discharge. CMS conducts system evaluations, media condition assessments, and structural inspections to maintain water quality performance under North Carolina stormwater standards.
Proprietary Filtration Devices (e.g., StormFilter)
Proprietary filtration devices are engineered stormwater treatment units designed to remove trash, oil, sediment, and fine pollutants in compact underground systems. CMS provides inspection, performance evaluation, and compliance documentation to ensure these systems continue meeting manufacturer specifications and NC DEQ requirements.
Infiltration Trenches / Infiltration Systems
Infiltration trench systems are stone-filled underground structures that promote groundwater recharge by allowing stormwater to infiltrate into native soils. CMS evaluates infiltration performance, sediment accumulation, and hydraulic function to protect long-term stormwater compliance in North Carolina.
Stormwater Chamber Systems (e.g., StormTech)
Stormwater chamber systems use modular plastic arch chambers installed underground to create high-capacity stormwater storage without sacrificing surface development space. CMS provides chamber system inspections, sediment assessments, and stormwater compliance evaluations to maintain design performance.
Catch Basins
Catch basins are underground stormwater structures designed to capture sediment and debris before runoff enters downstream pipe systems or treatment devices. CMS performs catch basin inspections, sediment evaluations, and structural assessments to prevent blockages and protect overall stormwater system integrity.
Underground Cisterns
Underground cisterns are large below-grade storage tanks designed to capture and store stormwater runoff for reuse, reducing peak discharge and supporting sustainable water management practices. CMS provides inspection, system evaluations, and compliance support to ensure proper storage capacity and operational reliability.
Above Ground SCM Maintenance, Repairs, and Inspections
Stormwater Maintenance – Underground SCM Devices
Routine maintenance of underground stormwater control measures (SCMs) such as vaults, pipes, and chambers ensures these systems continue to manage runoff and treat water effectively. Services include sediment removal, debris clearing, and monitoring for blockages to maintain proper hydraulic performance. CMS provides scheduled maintenance programs throughout North Carolina to protect system functionality and prevent costly failures.
Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Regular maintenance helps property owners meet NC DEQ and local stormwater permit requirements by keeping systems fully operational. Preventing sediment buildup and minor damage extends the service life of underground SCMs. Well-maintained systems improve water quality, manage runoff efficiently, and support long-term environmental sustainability.
Stormwater Repairs – Underground SCM Devices
Underground SCM repairs address structural damage, clogged pipes, damaged vaults, or eroded chambers that compromise system performance. Timely repairs restore full hydraulic capacity and ensure water quality treatment goals are met. CMS offers targeted repair solutions to return underground systems to optimal operation while minimizing disruption to surrounding properties.
Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Prompt repairs ensure systems remain compliant with regulatory requirements and avoid penalties. Restoring structural integrity protects the long-term durability of the underground infrastructure. Efficient repairs reduce material waste, extend asset life, and maintain sustainable stormwater management practices.
Stormwater Inspection – Underground SCM Devices
Professional inspections of underground SCMs include structural evaluations, sediment and debris assessments, and hydraulic performance checks. Regular inspections identify developing issues such as clogs, damage, or decreased flow before they escalate into major problems. CMS provides detailed inspection reporting to support maintenance planning and regulatory documentation requirements.
Compliance, Longevity & Sustainability:
Routine inspections demonstrate due diligence and help property owners comply with NC DEQ and local stormwater regulations. Early detection of deficiencies reduces long-term repair costs and maximizes the lifespan of underground assets. Properly inspected systems ensure continued pollutant removal, efficient runoff management, and environmentally responsible operations.
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