Stormwater BMP Guides for Property Managers
Got an inspection report with terms you don't recognize? These guides explain every common stormwater BMP in plain English. Each one covers what it is, where you'll find it on your property, what maintenance it needs, what that costs, and what happens if you skip it. Written for HOA board members and property managers, not engineers.
Retention Ponds
The most common stormwater BMP. Permanent pools of water that capture runoff, let sediment settle, and release cleaner water. Routine maintenance runs $2,000-$8,000/year.
Read guide arrow_forwardDetention Basins
Dry basins that temporarily hold stormwater during rain events and slowly release it to prevent flooding. They look like grassy depressions between storms. Maintenance runs $1,500-$5,000/year.
Read guide arrow_forwardBioretention Basins
Shallow landscaped depressions with engineered soil and plants that filter runoff. Sometimes called rain gardens. Annual maintenance costs $2,000-$6,000 and includes weeding, mulch replacement, and soil media care.
Read guide arrow_forwardSwales and Drainage Ditches
Grassy channels that slow stormwater and filter pollutants as water flows through vegetation. Often the most overlooked stormwater feature on a property. Maintenance runs $1,000-$3,000/year.
Read guide arrow_forwardSand Filters
Treatment systems that pass runoff through a bed of sand to remove sediment, oils, and pollutants. Can be open-air or underground vaults. Annual maintenance costs $2,500-$7,000.
Read guide arrow_forwardPermeable Pavement
Paving surfaces designed to let water soak through instead of running off. Includes pervious concrete, porous asphalt, and permeable pavers. Requires vacuum sweeping 2-4 times per year.
Read guide arrow_forwardUnderground Detention
Buried chambers, pipes, or vaults that store stormwater beneath parking lots and buildings. Invisible from the surface, so problems go undetected without regular inspection. Maintenance runs $3,000-$10,000/year.
Read guide arrow_forwardConstructed Wetlands
Man-made shallow marshes that use plants and natural biological processes to treat stormwater. Among the most effective BMPs for pollutant removal, but require specialized vegetation management. Annual costs $3,000-$10,000.
Read guide arrow_forwardFrequently Asked Questions
What is a BMP in stormwater management?
BMP stands for Best Management Practice. In stormwater, it refers to any engineered structure or system designed to manage stormwater runoff, reduce pollution, and control flooding. Common BMPs include retention ponds, detention basins, bioretention basins, swales, sand filters, permeable pavement, underground detention systems, and constructed wetlands. If your property was developed after the 1990s, it almost certainly has at least one BMP that you're responsible for maintaining.
Who is responsible for maintaining stormwater BMPs?
The property owner is responsible. For HOAs, that's the homeowners association. For commercial properties, it's the property owner or management company. Most properties have a recorded stormwater maintenance agreement that legally binds the owner to maintain all BMPs to their original design specifications. Municipalities enforce these requirements through inspections under their MS4 permits. Failure to maintain BMPs can result in fines, enforcement actions, and liability for downstream damage.
How do I find out what stormwater BMPs are on my property?
Start with your property's site plan, as-built drawings, or stormwater management plan. These are typically filed with the county or municipality during development approval. Your recorded plat may also reference a stormwater maintenance agreement. If you can't find these documents, contact your local stormwater utility or public works department. They usually have records of the stormwater features associated with your property and can provide copies.
Ready for a site that thrives?
Request a site assessment. We'll identify every BMP on your property and tell you exactly what maintenance is needed.
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