Communities are developed with important considerations in mind, such as mitigating stormwater runoff and meeting flood protection standards. Lakes, ponds, and preserves offer waterfront living and a natural aesthetic, but they also serve a fundamental purpose for these communities that can be easily overlooked. The integration of retention ponds, drainage, and conveyance systems constitutes a community’s stormwater management system. These designs are prepared by knowledgeable engineers and regulated by government entities. So, how can a board member, the local lakes and ponds committee, or an informed homeowner confirm that these systems are functionally sound? Let’s dive into some tips and tricks that will help ensure your lakes and ponds are compliant.
Start by performing a visual inspection. Inspect pond embankments for signs of erosion. Identify points of interest where washouts or other upland erosion may be occurring. Trace those leads to the source. Did another neighbor bury a drainage pipe? Is there a faulty sprinkler? Has there been a pipe burst? These are items that can be quickly remedied. However, if left untreated, they can result in sedimentation in your stormwater management system. Sedimentation over time can restrict drainage flow and reduce storage capacity, ultimately reducing flood protection.
Next, locate the control structures on the lakes and ponds. These structures are critical outlets designed to ensure drainage at specific water levels, with increased capacity during heavy rain events, often referred to as 5-, 25-, and 100-year storms. Control structures are easily identifiable along the pond embankment and are typically constructed as precast concrete boxes. However, in some cases, ponds may be interconnected via an underground drainage pipe, with the control structure located at the connecting pond.
Examine these control structures for signs of blockage, debris, sediment buildup, cracking, and any other issues. These structures must function as designed at all times. Any disruptions increase the risk of flood events in the community.
In our experience, we’ve found some peculiar items within control structures, such as to-go containers blocking pipe openings and man-made interference to increase water levels. Attempting to raise the water level, for any reason, without approval from regulatory entities and without considering the stormwater design, is strongly discouraged. Such actions may result in penalties, fines, and insurance repercussions. Do not artificially increase water levels for any reason. If you encounter this situation, research why it is in place within your community. If no documentation is provided, seek to remove the artificial barrier.
Community Spotlight: Landshore provides full-service to Waterford Master Owners Association for long-term stormwater management oversight and planning.
After you’ve checked for signs of erosion along the banks and inspected the control structures, the next step is to assess your drainage conveyances. These conveyances may consist of ditches, swales, roadside inlets, and underground drainage pipes.
Ensure that ditches and swales are free and clear of any trash or debris. Also, ensure that no homeowner interventions, such as tree planting, property extensions, or other man-made items, are within or otherwise restricting the conveyance.
These drainage areas are governed by easements, typically deeded to the community or local government. Check roadways for signs of standing water, as evidence of water pooling may indicate a clogged underground pipe. Inspect roadside inlets where possible; these inlets feature catch basins meant to capture sediments and debris before entering the pipe system.
Perform regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that the catch basins do not become inundated with material.
Read more: How poor drainage may impact lake and pond shoreline erosion.
All of these tips and tricks will help bring peace of mind to your community and ensure its continued compliance. Additionally, many government entities, such as local cities and water management regulators, may require professional inspections. By keeping a close eye on your stormwater management system, you can prevent surprises during inspections and adequately prepare and budget for any remediation activities.
If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to Landshore. We provide inspection services conducted by qualified engineers who can ensure continued compliance. In addition to our professional engineering capabilities, we also have experienced construction teams that specialize in dealing with these issues. We are essentially a one-stop shop for all your needs, including Inspection, Planning and Budgeting, Permitting, Construction, Maintenance, and Remediation. Let’s work together to understand your community’s lakes, ponds, and stormwater management systems.
Interested in learning more? Read this overview on the signs of erosion in stormwater management systems. Find more tips for inspecting drainage and swales.
If you have any questions or concerns about your stormwater management system, we encourage you to reach out to Landshore. Our team of experts is ready to review your specific challenges and assist you in finding the best possible solutions. For more valuable insights and updates from our engineering team, be sure to follow us on our social media channels listed below. We look forward to connecting with you and helping you alleviate your stormwater management system problems for your property.