NCS000482_City BMP O&M_20220422

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR
MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Purpose:
The purpose of the Operations and Maintenance Program is to provide direction and procedures to be
used during routine inspections and maintenance of municipally owned and operated stormwater
control structures, ensuring that they are properly operating in accordance with the post construction
requirements of the Stormwater Management Ordinance.

Location of City Maintained Facilities
Street Facility Name BMP Type

105 Maple Hill Rd. Fire Station #5 Sand Filter
1737 Williams Rd. Ext. Fire Station #3 Sand Filter
399 E. Roosevelt Blvd. Fire Station #2 Sand Filter
1808 Aviation Drive Charlotte Monroe Executive (1) Dry Detention
Airport – Runway Extension (2) Bioretention Cells
(5) Level Spreader - Filter Strip
(5) Grass Swales
504 Hough Street Monroe Housing Authority Rainwater Harvesting
2201 Walkup Ave. Energy Services Wet Detention Basin
Fire Station #4 Proprietary System
3907 Old Charlotte Hwy.
(StormFilter© System)

PROCEDURES FOR SAND FILTERS
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed monthly, and within 24 hours after every storm event greater than 1.0
inch to check for damage. Any structures, flow diversions, embankments, etc. will be checked annually
for damage or degradation. Inspection reports shall be stored electronically with a paper copy placed
in the stormwater inspection files and will be available upon request by the public.
Routine Maintenance Procedures:
1. The drainage area will be carefully managed to reduce the sediment load to the
sand filter.
2. The sedimentation chamber or forebay will be cleaned out whenever sediment
depth exceeds six inches.
3. Once a year, sand media will be skimmed.
4. The sand filter media will be replaced whenever it fails to function properly after maintenance.
5. Records of operation and maintenance will be kept by the inspector in the stormwater division files
and will be available upon request to the public. Records shall include the name of the individual
1
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O&M_20220422.docx

who performed the inspection, the date of the inspection, what was observed, and what actions, if
any, were taken.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS
FOR SAND FILTERS

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION
Entire BMP Trash/debris is present Remove the trash/debris
Adjacent pavement (if Sediment is present on the Sweep or vacuum the sediment as
applicable) pavement surface. soon as possible.

Areas of bare soil and/or Regrade soil if necessary to
erosive gullies have formed remove the gully, and then plant
Perimeter of sand filter a ground cover and water until it
is established. Provide lime and a
one-time fertilizer application.
Vegetation is too short or too Maintain vegetation at an
long. appropriate height.
The structure is clogged Unclog the conveyance and
dispose of any sediment offsite.
Flow diversion structure
The structure is damaged Make any necessary repairs or
replace if damage is too large for
repair.
Sediment has accumulated to Search for the source of the
a depth of greater than six sediment and remedy the
inches. problem if possible. Remove the
sediment and stabilize or dispose
of it in a location where it will not
cause impacts to streams or the
BMP.
Forebay or pretreatment
area Erosion has occurred Provide additional erosion
protection such as reinforced turf
matting or riprap if needed to
prevent future erosion problems.
Weeds are present Remove the weeds, preferably by
hand. If a pesticide is used, wipe
it on the plants rather than
spraying.
Water is ponding on the Check to see if the collector
surface for more than 24 system is clogged and flush if
Filter bed and hours after a storm. necessary. If water still ponds,
underdrain collection remove the top few inches of
system filter bed media and replace. If
water still ponds, then consult an
expert.

Clogging has occurred Clean out the outlet device.
Dispose of the sediment offsite.

Outlet device
The outlet device is damaged Repair or replace the outlet
device
Erosion or other signs of Contact the NC Division of Water
Receiving water damage have occurred at the Quality 401 Oversight Unit at
outlet. 919-733-1786.
2

PROCEDURES FOR DRY DETENTION BASINS
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed annually to verify that the facility is operating as designed and to
schedule any required maintenance. Inspections will also occur during wet weather to verify that the
facility is maintaining desirable retention times, and maintenance personnel will note any deficiencies
during the regularly scheduled visits as well as any other visits. The reports shall be stored
electronically with a paper copy placed in the stormwater inspection files and will be made available
upon request by the public.
2. Inspections shall include items such as structures, embankments, and any safety related features. The
operational condition of the facility will be noted which will be identified by any basin element failure
such as outlet clogging, standing water formation, and the growth of weeds and noxious plants.

Routine Maintenance Procedures:

1. Maintain turf grass on the tops of berms and on the exterior slopes of embankments. Where areas
are mowed, high visibility areas will be mowed more frequently. For other areas, where possible,
the facility will be managed as an upland meadow with cold season grasses maintained no shorter
than 4 inches and warm season grasses maintained no shorter than 3 inches.

2. When the sediment depth indicator shows that the sediment has filled the design storage volume,
the accumulated sediment, mud, sand, and debris shall be cleaned out using the proper equipment
and disposed of properly. Once these materials are removed, the disturbed areas shall be stabilized
and revegetated immediately to preclude sediment from entering downstream areas. Freshly seeded
areas will be protected with an erosion mat that has been securely staked in place to prevent flotation,
or the area will be covered with sod. Immediately after the exposed areas are seeded, the areas will
be watered twice weekly if needed until the seeds germinate and become established. Sodded areas
will be watered at least 4 times per week, if needed. No portion of the dry extended detention pond
will be fertilized after the first initial fertilization that is required to establish the vegetation.

3. The drainage area will be managed to reduce the sediment load to the dry extended detention basin.
Maintain the vegetation in and around the basin at a height of approximately six inches. Once a year,
a dam safety expert will inspect the embankment. Records of operation and maintenance will be kept
by the inspector in the stormwater department files and will be available upon request to the public.
Records shall include the name of the individual who performed the inspection, the date of the
inspection, what was observed, and what actions, if any, were taken.
Any problems that are found shall be repaired immediately.

3

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS
FOR DRY DETENTION BASINS

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION
The entire BMP Trash/debris is present Remove the trash/debris
Regrade the soil if necessary to
remove the gully, and then plant a
The perimeter of the dry Areas of bare soil and/or
ground cover and water until it is
extended detention basin erosive gullies have formed.
established. Provide lime and a

one-time fertilizer application.

The pipe is clogged (if Unclog the pipe. Dispose of the
applicable). sediment off-site.

The pipe is cracked or
otherwise damaged (if
Replace the pipe
applicable).
The inlet device: pipe or

swale
Regrade the swale if necessary to

smooth it over and provide
Erosion is occurring in the erosion control devices such as
swale (if applicable). reinforced turf matting or riprap
to avoid future problems with
erosion.

Search for the source of the
Sediment has accumulated sediment and remedy the
and reduced the depth to 75% problem if possible. Remove the
of the original design depth sediment and dispose of it in a
location where it will not cause
impacts to streams or the BMP.

Provide additional erosion
The forebay Erosion has occurred or protection such as reinforced turf
riprap is displaced. matting or riprap if needed to
prevent future erosion problems.

Remove the weeds, preferably by
hand. If pesticides are used, wipe
Weeds are present them on the plants rather than
spraying.

Search for the source of the
sediment and remedy the
problem if possible. Remove the
Sediment has accumulated
sediment and dispose of it in a
and reduced the depth to 75%
location where it will not cause
The main treatment area of the original design depth
impacts to streams or the BMP.

Revegetate disturbed areas

immediately with sod (preferred)
or seed protected with securely
staked erosion mat.
4

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION
Check outlet structure for
clogging. If it is a design issue,
Water is standing more than
consult an appropriate
5 days after a storm event
professional.

Weeds and noxious plants are Remove the plants by hand or by
growing in the main treatment wiping them with pesticide (do
area. not spray).

Remove shrubs or trees
Shrubs or trees have started
immediately.
to grow on the embankment

Restore the health of the grass
Grass cover is unhealthy or
cover– consult a professional if
eroding.
necessary.

Signs of seepage on the
downstream face. Consult a professional
The embankment
Use traps to remove muskrats
Evidence of muskrat or and consult a professional to
beaver activity is present remove beavers.

An annual inspection by an
appropriate professional
shows that the embankment Make all needed repairs
needs repair.

Clean out the outlet device.
Clogging has occurred Dispose of the sediment off-site.

The outlet device
Repair or replace the outlet
The outlet device is damaged
device
Contact the NC Division of Water
Erosion or other signs of damage
Quality 401 Oversight Unit at
The receiving water have occurred at the outlet.
919-733-1786.

5

PROCEDURES FOR BIORETENTION CELLS
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed monthly and within 24 hours after every storm event greater than 1”
to verify that the facility is operating as designed and to schedule any required maintenance.
Inspections will also occur during wet weather to verify that the facility is maintaining desirable
retention times, and maintenance personnel will note any deficiencies during the regularly scheduled
visits as well as any other visits. The reports shall be stored electronically with a paper copy placed in
the stormwater inspection files and will be made available upon request by the public.
2. Inspections shall include, but are not limited to, items such as structures, embankments, underdrain
system, flow entrances, ponding area, and/or mulch where erosion has occurred. Plant material shall
be inspected for dying or stressed plants. The operational condition of the facility will be noted which
will be identified by a decrease in filtering capacity, such as water ponding on the surface for more
than 12 hours.

Routine Maintenance Procedures:

1. Mulch will be replaced annually where heavy metal deposition is likely, such as parking lots and
streets. For those areas not subject to heavy metals, mulch will be added or replaced as needed to
maintain 2 to 4 inch depth at least once every two years.

2. Occasional pruning and removal of dead plants will be performed as required. Original plants that are
removed will be replaced.

3. Underdrains will be flushed annually without disturbing the bioretention area.

4. Plant watering will be performed during prolonged dry periods if plants show signs of stress, unless
local water restrictions are in place which forbids irrigating plants.

5. Eroded areas identified as contributing flow to the cell will be immediately stabilized.

6

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS
FOR BIORETENTION BASINS

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION
The entire BMP Trash/debris is present Remove the trash/debris
Regrade the soil if necessary to
The perimeter of the
remove the gully, and then plant a
Areas of bare soil and/or
bioretention cell
ground cover and water until it is
erosive gullies have formed
established. Provide lime and a

one-time fertilizer application
The pipe is clogged (if
Unclog the pipe
applicable).
Dispose of the
sediment off-site

The pipe is cracked or
otherwise damaged (if
Replace the pipe
applicable).

The inlet device: pipe,
Regrade the swale if necessary to
stone verge or swale
smooth it over and provide erosion
Erosion is occurring in the
control devices such as reinforced

swale (if applicable).
turf matting or riprap to avoid

future problems with erosion.

Stone verge is clogged or
covered in sediment (if
Remove sediment and clogged
applicable).
stone and replace with clean stone

Flow is bypassing
Regrade if necessary to route all
pretreatment area and/or
flow to the pretreatment area.
gullies have formed.
Restabilize the area after grading

Search for the source of the
Sediment has accumulated sediment and remedy the problem
to a depth greater than three if possible. Remove the sediment
inches and re-stabilize the pretreatment
area.
The pretreatment area

Provide additional erosion
protection such as reinforced turf
Erosion has occurred
matting or riprap if needed to
prevent future erosion problems
Remove the weeds, preferably by
hand.
Weeds are present

Best professional practices
The bioretention cell: show that pruning is needed
Prune according to best
vegetation to maintain optimal plant
professional practices
health

7

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION
Determine the source of the

problem: soils, hydrology, disease,

etc. Remedy the problem and
replace plants. Provide a one-time
Plants are dead, diseased or fertilizer application to establish
dying. the ground cover if a soil test
indicates it is necessary. If sod was

used, check to see that it was not
grown on clay or impermeable
soils. Replace sod if necessary.

Tree stakes/wires are present Remove tree stake/wires (which
six months after planting can kill the tree if not removed)
Spot mulch if there are only
random void areas. Replace whole
mulch layer if necessary. Remove
Mulch is breaking down or
the remaining much and replace
has floated away
with triple shredded hard wood
mulch at a maximum depth of
three inches
The bioretention cell:
Determine the extent of the
soils and mulch
clogging - remove and replace
either just the top layers or the

entire media as needed. Dispose of
Soils and/or mulch are the spoil in an appropriate off-site
clogged with sediment location. Use triple shredded hard
wood mulch at a maximum depth
of three inches. Search for the
source of the sediment and remedy
the problem if possible

8

PROCEDURES FOR VEGETATIVE FILTER STRIPS
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed quarterly to verify that the facility is operating as designed and to
schedule any required maintenance. Inspections will also occur during wet weather to verify that
the facility is providing proper distribution of flows and no erosion is occurring. Maintenance
personnel will note any deficiencies during the regularly scheduled visits as well as any other visits.
The reports shall be stored electronically with a paper copy placed in the stormwater inspection files
and will be made available upon request by the public.
2. Inspections shall include items such as structures, embankments, and any safety related features.
The operational condition of the facility will be noted which will be identified by any basin element
failure such as outlet clogging, standing water formation, and the growth of weeds and noxious
plants.

Routine Maintenance Procedures:

1. Filter strips will be reseeded at least once a year or as needed to maintain dense growth.
2. Stable groundcover will be maintained in the drainage area to reduce the sediment load to the
vegetation.
3. Every two weeks during the growing season, the filter strip will be mowed. Turf grass shall not be
cut shorter than 3 to 5 inches.
4. Once per year, the soil will be aerated if necessary.
5. Once per year, the soil pH will be tested and lime will be added as necessary.
6. If soil becomes compacted, coring will be performed during the active growing season.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS
FOR LEVEL SPREADER – VEGETATIVE FILTER STRIP

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION
The entire LS-VFS
system Trash/debris is present Remove the trash/debris

The flow splitter device is
Unclog the conveyance and
clogged
dispose of any sediment off-site
The flow splitter device

(if applicable)
The flow splitter device is Make any necessary repairs or

damaged replace if damage is too large for
repair
Remove the sediment and
The swale is clogged with
dispose
sediment
of it off-site
The blind swale
Mow vegetation. Re-grade and
The swale is overgrown with
vegetate if the swale has become
vegetation
silted in

9

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION
The level lip is cracked,
settled, undercut, eroded or Repair or replace lip
otherwise damaged
Regrade the soil to create a berm
There is erosion around the that is higher than the level lip,
end of the level spreader that and then plant a ground cover
The LS
shows stormwater has and water until it is established.
bypassed it Provide lime and a one-time
fertilizer application
Trees or shrubs have begun
to grow on the swale or just Remove them
downslope of the level lip
Regrade the soil if necessary to
Areas of bare soil and/or erosive
remove the gully, and then
gullies have formed
reestablish proper erosion control
Study the site to see if a larger
The bypass channel
Turf reinforcement is damaged or
bypass channel is needed
riprap is rolling
(enlarge if necessary). After this,
downhill.
reestablish the erosion control

material
Grass is too short or too long Maintain grass at a height of
(if applicable) approximately three to six inches
Regrade the soil if necessary to
remove the gully, and then plant
Areas of bare soil and/or
a ground cover and water until it
erosive gullies have formed
is established. Provide lime and a
one-time fertilizer application
Remove the sediment and
restabilize the soil with
Sediment is building up on
vegetation if necessary. Provide
the filter strip
The VFS/Engineered lime and a onetime fertilizer
Filter Strip application

Determine the source of the
problem: soils, hydrology,
disease,
Grass is dead, diseased or
etc. Remedy the problem and
dying
replace plants. Provide a one-
time
fertilizer application
Remove vegetation by hand if
Nuisance vegetation is possible. If pesticide is used, do
choking out grass not allow it to get into the
receiving water
Contact the NC Division of Water
Erosion or other signs of Quality Local Regional Office, or
The receiving water damage have occurred at the the 401 Oversight Unit at 919-
outlet 733-1786.

10

PROCEDURES FOR GRASSED SWALES
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed quarterly to verify that the facility is operating as designed and to
schedule any required maintenance. Maintenance personnel will note any deficiencies during the
regularly scheduled visits as well as any other visits. The reports shall be stored electronically with a
paper copy placed in the stormwater inspection files and will be made available upon request by the
public.
2. Inspections shall include items such as embankments, signs of erosion, and any safety related
features. The operational condition of the facility will be noted which will be identified by any basin
element failure, such as standing water formation, and the growth of weeds and noxious plants.

Routine Maintenance Procedures:

1. Maintenance of grassed swales involves grooming the vegetation and occasionally
removing trash. If native vegetation is used instead of turf, vegetation has to be mowed
only seasonally to retard the growth of woody vegetation. Routine mowing is required if
turf grasses are used. The recommendation is that grass be cut no lower than 5 inches. In
addition, the grass will be allowed to grow to the maximum height consistent with
the species and aesthetic requirements.
2. Excessive sediment will be controlled by adequately managing the land upstream.
However, if excessive siltation occurs, the sediment will be removed periodically (no
less than once annually). Sediment will be removed when it reaches a depth of 4 inches or when it
covers the grass.
3. Eroded areas will be repaired and the swale re=graded to ensure that runoff flows evenly in a
thin sheet through the swale.
4. Revegetate the swale as needed to maintain a dense growth.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS FOR GRASSED SWALES

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION

Trash/debris is present Remove the trash/debris
Regrade the soil if necessary to
remove the gully, and then re-sod
Areas of bare soil and/or (or plant with other appropriate
erosive gullies have formed species) and water until
The entire length of the
established. Provide lime and a
swale
one-time fertilizer application
Remove sediment and dispose in

Sediment covers the grass at an area that will not impact
the bottom of the swale streams or BMPs. Re-sod if
necessary
Vegetation is too short or too Maintain vegetation at a height of
long approximately six inches
Erosion or other signs of Contact the NC Division of Water
The receiving water damage have occurred at the Quality 401 Oversight Unit at 919-
outlet 733-1786
11

PROCEDURES FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed monthly and within 24 hours after each rain event to verify that the
facility is operating as designed and to schedule any required maintenance. Maintenance personnel
will note any deficiencies during the regularly scheduled visits as well as any other visits. The reports
shall be stored electronically with a paper copy placed in the stormwater inspection files and will be
made available upon request by the public.
2. Inspections shall include items such as gutters, debris screens, in-line pipe filters, pump intake
filters, and spigot filters. The operational condition of the facility will be noted which will be
identified by the failure of any component.

Routine Maintenance Procedures:

1. Maintenance of stormwater harvesting systems will include removal of debris from the gutter
system, as well as in-line pipe filters, pump intake filters, and spigot filters. The drain port will be
checked for clogging, especially during periods of high pollen. Hose and pipe connections will be
checked for leaks. Cistern stability will be evaluated due to high winds and will be partially filled to
add weight, if necessary. If the water develops an odor the tank will be drained and ¼ cup of bleach
per 1000 gallons will be added.

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION

A component of the system is Make any necessary repairs
damaged or leaking or replace if damage is too
large for repair
Water is flowing out of the 1. Check system for clogging
overflow pipe during a design and damage. Repair as
rainfall or smaller event needed so the design
when there has not been volume is stored properly
another rainfall event during without discharged during
The entire system
the past five days a design storm.
2. Check that the pump is
operating properly and that
the water is actually being
used at the volume designed.
3. If it is still not operating
properly, then consult an
expert

Excess debris or sediment is Remove the debris or
The captured roof area
present on the rooftop sediment as soon as possible
Gutters are clogged, or water Unclog and remove debris.
is backing up out of the May need to install gutter
The gutter system
gutter system screens to prevent future
clogging

12

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION

Rooftop runoff is not making Correct the positioning or
it into the gutter system installation of gutters.
Replace if necessary to
capture the roof runoff
Sediment accumulation of 5% Remove sediment
or more of the design
volume
Algae growth is present 1. Do not allow sunlight to
inside the cistern penetrate the cistern.
The cistern 2. Treat the water to
remove/prevent algae
Mosquitoes in the cistern 1. Check screens for damage
and repair/replace.
2. Treat with ‘mosquito
dunks’ if necessary
Debris and/or sediment has 1. Search for the source of
accumulated. Screens and the debris/sediment and
filters are clogged remedy the problem if
possible.
The screens and filters 2. Clean/clear debris/sediment
from screen or filter. Replace if
it
cannot be cleaned

Pump is not operating 1. Check to see if the system
properly is clogged and flush if
The pump necessary.
2. If it is still not operating,
then consult an expert.
Erosion is evident at the Stabilize immediately
overflow discharge point
The overflow pipe is clogged Unclog or replace if it cannot
The overflow pipe
be unclogged
The outflow pipe is damaged Repair or replace the pipe
Not operating properly Consult an expert
The secondary water supply

13

PROCEDURES FOR WET DETENTION BASINS
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed monthly and within 24 hours after every storm event greater than
1”. Maintenance personnel will note any deficiencies during the regularly scheduled visits as well as
any other visits. The reports shall be stored electronically with a paper copy placed in the
stormwater inspection files and will be made available upon request by the public.
2. Inspections shall include items such as vegetation, erosion issues, embankment stability, water
clarity and algal growth, inlet and outlet devices, the forebay, and the treatment area. The
operational condition of the facility will be noted which will be identified by the failure of any
component.

Routine Maintenance Procedures:

1. Remove litter and debris from basin, outlet and inlet structures, and surrounding area.

2. Sediment will be removed when the sediment accumulation exceeds 12”, and will be disposed of at
an approved site.

3. Re-stabilization of the embankments and the areas upstream and downstream of the BMP will be
re-seeded and covered with mulch and/or an erosion control mat. Those areas needing immediate
repairs may be repaired by using sod. Woody growth such as young trees and bushes will be
removed from the embankments.

4. Voids in the embankments, such as animal burrows, will be filled as soon as possible.

5. Excess nutrients will be monitored by observing the aquatic condition of the water pool and the
degree of algae growth contained in the permanent pool. Encouraged growth of more aquatic and
semi-aquatic plants in and around the permanent pool will be practiced, or improved use
management of fertilizers, depending on requirements.

6. Stagnant water bodies will be minimized by removal of debris in order to maintain water
movement.

14

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS FOR WET DETENTION BASINS

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION

Remove the trash/debris
The entire BMP Trash/debris is present
Regrade the soil if necessary to
remove the gully, and then plant
a ground cover and water until it
Areas of bare soil and/or
is established. Provide lime and a
erosive gullies have formed
The perimeter of the wet
one-time fertilizer application.
detention basin

Maintain vegetation at a height of

approximately six inches
Vegetation is too short or too
long
Unclog the pipe. Dispose of the
The pipe is clogged sediment off-site.

The pipe is cracked or
Replace the pipe
otherwise damaged
The inlet device: pipe or
Regrade the swale if necessary to
swale
smooth it over and provide

erosion control devices such as
Erosion is occurring in the
reinforced turf matting or riprap
swale
to avoid future problems with
erosion.

Search for the source of the
sediment and remedy the
Sediment has accumulated to
problem if possible. Remove the
a depth greater than the
sediment and dispose of it in a
original design depth for
location where it will not cause
sediment storage.
impacts to streams or

the BMP.

The forebay
Provide additional erosion
protection such as reinforced turf
Erosion has occurred
matting or riprap if needed to
prevent future erosion problems
Remove the weeds, preferably by
hand. If pesticide is used, wipe it
Weeds are present
on the plants rather than spraying

15

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION

Best professional practices
Prune according to best
show that pruning is needed to
professional practices
maintain optimal plant health.

Determine the source of the
problem: soils, hydrology, disease,
etc. Remedy the problem and
Plants are dead, diseased or replace plants. Provide a one-time
The vegetated shelf
dying. fertilizer application to establish
the
ground cover if a soil test indicates
it is necessary.

Remove the weeds, preferably by
Weeds are present hand. If pesticide is used, wipe it
on the plants rather than spraying
Search for the source of the
Sediment has accumulated to sediment and remedy the problem
a depth greater than the if possible. Remove the sediment
original design sediment and dispose of it in a location
storage depth. where it will not cause impacts to
streams or the BMP.

The main treatment area
Algal growth covers over Consult a professional to remove
50% of the area. and control the algal growth.

Cattails, phragmites or other Remove the plants by wiping them
invasive plants cover 50% of with pesticide (do not spray).
the basin surface.

Shrubs have started to grow
on the embankment. Remove shrubs immediately

Evidence of muskrat or Use traps to remove muskrats and
beaver activity is present consult a professional to remove
beavers
A tree has started to grow on Consult a dam safety specialist to
The embankment
the embankment remove the tree.

An annual inspection by an
appropriate professional shows
that the embankment needs Make all needed repairs
repair.

Clogging has occurred Clean out the outlet device.
Dispose of the sediment off-site
The outlet device
The outlet device is damaged Repair or replace the outlet device
Erosion or other signs of Contact the local NC Division of
damage have occurred at the Water Quality Regional Office, or
The receiving water outlet the 401 Oversight Unit at 919-733-
1786.

16

PROCEDURES FOR RIPARIAN BUFFERS
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed quarterly and within 24 hours after every storm event greater than
1”. Maintenance personnel will note any deficiencies during the regularly scheduled visits as well as
any other visits. The reports shall be stored electronically with a paper copy placed in the
stormwater inspection files and will be made available upon request by the public.
2. Inspections shall include items such as vegetative coverage, sediment build-up in the strip, and signs
of erosion.

Routine Maintenance Procedures:

1. Remove litter and debris from the filter strip system and surrounding area.

2. Fill gullies, remove weeds, repair streambank erosion, and protect against wildlife damage and
insect and disease issues.

3. Removal of natural leaf litter will be strongly discouraged, and areas where the material is not
present will be covered with organic mulch at a minimum depth of 2”.

4. Provide periodic thinning and harvesting of trees within Zone 1 no larger than 2” diameter, or when
dead or diseased, to meet recommended density requirements. Thinning of vines and undergrowth
will be allowed.

5. Provide selective cutting, replanting to maintain forest structure, and weed control. Fertilization and
liming will occur during replanting. No long term fertilization or chemical weed control will be used.
Weed control options include 4” – 6” of well-aged hardwood mulch, weed control fabric, or pre-
emergent herbicide. Weed control will be continued for 3 years from the time of planting. Invasive
plants will be controlled.

6. No aggressive mowing, pruning or herbicide applications will be permitted.

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS FOR RIPARIAN BUFFERS

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION

The entire filter strip
system
Trash/debris is present Remove the trash/debris

Unclog the conveyance and
The flow splitter device is
dispose of any sediment off-site.
The flow splitter device
clogged

(if applicable)
Make any necessary repairs or

The flow splitter device is
replace if damage is too large for
damaged
repair.
The swale is clogged with Remove the sediment and dispose
sediment. of it off-site

The level lip is cracked, Repair or replace lip
settled, undercut, eroded or
otherwise damaged.

Regrade the soil to create a berm
The swale and the level
There is erosion around the that is higher than the level lip, and
lip
end of the level spreader that then plant a ground cover and

shows stormwater has water until it is established.
bypassed it. Provide lime and a one-time
fertilizer application.

Trees or shrubs have begun Remove them
to grow on the swale or just
downslope of the level lip.

Regrade the soil if necessary to
Areas of bare soil and/or
remove the gully, and then
erosive gullies have formed
reestablish proper erosion control
Study the site to see if a larger
The bypass channel
bypass channel is needed (enlarge
Turf reinforcement is
if necessary). After this, reestablish
damaged or riprap is rolling
the erosion control material.
downhill

Grass is too short or too long Maintain grass at a height of
(if applicable). approximately three to six inches

Regrade the soil if necessary to
The filter strip
remove the gully, and then plant a
ground cover and water until it is
Areas of bare soil and/or
established. Provide lime and a
erosive gullies have formed
one-time fertilizer application.

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BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION

Remove the sediment and
Sediment is building up on restabilize the soil with vegetation
the filter strip. if necessary. Provide lime and a
onetime fertilizer application.

Provide additional irrigation and
Plants are desiccated
fertilizer is needed.
Determine the source of the
problem: soils, hydrology, disease,
Plants are dead, diseased or
etc. Remedy the problem and
dying
replace plants. Provide a one-time
fertilizer application

Remove vegetation by hand if
Nuisance vegetation is possible. If pesticide is used, do not
choking out desirable species allow it to get into the receiving
water.

Erosion or other signs of
Contact the NC Division of Water
damage have occurred at the
The receiving water Quality 401 Oversight Unit at 919-
outlet.
733-1786

PROCEDURES FOR PROPRIETARY SYSTEMS (StormFilter© System)
Inspections:
1. Inspections shall be performed quarterly. Maintenance personnel will note any deficiencies during
the regularly scheduled visits as well as any other visits. The reports shall be stored electronically
with a paper copy placed in the stormwater inspection files and will be made available upon request
by the public.
2. Inspections shall include items such as the sedimentation chamber or forebay, the cartridge
condition, and the vault condition.

Routine Maintenance Procedures:

1. Remove litter and debris from the surrounding area.

2. Clean out the sedimentation chamber or forebay when sediment depth exceeds 6”.

3. Check the structural condition of the vaults.

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS FOR PROPRIETARY SYSTEMS

BMP ELEMENT PROBLEMS REMEDIATION

Entire BMP Trash / debris is present Remove the trash / debris
Sediment is present on the Sweep or vacuum the sediment as
Adjacent Pavement (if applicable)
pavement surface soon as possible
Unclog the conveyance and dispose
The structure is clogged
of any sediment off-site
Flow diversion structure
Make any necessary repairs or
The structure is damaged replace if damage is too large for
repair
Cartridges not performing as
designed – See Contech I&M Replace cartridges per
StormFilter Cartridges
document to determine if cartridge manufacturer’s recommendations
maintenance is required
Clean out the outlet device.
Clogging has occurred
Dispose of the sediment off-site
Outlet device
The outlet device is damaged Repair or replace the outlet device
Contact the NC Division of Water
Erosion or other signs of damage
Receiving water Quality 401 Oversight Unit at 919-
have occurred at the outlet
733-1786

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