28_Private SCM Inspections SOP

SCM Inspection Program

Standard Operating Procedures

Revised 2022
(©2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2007, 2002)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................................1
2.0 BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................1
3.0 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING ...............................................................................1
4.0 STORMWATER CONTROL MEASURES (SCMS) .................................................................................2
4.1 COMMON SCM FEATURES ......................................................................................................2
4.1.1 DAM & EMERGENCY SPILLWAY ......................................................................................... 2
4.1.2 INLETS AND OUTLETS ....................................................................................................... 3
4.1.3 EROSION ....................................................................................................................... 3
4.1.4 SEDIMENT STORAGE CAPACITY .......................................................................................... 3
4.1.5 WATER QUALITY ............................................................................................................ 3
4.2 COMMON SCM TYPES ...........................................................................................................3
4.2.1 WET DETENTION PONDS .................................................................................................. 3
4.2.2 DRY DETENTION PONDS................................................................................................... 4
4.2.3 BIORETENTION AREAS (PLANTS) ........................................................................................ 4
4.2.4 SAND FILTERS ................................................................................................................. 4
4.2.5 STORMWATER WETLANDS ............................................................................................... 4
4.2.6 STORM FILTERS .............................................................................................................. 4
4.2.7 UNDERGROUND DETENTION SYSTEMS ................................................................................ 4
4.2.8 OTHER SCMS ................................................................................................................ 4
5.0 INSPECTION PROCESS ...................................................................................................................5
5.1 OBTAINING CONTACT OR OWNER INFORMATION .....................................................................5
5.2 REVIEWING ENGINEERING PLANS ..............................................................................................5
5.3 FIELD INSPECTION .................................................................................................................5
5.4 INSPECTION LETTER ...............................................................................................................6
5.4.1 NO MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................... 6
5.4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 6
5.4.3 RECOMMENDED ITEMS .................................................................................................... 6
5.4.4 REQUIRED ITEMS ............................................................................................................ 6
5.4 DATABASE ENTRY .................................................................................................................7
5.5 FOLLOW-UP ...................................................................................................................... 11
5.6 FILING .............................................................................................................................. 12
6.0 ENFORCEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 12
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................... 14
APPENDIX A: INSPECTION REPORT (WET DETENTION POND) ........................................................... 155
APPENDIX B: INSPECTION REPORT (BIORETENTION AREA) ............................................................... 156
APPENDIX C: INSPECTION REPORT (SAND FILTER).............................................................................. 17
APPENDIX D: INSPECTION LETTERS ................................................................................................. 178
APPENDIX E: PHOTOS OF COMMON MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS ................................................ 28
City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 1
1.0 PURPOSE
General information concerning the inspection process for SCMs has been included in this document to
provide guidance and assistance for SCM inspectors.
2.0 BACKGROUND
The City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division is committed to improving and enhancing the
water quality of our community’s surface water. Greensboro’s surface water is of significant value to the
community as its primary source of drinking water, as well as aesthetic beauty, wildlife propagation, and
recreational value. A series of reservoirs in the northern portion of Guilford County comprise the
municipal drinking water supply. Guilford County adopted watershed ordinances to protect that drinking
water supply in 1984; the City of Greensboro adopted those same ordinances in 1991. As a result of
those watershed regulations, all new development must design and install erosion control and water
quality protection measures or Best Management Practices (SCMs) to protect the limited and valuable
water supply. Changes to watershed regulations are ongoing, most often becoming more stringent;
therefore, the number of SCMs within the City limits continues to increase.

The State of North Carolina Watershed Regulations, as well as the local ordinances, requires that all
SCMs be inspected annually to ensure that water quality is protected. Prior to 1997, the inspection of
SCMs was the responsibility of the Engineering Department’s Soil and Erosion Division. Due to the rapid
growth of single family development, Erosion Control Inspectors had limited time to inspect various
SCMs for the protection of water quality. In September of 1997, the Stormwater Management Division’s
Water Quality Section assumed the responsibility of routinely inspecting SCMs. Over time, the process
of SCM inspections has evolved as volume has increased and resources have changed.

This document was first revised in 2002 to streamline the inspection process, organize the logistics
(database, filing system, etc.), and evenly divide the workload evenly among the Water Quality Section,
who will be responsible for the inspection of SCMs. Extensive coordination will need to take place as
every SCM will entail different circumstances, and each inspector will be responsible for numerous
inspections. Close coordination and extensive follow-up will need to take place with each and every
owner. Other resources and agencies should be utilized when needed throughout the inspection
process. Other resources include technical assistance and documentation from Stormwater
Management’s Planning and Engineering Section and Operations Management Section; Engineering and
Inspection’s Soil and Erosion Section; Guilford County Health Department; NC Cooperative Extension
Service; NC Soil & Water Conservation; and NCDENR.

3.0 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
Stormwater staff participates in SCM certification class and upon completion of the coursework and
passing of the test, becomes certified in SCM inspections. Each staff member is required to renew his or
her certification every three years. In addition, staff participates in workshops, conferences, and
supplemental classes to stay up-to-date with the latest changes regarding structural SCMs.

Staff also receives on-the-job training from more experienced water quality staff, on-staff engineers, etc.
As new types of SCMs are installed, staff may collaborate to determine consistent inspection protocols
and requirements.

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4.0 Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
As of 2018, the Water Quality section is responsible for the routine inspection of over 900 SCMs. Almost
two-thirds of these SCMs are wet detention ponds; bioretention areas are the second most common
type of SCM in the City.

4.1 Common SCM Features

4.1.1 Dam & Emergency Spillway
The dam and emergency spillway are of primary importance in the protection of lives and property
downstream in the event of a catastrophic failure. Excessive woody vegetation or the establishment of
mature shrubs and trees can degrade the integrity of a dam by their root structure infiltrating the dam
foundation. All woody vegetation should be maintained on the dam and emergency spillway. Further
degradation can occur due to burrowing animals such as muskrats, mice, groundhogs, etc. Particular
attention must be given to the inspection of the dam and spillway for any kind of cracks, seepage, or
excessive erosion that may potentially cause a failure of the pond. Any cracks, seepage, or significant
erosion should be investigated and fixed.

Bioretention Area
Dry Detention Pond
Proprietary
Stormwater Control
Measure
Sand Filter
Stormwater
Wetland
Underground
Detention System
Wet Detention Pond
Other
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4.1.2 Inlets and Outlets
The inlets and outlets to and from the pond may become clogged with sediment, trash, or debris.
Structural failure of an inlet or outlet may occur as a result of separation over time, blockages, or
improper installation. Blockages should be removed and inlet or outlet pipes should be
repaired/replaced as needed to ensure the pond is draining/filling properly. The riser pipe and orifice
holes should be visually inspected from shore to ensure they are clear from any blockages and that the
pond appears to be draining properly.

4.1.3 Erosion
Erosion can be of minimal importance or it can be the most significant problem associated with the
pond. Minor erosion should be noted and recommended to be corrected by adding vegetation. Major
erosion on the dam or spillway, or where it impairs the sediment storage capacity of the pond, should
be required to be corrected by regrading and vegetating or dredging. Erosion of side slopes may occur if
the slopes are too steep and/or if there is limited vegetation to stabilize the slopes. On slopes with less
than a 3:1 ratio, adding vegetation to the side slopes should be recommended to prevent erosion. On
steep slopes, regrading the slope to less than a 3:1 ratio and then adding vegetation to that slope should
prevent erosion.

4.1.4 Sediment Storage Capacity
One of the major functions of SCMs is to trap pollutants, including sediment. Periodic sediment removal
is required to ensure continued treatment of stormwater runoff. A visual inspection of the SCM often
reveals if there is a sedimentation problem. In the event that a SCM should require sediment removal,
sediment capacity calculations and the approved plan can be used to determine the extent of removal
necessary to restore the pond to original design conditions.

4.1.5 Water Quality
Water quality problems in ponds may result from a number of sources. It could be a result of needed
maintenance, upstream influences, or urban runoff. Algae or sedimentation will be the most likely
problem observed, but on occasion, stagnation or fish kills may result for no obvious reason and should
be further investigated. Other problems will occur as well, such as oil, trash, bacterial growth, etc.
Commonly, algae growth will occur when sedimentation has begun to fill in the pond and the nutrients
do not have enough room to settle out and be treated. Dredging to remove the sediment will generally
resolve this issue. General appearance and overall function should be visually inspected to ensure
proper function.

4.2 Common SCM Types

4.2.1 Wet Detention Ponds
Wet detention ponds are designed to hold rainwater at a permanent pool to detain stormwater runoff
for an extended period of time to allow pollutants in the runoff to settle to the bottom of the pond. This
type of SCM is the most common found in the City of Greensboro.

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
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4.2.2 Dry Detention Ponds
Dry detention ponds remain dry except during rain events, at which time they retain water for a period
of days. These are not defined as infiltration devices, as they often have a perforated riser to allow
water to exit but at a slower rate than some other devices. Refer to the inspection report in Appendix A
for guidance when inspecting bioretention areas.

4.2.3 Bioretention Areas (Plants)
Bioretention areas generally consist of various layers of media and topped with double-shredded
hardwood mulch, though grassed basins are approved in the some locations throughout the City. Most
bioretention areas have an assortment of plantings, with type and diversity requirements. Currently
planting counts are based on 400 stems/acre, and an assortment of herbaceous (grasses), shrubs, and
tree species make up the planting environment. Refer to the inspection report in Appendix B for
guidance when inspecting bioretention areas.

4.2.4 Sand Filters
Sand filters usually consist of a wet sedimentation chamber, a sand filtration chamber, and an outlet
chamber. The wet sedimentation chamber traps the grit and organic debris and prevents it from
entering the sand filtration chamber. The sand filtration chamber allows the stormwater to filter
through the media into an underdrain system before collecting in the outlet chamber. Sand filters can
be surface or subsurface. See the sand filter inspection report (Appendix C) for specifics to look for when
inspecting these devices.

4.2.5 Stormwater Wetlands
The NC SCM Manual defines wetlands as “…constructed systems that mimic the functions of natural
wetlands and use physical, chemical, and biological processes to treat stormwater pollution.” They
generally consist of six components: inlet, deep pool, shallow water, shallow land, upland, and outlet.

4.2.6 Storm Filters
Storm filters are typically underground and filters water through granular media cartridges. This
structure may also include a tank area for water storage.

4.2.7 Underground Detention Systems
These systems are most often used more for water quantity than quality. Runoff is captured and stored
(detained) in a pipe system, allowing for a slower release of water. They are designed to reduce peak
flow.
4.2.8 Other SCMs
The inspection process for constructed SCMs other than those mentioned above may vary, and
inspectors should seek the assistance of the Water Quality Supervisor and Water Resource’s Planning
and Engineering Division for guidance on how best to inspect the less common structures.

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
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5.0 Inspection Process
Water Quality staff will be responsible for reviewing, visiting, and inspecting SCMs on a routine basis.
Each SCM is assigned to a Water Quality site, which is reviewed once every two years. Multiple site visits
can occur within each review, with each site visit having a specific inspection result (initial inspection –
work needed, final inspection – work complete, etc.). Often the start of the next review is based on the
date of the previous reviews initial visit (i.e. Initial visit – 2/15/2014, 2/4/2016, 2/21/2018, etc.). The
Program Oversight will receive all new SCMs that have been recently accepted or annexed to the Water
Quality section and will distribute them accordingly. Each staff member in the Water Quality section is
currently responsible for approximately 80 SCM inspections per year. To accomplish this goal, the
inspector is required to annually inspect eight SCMs per month for ten of the twelve months, allowing
for two months without inspections (most commonly June and December). All information regarding a
SCM inspection (contact/owner information, correspondence, letters, pictures, etc.) are stored in the
RAIN 2.0 database (http://waternet/STW/RAIN/) and digital folders. Physical copies of the letters,
notes, etc. will be stored in the SCM folders in the SCM library. See the RAIN 2.0 SOP for additional
information regarding database entries, etc.

5.1 Obtaining Contact or Owner Information
Each inspector will conduct research to verify ownership and contact information of existing and new
SCMs. First step to obtaining contact or owner information is to contact the previously listed contact
person. If they are no longer the contact and cannot guide you to the correct person, there are many
resources that can be used to help verify the correct contact information. Contact/Ownership can be
determined using many resources: Internet search, GIS, Water billing information, Guilford County
Register of Deeds (http://rdlxweb.guilfordcountync.gov/guilfordNameSearch.php), Secretary of State
Website (https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/search/by_title/_uniform_commercial_code), or
talking to people in the field. Once ownership is established, the Water Quality Site in the RAIN 2.0
database will be updated with the new information. At this time a new site review can be created.
Phone calls and emails are typical to educate owners on the inspection process; however, an
educational letter (Appendix D) may be sent to a new owner or contact for a SCM to educate him or her
about an upcoming inspection, as well as any potential requirements and timeframes the owner may be
responsible for.
5.2 Reviewing Engineering Plans
Site and design plans should be thoroughly reviewed prior to conducting an on-site inspection of any
SCM. These are available in hard copy in the physical folders (SCM library), through RAIN 2.0, or our
master file list (Z:\SCM Master Files). General maps of each site is available through RAIN 2.0.
5.3 Field Visit/Inspection
Before the field inspection the original engineering plan and any subsequent approved plans should be
evaluated and examined. During the SCM field inspections, a thorough evaluation of the primary
features, pictures, and thorough notes will be taken. Pictures will be loaded into the RAIN 2.0 database
and a checklist will be filled out. The previous section offers a brief descriptions of the most common
SCMs. Later sections include the most common maintenance items that are found during inspections,
and that are typically required to be addressed.

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5.4 Inspection Letter

When recommendations/requirements need to be made to ensure a safe and properly functioning SCM,
great care should be taken when making those recommendations/requirements. The applicable
inspection letter (Appendix D) is sent with any recommendations or requirements necessary to improve
water quality or to return the SCM to design specifications. This letter is sent directly to the owner or
contact, allowing 90 days for all recommended or required items to be completed. Letters can be sent
via regular mail and/or as an email attachment, requesting a read receipt. Letters noting required items
may also be sent as certified mail. The Water Quality Supervisor should be copied on all letters
addressing any maintenance (required/recommended maintenance item letters, 30-day extensions, all
NOVs, and final letters when a NOV was written).
5.4.1 No Maintenance
If no problems were noted and no recommendations/requirements are necessary, the inspection report
will be sent to the owner stating that the SCM was inspected, was in proper working order, and that no
recommendations/requirements will be made at this time. It will be also be stated that continued
routine maintenance will be necessary to ensure their SCM stays in good and working condition.

5.4.2 Recommendations/Requirements
When recommendations/requirements need to be made to ensure a safe and properly functioning SCM,
great care should be taken when making those recommendations/requirements. If recommendations
are made, the inspection report will be sent to the owner stating specific actions recommended to
restore the SCM and a date to complete the maintenance items (approximately 90 days after the date of
the letter). If required items are needed to restore the SCM, the formal letter (attachment #5) should be
sent to the responsible party by mail and/or email.

5.4.3 Recommended Items
Maintenance items that are generally recommended are those that pose no safety or functionality
concerns. Other items, such as minor erosion, small amounts of trash, etc., should be recommended
maintenance items. Inspectors must use logic as well as discretion when deciding if a maintenance item
should be considered required or recommended.

5.4.4 Required Items
Items that would be required by the owner include items that directly relate to the safety and primary
design function of the SCM. Items that would necessitate required maintenance include but are not
limited to: (See photos of examples in Appendix E)

Wet Detention Pond
 Woody vegetation on the top of dam and slopes
 Sedimentation
 Evidence of burrowing animals on the dam
 Vegetation at inlets or outlets
 Low/high water level
 Excessive erosion
City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
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 Cracks or leaks in any structure (riser/barrel, concrete dam or weir, etc.)

Dry Detention Pond
 Woody vegetation on the top of dam and slopes
 Sedimentation
 Evidence of burrowing animals on the dam
 Vegetation at inlets or outlets
 Excessive erosion

Bioretention Area (Planted)
 Missing or dead plants required by the original plan
 Weeds or unapproved plants
 Old, clogged mulch layer
 Excessive erosion
 Cracks or leaks in any structure (riser/barrel, concrete dam or weir, etc.)
 Clogged underdrain system

Bioretention Area (Grass/sodded)
 Dead or dying grass
 Woody vegetation at inlets or outlets
 Cracks or leaks in any structure (riser/barrel, concrete dam or weir, etc.)

Sand Filters
 Sand chamber holding water
 Clogged sand chamber
 Low water level in pool chamber
 Cracks or leaks in any structure (riser/barrel, concrete dam or weir, etc.)

Stormwater Wetlands
 Missing plants
 Low/high water level
 Cracks or leaks in any structure (riser/barrel, concrete dam or weir, etc.)

Storm Filters
 Gray or discolored media in filters
 Standing water
 Sediment in outlet

5.4 Database Entry

RAIN 2.0 (Review and Inspection Network) is the SCM database that houses most information related to
SCMs—from information regarding the original engineering plans, pre-construction inspections, SCM
certifications, final-plats, post-construction inspections, and any other related documentation. When
City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 8
Water Quality staff completes a field inspection of a SCM, inspection information and updates should be
entered into this database.

The SCM Water Quality site record (below) provides information about the SCM, site, and site reviews.

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 9

After or during a field inspection, the assigned inspector will create a site review (one may have already
been created prior to this), create a site visit, enter the site result (initial inspection, 30 day extension,
etc.) add photos, edit the checklist, enter additional maintenance items or notes, generate the site
report, etc. Refer to the RAIN 2.0 SOP for specific information regarding the creation of Water Quality
site reviews and site visits.

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 10

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 11

5.5 Follow-Up
For ponds with recommended/required items, periodic contact should be made with the owner to
ensure that the recommended/required items will be completed by the scheduled date. A contact log
should be kept in that SCM’s file and/or in RAIN 2.0 Site Review documenting any phone or written
contact with the owner. If any correspondence is made outside of the normal Site Review, this can be
added to the Site Details page. Technical assistance and education will be the approach used when
contacting owners and encouraging them to complete the recommended/required items. Once all the
items are completed, the inspector has two options available:

1. A reinspection of the site to ensure that the items were satisfactorily completed. A final letter
(Appendix D) stating that a reinspection was conducted and items were satisfactorily completed will
then be sent to the owner for his or her records and placed in the file. This option is mandatory when
documenting completion of required items and optional (at the inspector’s discretion) when
documenting recommended items.

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2. If the recommended items do not justify an additional on-site visit, then the inspector can document
that they were informed by the owner (for example, via a telephone conversation, email, and photo)
that the items were completed and close the inspection process. A final letter (Appendix D)
documenting the conversation should be sent to the owner for his or her records and placed in the file.
Keep in mind that this option should only be utilized in situations where the inspector has worked
closely with the owner and trusts that the recommended items have truly been satisfactorily completed.

The RAIN 2.0 database should again be updated to show when the items were completed. An electronic
copy of the letters and photos through the whole process is stored by the assigned inspector.
5.6 Filing
All documentation, site plans, field notes, inspection reports, letters, and records of phone calls (contact
log) for each SCM inspection should be kept in a hard copy format in the corresponding file folder. All
SCM files are stored in the Stormwater library. They are filed alphabetically according to street name of
the SCM site, alphabetically within each letter, and numerically within each street. The directional
denotations are not included in the alphabetical assortment of the file folders (Ex. N, S, E, W).
EX. 118 Fleming Rd., 220 W Florida St., 2216 W. Friendly Ave., 2220 W. Friendly Ave.,
6.0 Enforcement
If the recommended items are not completed by the end of the 90-day deadline, a letter may be sent to
the owner stating that the City of Greensboro will not pursue enforcement procedures at the present
time. It reminds owners that the maintenance of SCMs is the sole responsibility of the owner and the
City of Greensboro accepts no liability in the event of failure.

If required items are not completed by the end of the 90-day time period, or if any additional time
extensions granted and all attempts to cooperatively work with the owner have failed, the owner will be
sent a Notice of Violation. This letter states that the work may be completed by the city’s chosen
contractor, at the owner’s expense, and may include civil penalties. The Stormwater Management
Division Manager should be copied on the violation letter. Typically, a follow-up inspection will be made
30 days after the date of the letter to determine if the required items have been completed. After 30
days if the items are still not completed, a second Notice of Violation will be sent (see attachment #9),
allowing another 30 days for the items to be completed. At this time, the Stormwater Operation
Management Section, appropriate staff from the city’s Department of Field Operations and Legal
Department should be notified of the situation and copied on the second violation letter. After 30 days,
if the maintenance items are still not completed by that time, the City of Greensboro may choose to
proceed with enforcement. This process will be in accordance with the ordinance (Chapter 30, Article VII
1.6d) and follow all applicable guidelines. In certain circumstances, enforcement procedures under
Chapter 27 (Article VI, Section 27-52) may also be used to ensure that the required items are completed.

Owner’s Responsibility
 It is the owner’s ultimate responsibility to perform routine and nonroutine maintenance to
ensure a properly functioning and safe SCM.
 The owner is liable should a SCM fail.
 In the event of an assessment or enforcement proceeding, it is the owner’s responsibility to
repay the city for all work rendered and all fines assessed.

Inspector’s Responsibility
City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
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 Upon satisfactory completion of all the recommended or required items, the inspector will
update all files and databases.
 The inspector will inform the Water Quality Supervisor of any and all potential situations that
may result in an assessment or enforcement procedure.
 The inspector will work cooperatively with Soil and Erosion, Stormwater’s Planning and
Engineering Section and Operations Management Section, and other departments to initiate
and follow-through with the assessment or enforcement process.

Water Quality Supervisor’s Responsibility
 The Water Quality Supervisor will work closely with the inspector throughout the assessment or
enforcement process to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that all procedures are
properly followed.
 The Water Quality Supervisor will explore other avenues (ordinance revisions, enforcement
procedure revisions, etc.) to ensure that the SCM inspection program protects water quality.

Currently, all assessment procedures will follow those outlined in Chapter 30, Article VII 1.6d. All
enforcement procedures will follow the Stormwater Management Division’s Enforcement Procedures,
last revised February 2012. The procedures are universal for the Stormwater Management Division and
coincide with Chapter 30 of the City of Greensboro’s Stormwater Management Ordinance. Extensive
coordination with other sections of the Stormwater Management Division should take place to ensure
proper procedures are followed.

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 14
References

NCDEQ Stormwater Design Manual, 2017. https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-land-
resources/energy-mineral-land-permit-guidance/stormwater-bmp-manual

City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Manual, 2009. http://www.greensboro-
nc.gov/departments/water-resources/stormwater-program/revised-stormwater-manual

City of Greensboro Land Development Ordinance

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
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Appendix A: Inspection Report (Wet Detention Pond)

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Appendix B: Inspection Reports (Bioretention Area)

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Appendix C: Inspection Reports (Sand Filter)

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Appendix D: Inspection Letters

Education

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Inspection of [BMP Type]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

Within the next few months, the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division will be conducting an annual
inspection of the [BMP Type] in your control or ownership located at [BMP Address/Location]. State and local
regulations require an annual inspection of all structural best management practices (BMPs) to ensure the proper
function of these structures. This inspection will focus on key structural components, sediment capacity, and
maintenance practices.

Stormwater Management will notify you of the results of the inspection and any recommendations or requirements
to ensure the proper functioning of your BMP. If there are any recommendations or requirements, you will have 90
days to complete those maintenance items. Staff will also be available to offer technical assistance and answer any
questions you may have concerning your BMP.

Enclosed is some general information on routine and nonroutine maintenance for typical [BMP Type]. If you have
any questions concerning your BMP or the enclosed information, please feel free to contact me at [Inspector Phone
and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Name and Title]
Stormwater Management Division
cc: Watershed file

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 19
Recommended Maintenance

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Inspection of [BMP Type]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

On [Inspection Date], the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division conducted an inspection of the
[BMP Type] in your control or ownership located at [BMP Address/Location]. State and local regulations require
routine inspections of all structural best management practices (BMPs) to ensure the proper functioning of these
structures. This inspection focused on key structural components, sediment capacity, and maintenance practices of
the BMP(s).

The inspection found that the following item(s) are recommended to restore and/or enhance the effectiveness of the
BMP(s). The City of Greensboro allows the following items to be completed within 90 days from the date of this
letter prior to commencement of enforcement action. Please complete the item(s) on or before [Deadline] after
which an additional inspection will occur.

 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]

Proper operation and routine maintenance are a vital part of ensuring the effectiveness of your BMP(s) and is the
sole responsibility of the owner. The City of Greensboro accepts no liability in the event of failure of the BMP(s). If
you should have any questions or comments concerning the recommended items or the time frame, please feel free
to contact me at [Inspector Phone and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Name and Title]
Stormwater Management Division

cc: Watershed file

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 20
Required Maintenance

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Inspection of [BMP Type]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

On [Inspection Date], the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division conducted an inspection of the
[BMP Type] in your control or ownership located at [BMP Address/Location]. State and local regulations require
routine inspections of all structural best management practices (BMPs) to ensure the proper functioning of these
structures. This inspection focused on key structural components, sediment capacity, and maintenance practices of
the BMP(s).

The inspection found that the following item(s) are required to restore and/or enhance the effectiveness of the
BMP(s). The City of Greensboro allows the following items to be completed within 90 days fr om the date of this
letter prior to commencement of enforcement action. Please complete the items before [Deadline]. Please contact
me when the items have been completed, after which an additional inspection will occur.

 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]

Proper operation and routine maintenance are a vital part of ensuring the effectiveness of your BMP(s) and is the
sole responsibility of the owner. The City of Greensboro accepts no liability in the event of failure of the BMP(s). If
you should have any questions or comments concerning the required items or the time frame, please feel free to
contact me at [Inspector Phone and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Name and Title]
Stormwater Management Division

cc: Peter Schneider, Water Quality Supervisor
Watershed file

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 21
No Maintenance Needed

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Inspection of [BMP Type]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

On [Inspection Date], the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division conducted an inspection of the
[BMP Type] in your control or ownership located at [BMP Address/Location]. State and local regulations require
routine inspections of all structural best management practices (BMPs) to ensure the proper funct ion of those
structures. This inspection focused on key structural components, sediment capacity, and maintenance practices of
the BMP(s).

At the time of inspection, the BMP(s) appeared to be in proper working order and no recommendations are
requested at this time. Continued proper operation and routine maintenance will ensure BMPs remain safe and
effective at protecting water quality.

The City of Greensboro Stormwater Management appreciates your cooperation and continued support in the
maintenance of your BMP(s) and the protection of water quality. If you should have any further questions or
concerns about your BMP(s), please feel free to contact me at [Inspector Phone and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Name and Title]
Stormwater Management Division

cc: Watershed file

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 22
Reinspection—Recommended Complete

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Inspection of [BMP Type]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

On [Inspection Date], the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division conducted an inspection of the
[BMP Type] in your control or ownership located at BMPADDRESSFULL. An inspection letter with recommended
items to be completed was sent to you on [First Letter Date], allowing 90 days for the completion of these items.
The item(s) originally recommended were as follows:

 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]

On [Reinspection Date], a follow-up inspection of your BMP was conducted by Stormwater Management. This
inspection revealed that the recommended items have been satisfactorily completed. Continued routine maintenance
is a vital part of ensuring the effectiveness of your BMP(s).

The City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division appreciates your cooperation in completing the
recommended item(s) within the given time frame. If you should have any further questions or concerns about your
BMP(s), please feel free to contact me at [Inspector Phone and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Phone and Email]
Stormwater Management Division

cc: Watershed file

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 23
Reinspection—Required Complete

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Inspection of [BMP Type]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

On [Inspection Date], the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division conduct ed an inspection of the
[BMP Type] in your control or ownership located at [BMP Address/Location]. An inspection letter with required
items to be completed was sent to you on [First Letter Date], allowing 90 days for the completion of these items.
The item(s) originally required were as follows:

 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]

On [Reinspection Date], a follow-up inspection of your BMP was conducted by Stormwater Management. This
inspection revealed that the required items have been satisfactorily completed. Continued routine maintenance is a
vital part of ensuring the effectiveness of your BMP(s).

The City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division appreciates your cooperation in completing the required
item(s) within the given time frame. If you should have any further questions or concerns about your BMP(s), please
feel free to contact me at [Inspector Phone and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Name and Title]
Stormwater Management Division

cc: Watershed file

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 24
Reinspection—Recommended Not Complete

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Inspection of [BMP Type]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

On [Inspection Date], the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division conducted an inspection of the
[BMP Type] in your control or ownership located at [BMP Address/Location]. An inspection letter with
recommended items to be completed was sent to you on [First Letter Date], allowing 90 days for the completion of
these items. The item(s) originally recommended were as follows:

 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]

On [Reinspection Date], a follow-up inspection of your BMP was conducted by Stormwater Management. This
inspection revealed that the maintenance items have not been satisfactorily completed. The City has determined not
to pursue enforcement procedures at this time concerning the above stated items.

In accordance with Chapter 30 (Water Supply and Watershed Protection Regulations) of the City of Greensboro’s
Development Ordinance, routine and nonroutine maintenance of BMPs, including [BMP Type], is the sole
responsibility of the owner; the City of accepts no liability in the event of functional or structural failure. You will
be notified if further action is required.

If you should have any further questions or concerns about your BMP(s), please feel free to contact me at [Inspector
Phone and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Name and Title]
Stormwater Management Division

cc: Peter Schneider, Water Quality Supervisor
Watershed file

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 25
Reinspection—30-Day Extension

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Inspection of [BMP Type]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

On [Inspection Date], the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division conducted an inspection of the
[BMP Type] in your ownership or control located at [BMP Address/Location]. An inspection letter was sent to you
noting the following required item(s) to be completed by [Deadline], allowing 90 days for completion.

 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]

On [Reinspection Date], a follow-up inspection was conducted by Stormwater Management. This inspection
revealed that the maintenance item(s) have not been satisfactorily completed.
The City of Greensboro will allow an additional 30 days from the date of this letter for the required item(s) to be
completed prior to commencement of enforcement action. Please complete all maintenance item(s) by [Extended
Deadline].

Your cooperation in completing the required item(s) within the given time frame will be greatly appreciated. Proper
operation and routine maintenance is of vital importance to the safety and pollution removal effectiveness of
BMP(s).

If you should have any further questions or concerns r egarding your BMP(s), please feel free to contact me at
[Inspector Phone and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Name and Title]
Stormwater Management Division

cc: Watershed file
City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 26
Reinspection—Notice of Violation (Required Not Complete)

[Date]

[Name]
[Business/Community]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]

RE: Notice of Violation
City of Greensboro Land Development Ordinance
Chapter 30, Article 12, Section 3.7 (D-2)
Violation location: [BMP Address/Location]

Dear [Honorific, Last Name]:

The City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division has found that Company, located at [BMP Address/Location] in
Greensboro, North Carolina, is in violation of City of Greensboro Land Development Ordinance Chapter 30, Article 12, Secti on
3.7 (D-2), which states as follows:

Maintenance of engineered stormwater controls shall be performed at such time as the designated
sediment storage volume of the structure has been lost to sediment or a part of the installation is not
functioning as originally designed…In case of failure by the responsible party to perform the required
maintenance or repairs within the stated period, the City may perform such maintenance or repairs and
recover all costs attendant thereto from the property owner or owners’ association. In addition, the City
may assess penalties for violations of this section as set out in Article 5.

On [Inspection Date], the City of Greensboro Stormwater Management Division completed an inspection of the [BMP Type] in
your ownership or control located at [BMP Address/Location]. An inspection letter with required maintenance items was sent to
you on [First Letter Date], allowing 90 days for the completion of those items prior to the beginning of enforcement action. On
[Reinspection Date], a follow-up inspection determined that the required items have not been completed.

To comply with Chapter 30 of the City of Greensboro Land Development Ordinance, it will be necessary to conduct the
following corrective action(s):

 [Maintenance item]
 [Maintenance item]

In accordance with the City of Greensboro Land Development Ordinance, failure to comply with this notice may result in the ci ty
performing the required work and recovering all costs from the property owner including any penalties assessed against the City
as a result of the violation. This Notice of Violation letter serves as notice that the City may take any and all enforcement action
to remedy the situation, including but not limited to civil penalties.

Stormwater Management Division staff will conduct a follow-up inspection in 30 days, on [NOV Deadline], to ensure
compliance with the aforementioned ordinance. A Proper operation and maintenance are a vital part of ensuring the effectivene ss
of your BMP and is the sole responsibility of the owner. The City of Greensboro accepts no liability in the event of BMP failures.

If you have any questions concerning this Notice of Violation, please contact me at [Inspector Phone and Email].

Sincerely,

[Inspector Name and Title]
Stormwater Management Division

cc: David Phlegar, Stormwater Division Manager
Peter Schneider, Water Quality Supervisor
Ade Idowu, Operations Supervisor
Watershed File

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 27

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 28
Appendix E: Photos of Common Maintenance Requirements

Wet Detention Ponds

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 29
Dry Detention Ponds

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 30
Bioretention Areas

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 31
Sand Filters

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 32
Wetlands

City of Greensboro, Stormwater Management Division
SCM Inspection Standard Operating Procedures, 2022 33
Storm Filters