Weather conditions can often be very burdensome on stormwater facilities for a variety of reasons. First, if regular maintenance is neglected, it can result in stormwater system damages, as well as trash, debris, and sediment accumulation. Therefore, inspection and maintenance are tasks that should be done properly and regularly.

Of course, the schedule of your inspection will depend on the type of stormwater solutions you employ—wet or dry surface basins such as ponds and sand filters respectively—will require shorter inspection intervals due to their location and their potential for risks. Underground systems such as a StormChamber® system by HydroLogic Solutions, on the other hand, are less prone to the nuisances and risks that above-ground stormwater systems face, and can therefore be maintained with longer inspection intervals.

Inspection and Maintenance of Underground Stormwater Structures

Underground systems are primarily designed to function similarly to their surface basin counterparts, but at locations where usable space and real estate costs come at a premium. Thus, they’re commonly built beneath parking lots and other solid-surfaces.

Generally, underground stormwater systems offer either retention or detention functions, and can help ensure the water quality of the runoff they release to sewers, waterways, or the ground. They are often made of high-density, polyethylene infiltration chambers, but there are many material variations in use. In fact, there are so many options for this type of stormwater system on the market that there’s no one-size-fits-all maintenance procedure.

As with surface basins, the size and location of your underground system will dictate the frequency of the inspection and maintenance that need to be carried out. For instance, a system built under a large commercial parking lot will be exposed to more trash and debris than a smaller one meant for residential use, and will therefore require more frequent attention.

Different Maintenance Requirements for Retention and Detention Systems

For underground retention systems with significant sediment accumulation, the use of a high-powered vacuum truck to extract accumulated sediment is the standard recourse. With underground detention systems, however, the low-flow orifice will be the key point in the system’s maintenance, since it regulates stormwater outflows. In such a system, the low-flow orifice needs to be kept clear of any trash, sediment, or debris.

For the proper installation and maintenance of underground stormwater management solutions, contact an industry leader like HydroLogic Solutions.

 

(Source: Inspection and Maintenance of Stormwater Systems, Buildipedia)