You’ve Received a Stormwater Inspection Notice. Now What?
WHATS IN THIS BLOG?
o If you’ve recently received a storm water inspection notice?
o What Is a Stormwater Inspection Notice?
ο Why Is Stormwater Management Important in North Carolina?/em>
ο What Should You Do After Receiving an Inspection Notice?
ο Understand the Requirements
ο Schedule a Stormwater Inspection
ο Repair Any Issues Promptly
ο Understand Potential Fees and Fines
ο Track Deadlines
ο Establish an Ongoing Maintenance Plan
ο FAQs About Stormwater Inspection Notices
ο Conclusion
If you’ve recently received a storm water inspection notice.
Now the question is what do you do with the inspection notice. Don’t worry–while this notice may seem daunting at first, it’s manageable when you understand the process. Whether you’re a property manager, land developer, farmer, or part of a homeowner’s association (HOA) in North Carolina, this guide breaks it all down for you.
You’ll learn what a stormwater inspection notice means, how to comply with the requirements, and how to avoid potential penalties. Plus, we’ll show you how our certified Stormwater Control Measures (SCM) experts can assist you with everything from inspections to repairs. Read on to make sure your property stays compliant!
What Is a Stormwater Inspection Notice?
Stormwater inspection notices are sent by local or state governments to ensure property owners are properly managing stormwater. These inspections check whether your stormwater pond or stormwater systems are functioning correctly and preventing pollutants from entering the environment.
For businesses, municipal properties, or residential communities with a stormwater retention pond, this is not just a routine pond maintenance task–it’s a legal requirement. Non-compliance could lead to significant fines and environmental issues.
Example of a Stormwater Inspection Notice from the City of Greensboro, NC
Why Is Stormwater Management Important in North Carolina?
North Carolina has specific laws governing stormwater management, these laws are intended to help protect the state’s water quality and ecosystems. Unmanaged stormwater can cause flooding, erosion, and possible pollution of local rivers, streams, and wetlands. Regulations like the Post-Construction Stormwater Management Rule (15A NCAC 02H .1001) require property owners to properly maintain controls to manage stormwater runoff effectively.
What Should You Do After Receiving an Inspection Notice?
Here’s a step-by-step plan to deal with the notice efficiently:
1. Understand the Requirements
Carefully read the inspection notice and any accompanying documents. Look for details about the areas to be inspected, deadlines for compliance, and potential penalties if issues are found.
If the notice references specific regulations, such as NPDES MS4 Stormwater Permit Guidelines (15A NCAC 02H .0150), we suggest you call a Pond Management professional to help you understand the notice and identify what you can do to fix any issues.
Stormwater Control Measures Inspection Check List
2. Schedule a Stormwater Inspection
Immediately call a certified stormwater inspector to conduct a professional stormwater pond inspection. This inspection will evaluate whether your stormwater system is meeting the state guidelines and what you need to do to correct a problem.
Our certified storm water inspectors specialize in North Carolina’s regulations. We’ll provide you with a thorough assessment, complete with a compliance report outlining any areas that need attention. We have included an example of an inspection report for your review.
Be sure to ask your pond inspector to confirm they have an NC stormwater certification. Not every stormwater management professional has the appropriate training and certifications in North Carolina.
Call us today at (336-706-3300) to schedule your inspection.
3. Repair Any Issues Promptly
If your inspection uncovers any stormwater pond maintenance issues, it’s important to repair them promptly to avoid fines. Common problems include:
Sediment buildup in stormwater ponds
Erosion around stormwater devices
Blocked or damaged drainage systems
Non-functioning outlet structures
Pond Lake Management offers construction, repair and maintenance services, including sediment removal, erosion control, and stormwater pond remediation, ensuring your property meets local and state compliance standards.
4. Understand Potential Fees and Fines
Fines for non-compliance with stormwater regulations can be hefty, especially if ignored. For example:
Unaddressed violations could result in daily penalties of up to $25,000 per day for severe infractions.
Failing to maintain stormwater BMPs (Best Management Practices) often leads to additional environmental fines.
To avoid fees and fines, we. recommend you repair any pond issues within the timeline specified in your inspection notice.
5. Track Deadlines
How much time you’ll have to complete repairs depends on local requirements stated in the notice. Most jurisdictions in North Carolina offer timelines ranging from 30 to 90 days for repairs after an inspection. Completing repairs within the outlined time frame is critical to avoiding penalties.
6. Establish an Ongoing Pond Maintenance Plan
Fines for non-compliance with stormwater regulations can be hefty, especially if ignored. For example:
Unaddressed violations could result in daily penalties of up to $25,000 per day for severe infractions.
Failing to maintain stormwater BMPs (Best Management Practices) often leads to additional environmental fines.
To avoid fees and fines, we. recommend you repair any pond issues within the timeline specified in your inspection notice.
What happens if I fail an inspection?
If you fail an inspection, you’ll likely receive a notice of required corrective action. Failing to address these issues within the outlined timeline could result in significant fines or legal actions.
Can I perform the inspection myself?
While property owners can conduct basic visual checks, official inspections must be carried out by certified SCM professionals following state-approved standards.
How much does a stormwater inspection cost?
Inspection costs vary depending on the size of your property and the complexity of your stormwater controls. Reach out for a personalized quote tailored to your property’s needs.
How often should stormwater ponds be maintained?
Routine maintenance is dependent on how on your pond, how it is used, and your location. A pond professional can help you determine how often your pond should be serviced.
Conclusion: Don’t Leave Compliance to Chance
Receiving a stormwater inspection notice might be concerning, but with the right pond management partner it’s a manageable process. From inspection to repair and ongoing maintenance, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your professional stormwater pond inspection or call us today at (336-706-3300) and keep your property compliant and environmentally sound.
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