The effects of stormwater can’t go unnoticed. The runoff facilitates land erosion. This means that debris, chemical deposits, and beneficial soil microbes all end up into the nearby wetland or water catchment area. From a commercial construction perspective, this is not allowed as lives are affected. Therefore, you are expected to implement a stormwater management system that will ensure that the runoff is either reused or redirected to its natural hydrology. However, it’s not easy to maintain a successful management system as there are a few setbacks involved.
Here are the most common ones and their solutions:
1. Flooding Due to Saturated Soil
Saturated soil is soil that has reached its maximum water retention capacity. In this case, the soil can’t absorb water any further. So, the water just floods on top of the soil. Introduce a rain garden (deep-rooted plants) to absorb the excess water and to improve the soil’s retention power without adding unnatural water retention system. The rain garden should be lower than the lawn around it. It should also be made of mulch.
2. Flooding Due to Impermeability
An impermeable surface generally cannot allow water to pass through. Since water infiltration is not possible, the outcome is flooding. Install a retention system to help you absorb the flooding water.
3. Damaged Fence Due to a Steep Slope
A fence is not a must when the gradient is not steep. If it is, you need it around the pond. However, a poorly constructed fence is usually damaged when the pond exceeds its carrying capacity. Fit a stable and robust fence around your pond to hold the runoff that is flowing at an accelerating speed.
4. Frequent Erosions
If your stormwater pond is poorly built, it’s likely to fail to hold the runoff. So, frequent erosion are likely to occur. Build a stable pond and learn to monitor it for any indication of erosion. If you notice any sign, address it.
5. Changing EPA Requirements
EPA requirement change often and they are very strict. Failure to observe the latest regulations translates to non-compliance. Ask your project developer about the latest EPA requirements before the project is initiated. Since the requirements often change, it is advisable to check them before every project even if what you plan to do is similar to a past project.
Stormwater management is often challenging because of soil issues and non-compliance. That’s why it’s important to talk to a capable contractor before you implement any system. This will help you to prepare for the setbacks, like those discussed, that may arise.
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