Did you know that whenever a storm occurs, it can be easy for sewage and other pollutants to enter into the water system. Some experts believe that stormwater runoff, from rain and snowmelt, is one of the more significant environmental issues facing communities today. That is why the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA for short, is beginning to crack down on municipalities, commercial real estate owners, and even residential real estate owners.
If you own or manage property in New England, it is becoming increasingly important to implement a stormwater management plan. Otherwise, you will face the unnecessary risk of polluting the environment, and the liability that goes along with it. The liability in question includes heavy-duty fines, and exorbitant clean up costs. The good news is that it is fairly simple to initiate a successful stormwater management plan.
What Is Stormwater Management And Why Is It So Important?
“Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality”, according to the EPA. When stormwater is typically absorbed into the soil, the water is naturally filtered and either flows into streams and rivers, or ends up replenishing aquifers. That being stated, when heavy rainstorms occur, or there is a tremendous amount of runoff from snow melt, the ground becomes saturated by all of that additional water.
In essence, the stormwater no longer has the ability to filter through the soil and enter into to environment in a safe manner. Instead, the stormwater typically flows along the surface of the soil until it enters into storm drains, the sewer system, or drainage ditches. The stormwater can also flood the surrounding areas before it has an opportunity to flow into the storms drains, the sewer system, or drainage ditches. In a worst-case scenario, the stormwater will flow directly into lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and even into the drinking water.
This is a tremendous problem due to the fact that stormwater contains bacteria, chemicals, debris, eroded soil, and other pollutants. Managing the stormwater runoff certainly goes a long way in preventing pollutants from entering into the environment. The question you may be asking yourself at this point is how can you effectively manage the stormwater runoff at your property? The answer is far easier than you may think.
Managing Stormwater Runoff Begins With A Regular Catch Basis/Storm Drain Cleaning
Most commercial, residential and industrial properties are equipped with catch basins, also known as storm drains. In essence, they are boxes that are buried in the ground in areas of the property that are prone to flooding. Catch basins contain a grate at the top, which enables the water to flow directly into the box. Any solids that are contained within the water settle to the bottom of the catch basin box. The water collects inside the catch basin until it raises to a device called the outlet trap.
In essence, the outlet trap allows the water to flow into a pipe that safely removes the water from the property, and allows it to enter into a sewage treatment plant, or a specially designed retention pond located at or near the property. The reason why it is so important to have your catch basins cleaned on a regular basis is due to the fact that the solid particles can accumulate to the point where they block the outlet trap. When this occurs, the water begins to back up because it cannot flow into the drainage pipes.
Eventually it will flood the yard. However, if the solid particles are removed from the catch basin on a regular basis, it will avoid flooding and the dangers that go along with it.
If you have any questions about stormwater management we are happy to help. Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for stormceptor service and maintenance. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
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