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Storm Water Maintenance & Repair

100_0732We are licensed by the State of Maryland to maintain and install storm water ponds, and trained in storm water maintenance and sediment control field practices. Storm water ponds are treatment ponds designed to improve water quality. Thick growths of algae or other nuisance aquatic plants in ponds and lakes typically come from poorly managed storm water, or point/non point pollution sources. Point source pollution comes from a specific point, such as a pipe. Non point source pollution results from improper land management, over-fertilization, erosion and sedimentation.

We work with Maryland Counties to bring SWM ponds into compliance by following these guidelines:

  • A buffer that is 25 to 50 feet wide and should have grasses, shrubs and trees to be fully effective.
  • Aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation will also take nutrients from the water to reduce algae blooms;
    vegetation also limits shoreline erosion into the pond. Maintain the grass height inside the buffer to a minimum height of 6 to 8 inches.

To minimize open soil areas, limit soil erosion by maintaining healthy sod and mulch around the area.

Please take note though: sod does a poor job of filtering run off and should not be substituted for a buffer or filter strip.