As a business owner, you may not have given much thought to managing stormwater on your commercial property. However, improperly handled post-storm runoff can have significant environmental and financial consequences. So let’s look at three clear signs that you need a stormwater management plan.
- Erosion
- Damaged Hardscape
- Standing Water
1. What Erosion Does To Your Foundation
If you have noticed erosion on your property, it could be a sign that you aren’t managing stormwater correctly. Erosion can damage your property’s landscaping and even cause structural damage to your building’s foundation over time.
Also, rainwater accumulates pollutants like oil and sediment when it flows over concrete and asphalt. As it gains momentum, the polluted water can increase soil erosion and threaten nearby stream banks.
How To Stop Erosion
It’s essential to take speedy action to mitigate existing erosion and prevent the problem from worsening. Every business owner needs to do their part to protect the quality of local waterways and avoid costly property repairs. Strategies to consider including in your stormwater management plan include:
- Installing Drainage Systems
- Constructing Rain Gardens
- Installing Permeable Pavement
- Adding Vegetation To Absorb & Filter Runoff
- Implementing Erosion Control Measures
2. Signs Of Damaged Hardscape
Concrete, pavement, and other hardscapes can suffer significant damage during severe weather events. Damaged hardscapes can lead to safety hazards for your employees and customers, such as tripping hazards or vehicular accidents. Hardscape damage can also result in costly repairs and replacements, impacting your bottom line. Examples of hardscapes that are often damaged by stormwater include:
- Parking Lots
- Sidewalks
- Walkways
- Curbs
- Retaining Walls
- Drainage Systems
By implementing a stormwater management plan, you can identify potential hardscape damage risks and take proactive measures to mitigate them before they become liability problems.
3. The Dangers Of Standing Water
When water accumulates in low-lying areas, it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects and a potential health hazard for humans. Standing water can cause significant damage to your business, including structural damage to buildings, parking lots, and other facilities.
Why Standing Water Needs To Be Addressed
Standing water can compromise the integrity of the soil, leading to erosion and landslides. It can also carry pollutants such as oil, chemicals, and bacteria, contaminating nearby waterways and harming aquatic life. By implementing a stormwater management plan, businesses can prevent standing water from forming, avoid damage to their property, and protect the environment.
The Laws Are Complex
Federal, state, and local governments heavily regulate stormwater management. You could face fines and other penalties if your business does not comply with these regulations. For example, the Clean Water Act requires companies to obtain permits for stormwater discharges, and failure to do so can result in significant fines.
We Help Keep You Compliant
If you are unsure whether your business complies with stormwater regulations, seeking professional help from an environmental consulting firm is essential. In Monterey County, M3 Environmental can assess your property and help you develop a plan that fully meets all regulatory requirements. Contact us today to learn more.
