Retention Pond Maintenance: What’s at Stake?

Whether managed by a local government or an association, a retention pond is an effective way to manage stormwater and protect an area of land. Retention ponds consist of pools of water that fluctuate in response to rain and runoff. They are designed to collect and release water at a gradual rate so that flooding and erosion is avoided. Retention ponds, however, need proper maintenance and attention.

A poorly maintained retention pond is set up for failure. Regular inspections confirm the importance of keeping a retention pond in good condition. If left alone, these pools of water can become littered, clogged with sediment and rendered helpless for preventing flooding on your commercial or residential property. Bringing a neglected pond up to code can require a notable expense as well as threaten the environment.

Keeping Ponds and Basins Clean

To avoid fines and possible irreversible damage to your retention pond, it is imperative that you schedule routine maintenance. These retention pond cleanups and inspections can include the following comprehensive list of tasks:

• Grass mowing, pruning, and vegetation control
• Keep trash and garbage out of the pond.
• Keep mechanical elements (pumps, flood gates, etc) in good working order
• Stabilize slopes
• Remove excess sediment using outflow and inflow pipelines
• Check that pilot channels are clear and open

How long has it been since you let an expert examine your retention pond? Do you need to get your littered retention pond up to code? Call the experts of Woodburn Landscapes in Atlanta.