SWEMA provides stormwater BMP Maintenance Ordinance template

ST. PAUL, MINN. — The Stormwater Equipment Manufacturers Association (SWEMA) drafted a Maintenance Ordinance template for use by state and local government agencies in setting an ordinance requiring the maintenance of all stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). The ordinance addresses general requirements for stormwater BMPs, access requirements, maintenance frequency and inspection. The ordinance template is a general guideline and may be modified to suit state, local or regional requirements.

Stormwater BMPs are practices whether land-based, proprietary or natural that provide a level of treatment and/or storage to improve the water quality of the watershed. These practices in one form or another are installed on every project. Like a car, these practices require routine inspection and maintenance.

“SWEMA recognizes that as cities, counties and states develop stormwater initiatives, they have few resources and assistance, stated Gene LaManna, SWEMA President. “Tight budgets, limited staff and unique regional issues add to the challenges.”

Greg Kent, chairman of SWEMA’s Maintenance Committee commented that “SWEMA can provide valuable experience, insight and hands-on help to regulators as they develop stormwater standards and regulations. SWEMA will continue to develop tools to assist the industry in properly selecting, installing and maintaining stormwater BMPs.”

A copy of this document can be found on the front page of the www.stormwaterassociation.com website under the “Spotlight” section.