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Stafford County, VA Stormwater Management Maintenance Inspections Program. Steven Hubble Environmental Programs Manager Department of Public Works. Stafford County. Population= +/-115,000 Suburban Northern Virginia Locality NPDES Phase II Community VA Chesapeake Bay Act Community.
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Stafford County, VAStormwater Management Maintenance Inspections Program Steven Hubble Environmental Programs Manager Department of Public Works
Stafford County • Population= +/-115,000 • Suburban Northern Virginia Locality • NPDES Phase II Community • VA Chesapeake Bay Act Community
Stormwater Maintenance Program • All BMP Maintenance is private except for County owned BMPs and Regional Facilities • County completes inspections of all post-construction BMPs (approx. 750) on a 1-2 year interval • County charges nominal fees (based on # and type of BMP) to the owner • County allows the BMP owner to have a licensed professional complete the inspection if they desire and send an inspection report to the County for review • County resumed maintenance inspections in January 2009 and had not completed maintenance inspections since the early 90’s due to workload and insufficient staff.
Inspection Process • Facilities inspected by a two-person team to ensure consistency and safety • Owners notified by letter 1 month before inspection, are invited to participate • Inspection completed based on requirements of the VA Stormwater Management Handbook • Maintenance “punch-list” sent to owner and owner has 90 days to complete maintenance
Findings • Many BMP owners willing to comply • Many need guidance with identifying deficiencies and finding contractors • Some owners, particularly non-profits and HOA’s concerned about cost of inspections and maintenance • Some owners completely ignore requests • Some BMPs in very “critical” condition
Maintenance of LID • County’s SWM requirements often prescribe the use of LID facilities to comply with SWM requirements • Many LID facilities are newly constructed and not yet released from construction bond, therefore maintenance experience for these facilities is still limited at this time. • Maintenance needs for the LID facilities that have been inspected has mostly been cosmetic (i.e. debris removal, replacement of vegetation and mulch)
BMP Maintenance Training Class • County hosted two training classes on BMP Maintenance for BMP owners and property managers • First class was well attended but low turnout for second class • Class focuses on common maintenance issues and County inspection program details • Plan to hold future training that is more detailed or technical
Contact Information • Steve Hubble Environmental Programs Manager Department of Public Works 540-658-4559 shubble@co.stafford.va.us