Preparing Stormwater Ponds for a Large Storm

Stormwater ponds are one of the most frequently used practices to receive stormwater runoff and mitigate flooding.

  1. Make sure all inlets and outlets, which control flow moving into the pond and flow moving out, are clear of vegetation, sentiment or debris that could block flow into and out of the pond.
  2. Ensure that storm drains and ditches around neighborhoods are clear to allow water to flow smoothly to the stormwater pond designed to receive it. Especially if your neighborhood is not maintained by the Town of Kernersville. The Town has a helpful tool to find out who maintains your road within the Town limits (https://toknc.com/gis/kernersville-street-maintenance/).
  3. Be proactive and bag any yard waste and debris around your property to prevent debris from being carried by the storm water directly down the storm drain.

Other helpful tips

at least once per year…

  1. Operating the valve once a year to check its’ operation and to prevent it from seizing is a good idea as well.  Just be sure to open the valve slowly to guard against pulling too much sediment from the pond bottom and discharging it to the drainage area behind the dam.
  2. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality recommends the embankment be inspected once a year by a dam safety expert. The Town of Kernersville accepts no liability in the event of failure of a stormwater control measure. To read more visit the NCDEQ website https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-land-resources/energy-mineral-land-permits/dam-safety.
  3. Learn more about the design and function of your stormwater retention pond. https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/ncseagrant_docs/products/2010s/ss_stormwater_pond_guide.pdf