New neighborhoods have pond systems that are designed to provide flood relief and water quality benefits. The ability of the ponds to function in this capacity depends upon their condition and maintenance or lack of maintenance. These ponds are designed to collect and hold storm water for a period of time during and after a rain event to prevent flooding of downstream properties. They also function to collect pollutants and dirt. This collection system helps to keep the marshes and creeks cleaner than if we directly discharged our storm water.


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MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
All ponds, Lakes, Lagoons, and underground water quality structures are privately owned and maintained. The Town of Mount Pleasant does not perform maintenance except when flooding occurs due to a blocked drainage system occurs. Concerns such as algae control, mosquitoes, fish kills, dredging, and trash removal must be addressed by the property owner or homeowners association. Information on pond management can be obtained through Clemson Extension Service or the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
NEW - EPA Pond Management Guide!



FLOOD CONTROL
Drainage pipes should never be blocked with wood or other materials to keep the water levels in the ponds high. The ponds are designed to be at a specific level, although they may drop below this level during times of drought. The area between the top of the water and the top of the pond is called “storage area”. This is where the system stores the storm water so that it does not flow down stream too fast and cause flooding. If pond outflow pipes are blocked to keep water levels high, the pond cannot store as much water – which may cause flooding in area streets, yards, and homes. In addition, the water cannot leave the pond as quickly as designed which can lead to more flooding problems.


WATER QUALITY
New storm water ponds are also designed to trap sediment (dirt) and other “pollutants” such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, heavy metals from roads and vehicles, and fecal coliform from pet waste. By channeling this waste through a pond system, a portion of the waste is taken out of the flow stream and is not sent out to the creeks and marshes where it can cause damage to aquatic life and environments. By reducing the about of fertilizers we apply to our yards we can reduce the algae and weed growth in our ponds. By collecting pet waste and disposing of it in a garbage container, we can reduce the amounts of harmful fecal coliform bacteria.

As the pond fills up with collected material, it may become shallow. This lack of pond depth promotes vegetative growth and reduces the pond’s ability to filter out additional pollutants before the water is released downstream. There may be a time in the future when the pond will need to be dug out or dredged.


WATER QUAILITY STRUCTURES and UNDERGROUND RETENTION SYSTEMS
In some areas, a pond may have been replaced with an underground water quality structure. These systems are used when a pond is not needed for flood protection but water quality regulations need to be met. In othe casses there may be an underground "pond" or retention structure comprised of a field of drainage pipes. From the surface the systems may look like a regular manhole. Underground is an engineered structure that works to separate trash, sediment, heavy metals, and oils from the stormwater. In the case of underground retention systems - the entire "pond" system is underground, usually under a parking lot. The water quality structure is designed to treat or clean the "first flush" of rain and the pollution it picks up and carries. These systems are also privately owned and maintained. HOAs and Commercial properties need to be inspecting these systems twice a year and contracting for cleaning (and proper material disposal). Records of cleaning activities should be kept in case compliance inspections are performed by the Town, State, or Federal EPA.


ANNUAL INSPECTIONS
Ponds and Water Quality Systems installed after September 2007 are required to be inspected annually by a Registered Professional Engineer. A report of the conditions and findings must be submitted to the Town for review. The Town will conduct random inspections to ensure adequate maintenance. At this time the Town is working on an inspection form that may be used for this submittal. Anyone with questions may contact the stormwater office at 849-2022 for additional information, guidance, or assistance.

Information Resources
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