In the early phases of a construction project, stormwater BMPs (Best Management Practices) are often installed by the grader. From straw wattles, silt fencing and inlet protection, these initial controls are treated as a checklist item, installed once and done.
But here’s the truth: grading is done early, compliance isn’t. Assuming or hoping those BMPs will hold up through months of trade traffic, weather events, and site changes can be a costly oversight when it comes to pre-construction planning.
Installed Doesn’t Mean Done
Site conditions shift quickly. Utilities are trenched. Concrete trucks roll through. Stockpiles move. Those BMPs? They’re often buried, damaged, or washed out long before final inspection. The inspector won’t care who installed them. They’ll hold the GC accountable.
Stormwater compliance is a moving target, not a one-and-done installation.
Budget for the Buildout
Many builders forget to account for ongoing BMP maintenance in their project budgets. That omission becomes a problem when stormwater inspections trigger corrections or when a missed detail delays the Notice of Termination.
The most expensive BMPs are the ones you didn’t plan & budget for, or thought were handled.
Storms Don’t Care About Your Schedule
Rain events hit on their own timeline. The site might look fine on Friday and be out of compliance by Monday. Without a plan and a flexible trade partner for adaptive BMP maintenance and post-storm inspections, your job site is exposed to erosion, citations, budget overruns, and project delays.
Close Clean, Without Rework
When the project’s wrapping up, your grader is long gone. But inspectors are always paying close attention. Damaged or missing BMPs can stall the closeout process and add costly & untimely rework.
You’re building to the finish line. Don’t let poorly planned stormwater controls hold you up.
Stormwater BMPs Require Ongoing Attention: Here’s What That Looks Like
It’s common to assume BMPs are a one-and-done item. Stormwater controls need to evolve with the jobsite. Here’s what a full-scope approach should include:
Phase-Based BMP Adjustments
As your site transitions from grading to vertical construction, BMPs must be moved, reinforced, or replaced to match changing runoff patterns, new access points, and trade activity. Your plan & trade partner should account for regular ongoing maintenance.
Post-Storm Inspections & Repairs
Before and after every qualifying precipitation event, stormwater regulations require inspections. That includes checking for displaced wattles, clogged inlets, and new erosion issues and documenting corrections. Your budget and trade partner should account for the average number of rain events for the life of your project.
Final Stabilization & Closeout Readiness
BMPs must remain functional through the final punch. This means maintaining them long after grading is complete, ensuring you can file your Notice of Termination without delays or resubmittals.
Reliable Trade Partner
Having an experienced, reliable & flexible trade partner from the beginning to the end of the project is critical to ensure compliance, timely corrective action and minimizing delays. Budgeting for maintenance and corrective actions based on average precipitation will help you avoid unexpected costs. Finally, your trade partner may provide an estimate based on the average precipitation but should only charge for the actual time and materials used.
Ready to Think Beyond the Grader?
SWIMS is your experienced and reliable trade partner. We will build a BMP maintenance plan that fits your schedule and protects your margins. Our estimates account for average precipitation events and ongoing maintenance so you can confidently build a budget. We will only bill for the time and materials used, so if there is less rain and less maintenance required, you’ll save money.
Contact SWIMS today to stay ahead of the storm.