There are many types of inlets and the two most common seen during stormwater inspections are curb inlets and grated inlets. These types of inlets are usually connected to a community storm drain system that eventually deposits rainfall into an outfall.
A curb inlet is considered a drainage inlet comprised of an opening along the curb of a roadway. A grated inlet is usually located within a roadway section, with a metal grate, established at a specific low point or swale to ensure adequate stormwater flow.
The locations of these type of inlets are considered essential for impervious water flow. They can also be the most threat at disseminating contaminates and various pollutants into our storm drain system if not protected especially during construction activity.
Protecting the inlets during construction is a critical step to an effective stormwater management program. Inlet protection devices, or best management practices (BMP’s), can capture erosion, debris, and contaminants before it leaves a construction site and enters the storm drain system that eventually flows to our waterbodies.
There are three consistent problems stormwater site inspectors frequently encounter with inadequate inlet protection during construction.
- Inlet protection BMPs are improperly installed.
- Damaged by trade workers causing the inlet protection to completely block water flow.
- On-going maintenance to minimize sediment aggressively clogging the inlet.
In most cases, we find many of the issues above cause hazardous ponding of water around the inlet. It all boils down to installing BMP’s efficiently and performing sufficient maintenance that will increase the effectiveness of inlet protection. KCI works closely with our clients to help inspect and determine compliance with the NPDES permit conditions, applicable regulations, and assesses the performance of best management practices.
We are experts to many types of BMP’s for inlet protection and maintenance. Let us help you out, call us today 888.346.7779.