Retention & Detention Pond Services

Detention Ponds

Detention ponds temporarily hold stormwater runoff and release it at a controlled rate:

• Reduces downstream flooding by slowing water release
• Typically dry between rain events
• Controls peak discharge during storms
• Allows sediment to settle before water release
• Requires proper outlet structures for controlled discharge
• Often mandated for new developments
• Helps meet regulatory requirements

Retention ponds permanently hold water with additional capacity for stormwater:

• Maintains a permanent pool of water
• Provides aesthetic and potential recreational benefits
• Allows for extended settlement of pollutants
• Supports some aquatic habitat
• Offers additional storage during rain events
• Can enhance property value
• Provides water quality improvement

We provide thorough evaluations to identify issues and ensure compliance:

• Complete structural inspection of all pond components
• Functionality testing of inlet and outlet structures
• Sediment depth measurement to assess capacity reduction
• Erosion evaluation of banks and surrounding areas
• Vegetation assessment including invasive species identification
• Water quality indicators review
• Compliance verification with permits and regulations
• Comprehensive report with findings and recommendations

Our regular maintenance services keep your pond functioning properly:

• Debris removal from inlet and outlet structures
• Vegetation management around banks and buffer zones
• Invasive plant control to maintain native balance
• Outlet structure cleaning to ensure proper flow
• Trash and floating debris removal from water surface
• Minor erosion repair to prevent worsening conditions
• Algae management when necessary
• Inspection of control structures like risers and overflow devices

We restore pond capacity through professional sediment management:

• Sediment depth mapping to quantify removal needs
• Appropriate dredging methods based on pond conditions
• Proper sediment handling and disposal
• Minimally invasive techniques when possible
• Restoration of design capacity
• Compliance with all environmental regulations
• Site restoration after sediment removal operations

Our skilled team fixes damaged components and addresses performance issues:

• Bank stabilization to address erosion
• Inlet/outlet structure repair or replacement
• Riser structure rehabilitation
• Spillway reconstruction
• Anti-seep collar installation or repair
• Liner repair for retention ponds
• Basin reshaping to improve function
• Bench installation for better stability

We improve pond aesthetics and functionality:

• Aeration system installation to improve water quality
• Aquatic plant establishment for natural filtration
• Shoreline enhancement with appropriate vegetation
• Habitat creation for wildlife benefits
• Access improvements for maintenance
• Aesthetic enhancements for visual appeal
• Capacity increases to address changing conditions
• Water quality feature addition to improve performance

• Bank erosion and failure threatening pond integrity
• Damaged outlet structures affecting water release
• Failing emergency spillways creating safety risks
• Deteriorated pipes causing leaks or sinkholes
• Collapsing riser structures hampering function
• Compromised liners in retention ponds
• Undermined concrete structures needing stabilization

• Excessive sediment accumulation reducing storage volume
• Clogged outlets preventing proper drainage
• Invasive vegetation crowding beneficial plants
• Algae blooms indicating nutrient imbalances
• Inadequate inflow capacity during heavy rain
• Poor water quality affecting downstream resources
• Standing water in areas designed to drain

• Regulatory violations requiring correction
• Insufficient maintenance documentation for inspections
• Changed regulations necessitating upgrades
• Permit renewal requirements for existing ponds
• HOA or community standards compliance
• Water quality requirements not being met
• Public safety issues requiring remediation

Serving homeowner associations and residential developments:

• Single-family home developments with shared stormwater facilities
• Condominium and townhome communities with limited space solutions
• Mountain developments with erosion challenges
• Golf course communities with integrated water features
• Lakefront properties with water quality concerns
• Rural developments with limited oversight resources
• Urban communities with stringent regulatory requirements

Supporting businesses throughout Western NC:

• Retail centers with parking lot runoff management
• Office parks requiring aesthetic water features
• Industrial facilities with specialized treatment needs
• Hotels and resorts in environmentally sensitive areas
• Medical complexes with water quality concerns
• Educational campuses with multiple pond systems
• Houses of worship with limited maintenance budgets

Assisting public entities with pond management:

• Municipal stormwater departments maintaining public systems
• County governments managing regional facilities
• Park systems with recreational water features
• Public works departments seeking maintenance support
• School districts with campus ponds
• Highway departments managing roadside facilities
• Utility companies with service area ponds

Supporting land managers in agricultural areas:

• Farms with irrigation ponds requiring maintenance
• Equestrian facilities with water management needs
• Rural properties with erosion challenges
• Agricultural operations with regulatory requirements
• Timber operations managing runoff from cleared areas
• Conservation properties seeking habitat enhancement
• Vineyards and orchards with water retention needs

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation:

• Site inspection by experienced technicians
• Review of original design documents when available
• Assessment of current conditions and maintenance history
• Identification of specific issues requiring attention
• Evaluation of regulatory compliance status
• Discussion of owner goals and priorities
• Development of appropriate service recommendations

We create the optimal approach for your specific pond:

• Tailored maintenance or repair strategy
• Clear scope of work definition
• Transparent cost estimates
• Prioritized action items for phased approach if needed
• Scheduling that minimizes disruption
• Permitting assistance when required
• Comprehensive or targeted solutions based on needs

Our experienced team works efficiently and effectively:

• Specialized equipment appropriate for the task
• Trained operators following best practices
• Minimal impact to surrounding areas
• Careful material handling and disposal
• Ongoing communication throughout the project
• Adaptability to address unexpected conditions
• Quality workmanship on all services

We provide complete service documentation:

• Detailed record of all work performed
• Before and after photographs
• Compliance documentation for regulatory requirements
• Recommendations for future maintenance
• Scheduled follow-up inspections when appropriate
• Complete client satisfaction verification
• Ongoing maintenance program options

Our team understands the unique challenges of mountain region ponds:

• Experience with Western North Carolina's steep terrain impacts
• Knowledge of regional rainfall patterns affecting pond design
• Understanding of local soil types and erosion tendencies
• Familiarity with native and invasive vegetation species
• Awareness of county-specific regulations across our service area
• Solutions designed for mountain property challenges
• Experience with common failure points in local installations

We invest in the right tools for effective pond maintenance:

• Amphibious excavation equipment for minimal impact access
• Long-reach excavators for difficult-to-access areas
• Dredging equipment sized for various pond types
• High-volume pumping systems for dewatering
• Specialized vegetation management tools
• Erosion control implementation equipment
• Vactor trucks for structure cleaning and debris removal

We prioritize responsible practices that protect water resources:

• Sediment control during all operations
• Proper material disposal following regulations
• Minimal disruption to existing ecosystems
• Native plant recommendations and installation
• Water quality protection during maintenance
• Natural enhancement options when appropriate
• Focus on long-term environmental benefits

As a full-service environmental company, we offer:

• Complete stormwater system knowledge beyond just ponds
• Integration with other environmental services
• Single point of contact for all related needs
• Emergency response capabilities
• Long-term maintenance programs
• Design consultation for new or upgraded ponds
• Related services like erosion control and water quality management

Look for these indicators that professional service is needed:

• Water remaining in detention basins long after rain
• Erosion on pond banks or around structures
• Excessive algae growth or aquatic weeds
• Clogged or damaged inlet/outlet structures
• Sediment buildup visible near inlets
• Deteriorating concrete or structural components
• Trees or woody vegetation growing on embankments

These functional issues suggest maintenance is overdue:

• Flooding or overtopping during normal rain events
• Water bypassing control structures
• Slow drainage from the designed outlet
• Unusual water colors or odors
• Excessive mosquito activity
• Declining water quality in retention ponds
• Sinkholes or depressions forming near the pond

These situations often trigger the need for professional services:

• Upcoming regulatory inspections
• HOA or management transition requiring assessment
• Recent property purchase without maintenance history
• Complaints from residents or neighboring properties
• Preparation for property sale or transfer
• Long period since last professional maintenance
• Required reporting for stormwater permits

Most ponds should be inspected at least twice yearly—ideally in spring and fall—with basic maintenance like debris removal and vegetation management performed during these inspections. More intensive maintenance such as sediment removal typically occurs every 5-15 years, depending on watershed conditions and sediment accumulation rates.

Modern dredging techniques minimize disruption to surrounding areas. Depending on pond size and accessibility, we can often use methods that don't require complete draining or large equipment access. Our team plans carefully to reduce impact on landscapes, access ways, and nearby structures.

In most developments, the homeowners association (HOA) is responsible for maintaining stormwater ponds in common areas. For some newer developments or in certain jurisdictions, there may be a stormwater utility or management district that handles maintenance. Individual lot owners typically aren't responsible unless the pond is entirely on their property.

Yes. Beyond potential flooding risks, neglected ponds can become unsightly, produce odors, attract nuisance insects, and create liability concerns—all affecting property values. Well-maintained ponds, conversely, can enhance property values by providing aesthetic benefits and demonstrating proper community management.

Yes, we offer annual and seasonal maintenance programs that provide regular inspections, basic maintenance, and documentation for regulatory compliance. These programs are customized based on your specific pond type, size, and conditions, with options ranging from basic oversight to comprehensive care.