stormwater runoff carries trash & debris into the catch basin insert
Stormwater runoff is precipitation (rain or snowmelt) that does not percolate into the ground. As stormwater runs over impervious surfaces such as roof tops, paved roads, parking lots, construction sites, and industrial sites, it mixes with pollutants that get carried into storm drains. There are three sources of stormwater runoff that are regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program. In simple terms, cities, businesses, and construction sites are responsible for the quality of the stormwater runoff that flows away from their property. This is a daunting responsibility when you think about how much rain falls in certain parts of the county.
Catch basin inserts are an important part of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Their primary function is to reduce the amount of pollutants that are released into the storm drain. Catch Basin Inserts are also called temporary inlet protection devices and they are a Best Management Practice for erosion control and stormwater management. There are many different catch basin inserts available in the market place. They vary from simple devices to complex units. Typically, the cost of the insert is related to its simplicity or complexity and the level of pollutants that are removed from the stormwater runoff. To decide what type of catch basin insert you need, here are some considerations:
- What type of potential pollutants present at your site or facility?
- How many catch basins do you have to protect?
- How much rainfall is typical in your climate?
- What is size of the area around each storm drain?
- What are the other Best Management Practices utilized by your organization?
- If your water is being tested, is it within the acceptable limits of your permit, or is it out of compliance?
Choose a Storm Drain Defender for stormwater runoff
The Storm Drain Defender, is a simple catch basin insert. It consists of a sheet of geotextile fabric or screen material (depending on the style you choose) that is supported by an adjustable wire frame. The wire frame allows for easy installation and removal. There are styles for both rectangular and round drains and a new style for curb inlet drains with no grate. The Storm Drain Defender is inexpensive and reduces the amount of oil, sediment, and debris that enter the waterway. When combined with other Best Management Practices or Erosion Control Measures, it is an effective choice to protect your catch basins. They must be maintained properly for optimal performance and flow rate. We recommend that the installed Storm Drain Defender is checked visually once per month. We suggest that the insert be changed 2 – 4 times per year. During the rainy months, with higher levels of stormwater runoff, the inserts may need to be changed more often. When installed and maintained properly, the Storm Drain Defender is an ideal choice to keep your site or facility in compliance.