“Water is a natural resource we borrow. We don’t own it, we don’t keep it. We use it. When temporarily stored in a pond, water is ours to use and enjoy. Souls are soothed around water. Wildlife drinks it. The gurgling-stream sounds as it moves, the clarity, the mystery of plants and animals which live beneath give us a peace and serenity we are hard-pressed to find in our workaday worlds.”
- Author Bob Lusk

Stormwater management systems play a crucial role during the winter months when heavy rain can increase water flow.

• Inspect and clear debris from inlets and outlets to ensure proper water flow.
• Check for sediment buildup and remove it to maintain the pond’s capacity.
• Inspect vegetation around the pond. Remove dead plants and consider planting native winter-hardy species to stabilize the soil.
• Add erosion control measures like riprap or geotextiles to prevent washouts.

Click here for more info about our Detention and Retention Ponds service.

Winter can stress wetlands and surrounding ecosystems, but proactive steps can minimize damage:

• Minimize salting near wetland areas to avoid contaminating water sources with harmful chemicals. Use sand or eco-friendly deicers instead.
• Establish buffer zones to prevent runoff from entering sensitive areas.
• Reduce soil compaction by limiting foot and vehicle traffic in wetland zones.

Click here to view our Wetlands brochure.

Green infrastructure like bioswales, rain gardens and permeable pavement is vital for managing winter runoff.

• Clean out leaves and debris from bioswales and rain gardens before the first freeze.
• Check for signs of soil erosion soil erosion and add mulch or compost to retain moisture and nutrients.
• Inspect permeable pavement for clogs and clean it with a vacuum or specialized equipment.

Bare soil is highly susceptible to erosion during winter rains.

• Install silt fences or other sediment control barriers around exposed areas.
• Use cover crops or mulch on bare soil to stabilize it.
• Consider using straw wattles along slopes to slow water flow and trap sediment.

Stormwater carries pollutants like oil, sediment, and trash into water bodies. Winter runoff can intensify this issue.

• Regularly inspect and maintain storm drains to prevent blockages.
• Use oil-absorbent mats in parking areas to reduce contamination from vehicles.
• Educate your team or community on proper disposal of hazardous materials like antifreeze, oil, and salt

Click here to check out our post on Stormwater.

Cold temperatures can exacerbate flood risks in low-lying areas:

• Evaluate retention and detention pond capacity and adjust if necessary.
• Remove obstructions from culverts drainage ditches.
• Be prepared to implement emergency spill response plans if flooding affects industrial or municipal sites.

Click here to check out our post about SPCC.

Even during winter, pollinator-friendly practices can help local ecosystems thrive.

• Leave some wildflowers and grasses untrimmed for overwintering insects.
• Plant native shrubs or trees that provide winter food sources for birds and pollinators.