If your homeowners association (HOA) manages a stormwater retention pond or other control facility, chances are your SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) includes an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Agreement that requires an annual stormwater pond inspection. These inspections are more than a formality—they’re a critical part of keeping your pond compliant, functioning properly, and off the radar of your local municipality.
At CORE Environmental Consultants, we specialize in providing stormwater pond inspection services for HOA communities across Buffalo and Western New York. Our goal is simple: help HOA boards and property managers meet their compliance deadlines with professional inspections and clear, actionable reporting.
Why Stormwater Pond Inspections Matter for HOAs
Stormwater ponds are designed to control runoff, reduce flooding, and filter pollutants before they reach local waterways. But without regular inspection and maintenance, these systems can fail—leading to erosion, drainage issues, and potential code violations.
Most SWPPPs include an Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Agreement that mandates a stormwater pond inspection at least once per year. These inspections verify that:
- Inlets and outlets are clear and operational
- No significant sediment buildup, debris, or vegetation overgrowth is present
- Riprap and embankments are intact
- The pond is functioning as originally designed
Failing to conduct a required stormwater pond inspection can result in noncompliance with town engineering departments or trigger penalties under local MS4 programs.
A Recent Success: Stormwater Pond Restoration in East Amherst
CORE recently worked with a HOA in East Amherst, where the stormwater pond system was initially non-functional. The three designed ponds were essentially one large, stagnant wet area, with no capacity to dry out or filter runoff. Drainage was blocked by neoprene inserts still present in the street inlets, and the surrounding area showed signs of erosion, gullies, and animal burrows.
The pond lacked effective riprap separation, had no vegetative support, and was choked with algae, garbage, and grass clippings.
We assessed the site, submitted restoration recommendations, and coordinated with the HOA on improvements. As a result:
- Neoprene inlet inserts were removed to restore proper drainage
- Large stone riprap was installed to delineate the pond cells
- The pond was cleaned out
- Native vegetation was planted to help absorb runoff and stabilize soil
- Residents began bagging grass clippings, and HOA crews began routine garbage removal
- Annual stormwater pond inspections now flag minor maintenance needs like clearing overgrowth near outlets
This transformation turned a failing system into a functional, compliant, and attractive feature of the community.
What CORE’s Stormwater Pond Inspection Service Includes
Our team uses the official NYSDEC Stormwater Pond Maintenance and Management Checklist to complete every inspection. When you work with CORE, you get:
- A comprehensive on-site inspection by an experienced field technician
- Photo documentation of pond conditions and structural components
- Completion of all required checklists and forms
- Practical recommendations for any observed issues
- A final inspection report formatted for municipal submission
Trusted by HOAs Across Western New York
CORE serves homeowners associations and private communities across:
- Amherst
- Clarence
- Cheektowaga
- Orchard Park
- Niagara County
- Erie County
Whether your pond is well-established or needs intervention, our team can provide the support and inspection documentation your SWPPP requires.
