I Got a Stormwater Notice of Violation — Now What?
- SMC
- Oct 23
- 2 min read
A Notice of Violation (NOV) from your local or county stormwater authority isn’t just a warning — it’s a compliance red flag that requires immediate attention. For property managers, HOAs, and businesses across Maryland and Pennsylvania, stormwater violations often mean one thing: your system isn’t performing or being maintained according to required Best Management Practices (BMPs).
The good news? These issues can be resolved efficiently — and prevented long-term — with help from professional inspections, documentation, and maintenance performed by an experienced partner like SMC Wastewater Management.
What a Stormwater Notice of Violation (NOV) Means
A Notice of Violation is typically issued when an inspection finds your stormwater management facility — such as a pond, vault, or underground system — is not functioning as designed or isn’t being maintained per its approved maintenance plan.
Common violations include:
Sediment or debris buildup restricting flow or storage capacity
Damaged or obstructed inlets, outlets, or control structures
Overgrown vegetation or erosion around ponds and embankments
Failure to complete required inspection or maintenance documentation
While each jurisdiction has its own process, property owners are generally given a specific time frame (often 30–60 days) to correct deficiencies and provide proof of maintenance.
Why Taking Action Quickly Matters
Ignoring or delaying a stormwater NOV can lead to:
Fines and penalties issued by local or state regulators
Escalated enforcement, including stop-work or legal action
Increased liability if property flooding or pollution occurs
Higher remediation costs if problems worsen over time
Swift, professional response demonstrates good faith compliance — something local regulators notice and appreciate.
How SMC Helps You Resolve Stormwater NOVs
At SMC Wastewater Management, we work directly with property managers, developers, and HOAs to help them address violations and restore compliance efficiently.
Our process includes:
We perform a detailed assessment of your stormwater system to document the existing conditions, identify deficiencies, and confirm what triggered the violation.
Our vacuum truck crews remove sediment, debris, and obstructions from inlets, pipes, and vaults — restoring system functionality and flow capacity.
3. Documentation for Regulators
We provide clear inspection reports, maintenance records, and photographic documentation to satisfy regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance.
4. Preventative Maintenance Plans
Once your system is back in compliance, SMC helps you implement a scheduled BMP maintenance program to avoid future violations. We track service intervals and inspection dates to keep you ahead of county inspections.
Preventing Future Violations with Regular BMP Maintenance
Most violations result from lack of routine maintenance. Catch basins, storm drains, and detention facilities need regular inspection and cleaning — especially before rainy seasons.
A proactive maintenance schedule with SMC ensures:
Consistent compliance with Maryland and Pennsylvania stormwater regulations
Reduced long-term costs from emergency repairs
Better flood prevention and environmental performance
Peace of mind during county inspections
Your Compliance Partner in Maryland and Pennsylvania
A Notice of Violation doesn’t have to become a crisis. With SMC Wastewater Management, you have a partner who understands local regulations, responds quickly, and delivers measurable results.
In-House Crews, No Subcontracting
Certified Inspections & BMP Maintenance
Trusted by Municipalities and Property Managers
📍 Serving Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania
📞 Contact SMC Wastewater Management today to schedule your inspection or maintenance service.
