Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) reduce the amount of polluted stormwater that enter our creeks and streams.
Property owners are responsible for inspecting and maintaining stormwater control measures on their property.
Is there a Stormwater Control Measure on my Property?
Follow the How to Find Your Stormwater Control Measures guide to use the Metro Planning Parcel Viewer to see if there is a SCM on your property. The Parcel Viewer will show the grading permit, location, type, and, in some cases, maintenance information.
Newly installed SCMs may not be mapped on Parcel Viewer yet. Water Quality Buffers are not mapped on Parcel Viewer. If you need help identifying or finding your SCM or buffer, please contact us using the email below
Water Quality Buffers are considered Stormwater Control Measures since they preserve the natural benefits of the area. Buffers reduce the risk of hazards such as flooding, water pollution, erosion, and habitat destruction for wildlife. Buffers must be protected during development and perpetually after development, Property owners are responsible for ensuring the buffer zones on their property are not disturbed. Signage may also be required to identify each buffer. Learn more about how to care for your buffer by visiting the Water Quality Buffers page.
In order to ensure future property owners are aware of the stormwater control measure and it is not altered or removed, at least one permanent sign must be posted at each different type of SCM per parcel. Required sign artwork and specifications are provided on the Water Quality Buffers page.
Do I need to file an Annual Inspection/Maintenance Report?
If your grading permit was issued 2008 – present, you are required to file an annual inspection report; we encourage filing reports for pre-2008 grading permits. The grading permit year is the first four digits of the SCM Project ID, which you can find on the Parcel Viewer.
Annual inspection/maintenance reports are due by July 1.
For a list of certified Stormwater Control Measures inspectors, visit the Tennessee Stormwater Management training page and click the "certification list" tab.
Water Quality Stormwater Control Measures Maintenance Companies are available to inspect and facilitate maintenance for post-construction water quality Stormwater Control Measures. Each company on this list has submitted a signed statement to Metro that states their company will abide by certain practices. The list is for your convenience only and is not a recommendation or endorsement by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
NOTE: Sites constructed under stormwater single family permits should submit reports and inquiries to [email protected]. These include most properties built as a residential home. If your property does not have GP#/SWGR associated with the development, then inquiries and submittal of reports will likely be under Single Family Stormwater.
Maintenance Training Videos
- Stormwater Control Measures Maintenance Overview
- Video Training: Maintenance Responsibilities Training for Property Managers
Questions?
Contact us at 615-880-2420 or [email protected]
File Maintenance Report
File your Annual Inspection and Maintenance Report.
Types of Stormwater Control Measures and General Maintenance Information
Bioretention
Also called a, rain garden, a bioretention basin is a hole filled with native plantings and special soil mix. It collects and slows stormwater runoff and removes pollutants.
Permeable Pavement
Permeable pavement allows stormwater runoff to drain through the pavement into the soil below.
Wet Retention Pond
These ponds allow pollutants to settle out of the water, encourage natural microbial activity that cleans the water, and reduces the overall amount of stormwater runoff.
Dry Detention Pond
Dry detention ponds temporarily store and slowly release stormwater runoff, and prevent downstream flooding. Sediment (soil), nutrients, heavy metals, and other pollutants settle out in the pond.
Grassy Swale
Grassy swales reduce and slow down the flow of stormwater runoff as well as filter out some pollutants.
Water Quality Units
Water quality units filter pollutants out of stormwater runoff and release the treated water to the drainage system. The structures have limited pollutant storage and require frequent maintenance.