Overview and schedule of general maintenance activities for wetlands

Link to this table

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First Year of Operation
Activity Frequency Time Period Level of Effort O&M Benefit* Check that there is no ponding in the pre-treatment device. At least twice after storm events > 0.5 inches Within the first 6 months 1-2 hours 1 Check for evidence of clogging in the pre-treatment device and/or in any conveyance structures At least twice after storm events > 0.5 inches Within the first 6 months 1-2 hours 1 Maintain proper water level for establishing vegetation (may require supplemental source) 1/week initially During first 2 months 1-2 hours 2,3,4,5,6
As needed First growing season 1-2 hours
Remove any stormwater diversion or barriers once seedlings are established. Once When plants are sufficiently established 1-2 hours 1,2,3,4,5
Install protective barriers (e.g. chicken wire) to protect growing vegetation from wildlife As needed First growing season 8 hours 1,2,3,5
Check for signs of burrowing animals and incorporate gravel or rock in problem areas to discourage burrowing. As needed First growing season 1-2 hours 5
Check that water is moving as planned through the wetland. Identify and fix any stagnant zones. As needed During first 2 months 4 hours 1
Mow dikes frequently to establish deep rooted ground cover Biweekly or as needed First growing season 3,4
Remove and replace dead plants As needed First growing season 2-4 hours 2,3,4,5,6
Spot reseeding of bare patches and eroding areas As needed First growing season 2-4 hours 1,2,3,4,5,6
After First Year of Operation
Activity Frequency Time Period Level of Effort per Visit O&M Benefit*
Check that there is no ponding in the pre-treatment device Biannually Any time when ground is not frozen 1-2 hours 1
Check for evidence of clogging in the pre-treatment device and/or in any conveyance structures. Biannually In spring and fall 1-2 hours 1
Remove trash and debris from the pre-treatment device and/or in the main treatment area. Monthly All year long 1-2 hours 1,5
Inspect for and remove excess sediment in the pre-treatment device and/or in the main treatment area. Monthly All year long 4 hours if removal is needed 1
Check and repair eroded areas Annually In fall or spring when vegetation has died down 4 hours if repairs are needed 1,2,3,4,5
Weed and remove invasive plants Twice during growing season During growing season 1-2 hours 2,3,4,5
Inspect plant composition and health and replace as needed to maintain >50% coverage. Biannually In fall or spring 4-8 hours, more if plant replacement is needed 2,3,4,5,6
Remove woody vegetation on or near embankments, forebays, spillways, and outlets Annually In fall or spring 4 hours 1,2,3,4,5,6
Check for signs of burrowing animals and incorporate gravel or rock in problem areas to discourage burrowing. As needed During growing season 1-2 hours 1,2,5
Inspect for and repair broken inlets, pipes, or other water control structures Biannually After high flows and ice breakup 2 hours, more if repairs are needed 1
Mow dikes and remove any shrubs or trees growing on dikes As needed During growing season 1-2 hours 1,5
Monitor operating range of water level Daily (collect data continuously, use information to diagnose issues) Any time 1-2 hours 1,2,4,6
Check that water is moving as planned through the wetland. Identify and fix any stagnant zones Annually During growing season 4 hours 1,2,3,4,5
Inspect sediment accumulation in forebay and treatment areas. Remove if hydrology is impacted or if less than 50% of forebay capacity remains. Annually Fall 2 hours 1,4,6
Harvest wetland plants Once every 2-3 years After growing season 4-8 hours 1,4,5,6
Remove sediment from forebay Once every 2-7 years, or when less than 50% forebay capacity remains As needed Varies 1,4,5,6
After 5+ Years of Operation (non-routine maintenance)
Frequency Time Period Level of Effort per Visit O&M Benefit*
Remote inspection of all conveyance structures (e.g. pipes, underdrains, etc.) Every 10 years Any time Varies 1
After long term operation of the practice, some occasional and infrequent maintenance activities might be required, such as bigger repairs or redesign of key elements of the practice. Replacement of concrete components (e.g. pipes, risers, may be required after 25-50 years. As needed As needed Could be significant depending on the activity 1,2,3,4,5,6
Key to Maintenance Benefits:
  • Proper stormwater flow and infiltration
  • Creation and maintenance of wildlife habitat
  • Creation and maintenance of pollinator habitat
  • Nutrient cycling and storage
  • Aesthetics and public enjoyment
  • Carbon sequestration