Spillway Inspection/Maintenance

Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean is officially underway and a surplus of rain is in the forecast. Now is a great time to inspect your spillways to ensure that they can handle the impending surge of stormwater. Spillways, overflows, standpipes or even “the drain” are many of the common references to what in the world of stormwater management is defined as the Outlet Control Structure (OCS). Outlet Control Structures are engineered structures that are designed to release water downstream at a controlled rate over an extended amount of time. This controlled flow minimizes the risk of downstream flooding and erosion. OCS can be constructed of varying materials ranging from corrugated metal, plastics, and most commonly concrete. Much like your car, these structures require routine inspection and maintenance. When inspecting an OCS, you will want to ensure the structure and all the outlet orifices are clear and free flowing. Heavy trash and debris blockage of a spillway can elevate the water level placing excess pressure on the dam and OCS itself. Overtime, this can compromise the integrity of these structures resulting in failure. Additionally, you will want to inspect inside the OCS for leaks, punctures, holes, or weeping seams. These indicate that water is bypassing the OCS which will decrease detention time and increase water flowing downstream.

Before – Heavy Debris Blockage of the primary spillway