What is a primary common BMP inspection point?

A primary common Best Management Practice (BMP) inspection point is to assess whether vegetation is growing. This is crucial because vegetation plays a significant role in stormwater management systems, particularly in practices like bio-retention areas, rain gardens, or vegetated swales. The presence of healthy vegetation indicates that the BMP is functioning effectively to filter runoff, reduce erosion, and promote water infiltration. Vegetation also helps in minimizing pollutants entering water bodies by capturing and utilizing nutrients from stormwater runoff.

Additionally, the health of the vegetation can provide insights into the overall suitability and effectiveness of the chosen BMP. If vegetation is not thriving, it may signal underlying issues such as poor soil health, inadequate water management, or inappropriate species selection, all of which could compromise the BMP's intended function. Therefore, monitoring vegetation growth is a critical aspect of BMP inspections.