OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE MANUAL
STORMWATER CONTROL STRUCTURE
LEVEL SPREADER
Owner(s): _________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________________________
Site/Subdivision Plan # ______________________________________
Location: _________________________________________________
Prepared by: _______________________________________________
Receiving Water Course: _____________________________________
Date: ______________
Date Constructed: ______________
Contractor: (List below)
Landscape Contractor
Grading Contractor
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
[PROJECT NAME] LEVEL SPREADER
This manual establishes procedures for maintenance and operation of the [project name] Level
Spreader (s) in accordance with the Town of Fuquay-Varina’s Stormwater Ordinance as set forth
in Section 9-9057 MAINTENANCE.
MAINTENANCE OF LEVEL SPREADERS
Vegetation – Sod shall be used for the instillation of the grass channel. The grass channel shall
be properly maintained to ensure an adequate ground cover of grass, which if properly
maintained will prevent erosion.
Re-Seeding – periodically re-seeding may be required to establish grass on areas where it has
been damaged or eroded. Before seeding, fertilizer (12-12-12) should be applied at a minimum
rate of 12 to 15 pounds per 1,000 SF one time only. The seed should be evenly sewn at a rate of
three pounds per 1,000 SF. The seed should be covered with soil to the depth of approximately
¼”. Immediately following the planting, the area should be mulched with straw.
Trees & Shrubs – trees, shrubs, and other landscape vegetation shall not be permitted with the
grass channel. Periodic inspections and maintenance shall be performed to remove intrusive
vegetation.
Mowing – grass mowing, removal of weed vegetation will be necessary for the proper
maintenance of the grass channel. A grass swale should be mowed when the grass exceeds 4” in
height. Acceptable methods include the use of weed whips or power brush cutters and mowers.
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Erosion – Erosion occurs when the water concentrates causing failure of the vegetation or when
vegetation dies and sets up the environment for rill erosion and eventually gullies from the
stormwater runoff. The grass channel should be inspected erosion form occurring. Proper care
of vegetative areas that develop erosion is required to prevent more serious damage to the
Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP). Rills and gullies should be filled with suitable
soil compacted and then seeded. Methods described earlier on vegetation should be used to
properly establish the grass surface. Where eroded areas are detected, the cause of the erosion
should be addressed to prevent a continued maintenance problem. Frequently problems result
from the concentration of runoff to one point of the grass channel instead of a uniform
distribution of runoff. This can be corrected by reshaping the grass swale to more evenly
distribute the runoff to areas, which are not experiencing erosion problems.
Flow splitter box – The flow splitter box should be inspected to ensure the baffle is not damaged
and no debris or sediment is built up in the box. The flow splitter box should be inspected for
cracks and water seepage. Inspect pipes coming into and leaving the flow splitter box.
Trash and Debris – Trash acts as a barrier to stormwater flow and attracts unwanted pests. The
grass channel and overflow channel should be kept clear of debris such as loose bottles, cans,
food containers and other forms of rubbish.
OPERATION
Flow Splitter Box, Grass Channel, and Level Spreader Lip – should always be operational so that
the water is distributed evenly across the width of the grass channel and flows the entire length
of the level spreader. Any obstruction that prevents even destitution of the stormwater flow
within the grass channel shall be removed and any signs of erosion shall be repaired immediately
after observed. The level spreader lip should not have areas of concentrated flow.
RECORD KEEPING
Operation of a grass swale should include recording of the following:
a. Annual Inspection Reports - Inspections should be conducted annually. Copies
should be provided to the Town of Fuquay-Varina Engineering Department.
b. Observations – all observations should be recorded. Where periodic inspections
are performed following significant rainfall events, these inspections should be
logged into a Periodic Inspection, Operation & Maintenance Form.
c. Maintenance – written records of maintenance and/or repairs should be recorded
on the Periodic Inspection, Operation & Maintenance Form.
d. Other Operation Procedures – the owner should maintain a complete and up-todate set of plans (as-built drawings) and all changes made to the level spreader
over time should be recorded on the as-builts.
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LEVEL SPREADER INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Date: _________
Time: _________
(Project Name): __________________________
Date
Observations
Action
Repair
Action
Monitor
Action
Investigative
General Comments, Sketches & Field Measurements:
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