Stormwater Control Measures help to limit and treat damaging effects from stormwater runoffs. Compliance inspections, maintenance, construction & repair, and bathymetric mapping are all ways that we can help improve stormwater management on your property or development.
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Compliance Inspections

Most municipalities require adherence to the stormwater Operation and Maintenance Manual, as well as Annual Certified Inspections of regulated stormwater BMPs to make sure they are functioning correctly. The majority of Operation and Maintenance Manuals require monthly visual inspections, in addition to the Annual Inspection that must be filed with the municipality. Requirements to pass the annual inspection vary among municipalities. These inspections must be sealed by a certified engineer before submittal to the municipality. We have performed hundreds of these Annual Certified Stormwater BMP Inspections statewide.

Maintenance

Stormwater devices require regular maintenance to fully function as intended and to prevent more costly repairs and retrofitting in the future. We regularly inspect these devices and maintains them to municipal regulations, as well as ascertaining their structural integrity. We make recommendations for corrective actions to improve function, seek approval from the owner, and then repair/renovate the stormwater device in accordance to the structural specifications and municipality requirements. Routine maintenance of stormwater devices usually requires management of vegetation (terrestrial and aquatic), evaluation of erosion control measures, accumulated sediment removal, clearing of drainage mechanisms, and removal of debris and trash. We can provide customized Annual Maintenance Agreements based on the specific types of devices on a particular property that cover everything required by the O&M.

before maintenance

after maintenance

Construction & Repair

We are a licensed North Carolina and South Carolina general contractor. As such, we are capable of providing all the stormwater device repair, renovation and/or construction services our clients may require. We specialize in repairing water level control structures (overflow systems), repairing dam and embankment failures, installation of erosion control practices, shoreline stabilization and littoral shelf restoration, sediment excavation and removal (dredging), repair and installation of stormwater drainage conduits.

Bathymetric Mapping

We can recommend the best solution to fit every need and implement that solution cost effectively. Our Lake Mapping Service utilizes very accurate GPS coupled with sonar. It is an excellent tool used to assist in the determination of quantities of sediment to be removed to achieve the desired depth results. We provide a helpful and unique service for owners who want a mathematical and visual image of the depth and contour of their pond/lake. By using an acoustic sounding device linked with global positioning systems (GPS), we can create a bathymetric map that displays the depths of a lake or pond.

Another useful application for bathymetric maps relates to dredging. If a map is created in the early stages of a lake’s life, after many years another map can be created to compare the depths and any accumulated sediment. A map could also be used as a quality control check before and after a dredge project has taken place. Bathymetric maps can provide the volume of a given water body. This information can prove invaluable when implementing a whole-lake treatment with an aquatic herbicide. Since the volume of a lake is needed to calculate the amount of plant control material needed, a more accurate lake volume will prevent the use of excess or inadequate material.

 
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We are a licensed North Carolina and South Carolina general contractor. As such, we are capable of providing all the stormwater device repair, renovation and/or construction services our clients may require. We also do dredging, both excavation and hydraulic. Want a dock or a pier? We can do that too. We specialize in repairing water level control structures (overflow systems), repairing dam and embankment failures, installation of erosion control practices, shoreline stabilization and littoral shelf restoration, sediment excavation and removal (dredging), repair and installation of stormwater drainage conduits.
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Stormwater Devices

A Notice of Violation (NOV) is something no property owner wants to see or hear! Usually that means repairs must be made in a very short period of time. That is expensive and stressful. Fines for not completing the work on time can be enormous. We don’t want anyone in that situation, but we can help if you are.

  • Mowing, brush and tree removal
  • Reseeding grass and repairing bare spots
  • Planting and controlling invasive plants along littoral shelves, forebays and shorelines
  • Dredging and sediment removal
  • Drain system repair, renovation and replacement
  • Erosion control
  • Repairing and replacing underlayment fabric and stone in inlet and outlet conveyances
    • We prefer to provide routine inspections and maintenance that avoids NOVs. We understand what regulators in North Carolina want to see and they respect our ability to provide reasonable compliance.

Recreational Lakes and Ponds

Whether large or small, we can handle anything you need done to your recreational lake or pond. We understand dam safety laws and requirements in North Carolina. For over 35 years we have been building, maintaining and repairing fishing lakes and ponds, waterfowl impoundments and ponds used for irrigation, fire protection, swimming and simple aesthetics.

  • Design and permitting
  • Construction
  • Draining and fish removal
  • Renovation
  • Fishery enhancement
  • Swimming beaches
  • Docks and piers
  • Nuisance animal management
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For over 35 years, we have constantly studied new methods, products and technologies all aimed at providing our clients with the most up-to-date service possible. We offer multiple levels of service ranging from simple consultation to complete annual maintenance. For the “do-it-yourself” property owner, we carry a wide variety of aquatic products to assist with the maintenance and enjoyment of your lake or pond.
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Preventative (annual) maintenance agreements

A pond is just like a lawn. It needs routine maintenance or it will require expensive renovation. Entering into a full service maintenance Agreement with us is easy and cost effective. With it we simply do everything necessary throughout the year to achieve your objectives, including a detailed report after each maintenance visit. (For Stormwater device service, see our Stormwater BMP section). The service provides the most comprehensive service, with the least amount of hassle for the owner of any lake, pond or stormwater device. The fee is dependent upon your objectives. We are in the unique position of being able to “do it all”: stock and increase growth of supplemental fish, install and maintain fountains, control nuisance plants or animals and manage water quality for productivity and attractiveness. We have a full construction and repair team, knowledgeable in all structural components of lakes, ponds and stormwater devices. During our visits we monitor developing conditions so corrective action can be taken early to prevent expensive problems from developing later. Full service clients can securely log into FosterLake.com’s client login and view their service reports, which detail the work performed during the service visit, as well as view any recommendations for structural repair, fisheries management, erosion control – plus many others!

Corrective (as-needed) Maintenance Agreements

Don’t need an annual maintenance agreement? We provide all of our services on an as-needed basis. Enhancements of all kinds including: docks, piers, feeders, underwater lighting, artificial fish habitats, etc. Typically, we receive service requests for:

  • Water Quality Analysis & Enhancement
  • Aquatic Vegetation Management
  • Fisheries Management
  • Fountain / Aeration Sales, Installation & Repairs
  • Construction and Repairs
  • Dredging
  • Certified Annual Stormwater BMP Inspections
  • Shoreline Stabilization & Erosion Control
  • Beneficial Shoreline Plantings
  • Lake Mapping (bathymetric mapping)
  • Consultations
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Most aquatic vegetation is not eradicated, but can be controlled. There is no magic bullet, but a well-stocked toolbox is necessary. In order to control algae and nuisance aquatic vegetation, our staff develops an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for each client. We can visit your pond or lake and assess the water quality, identify the nuisance vegetation and identify unwanted sources of nutrients and other variables that affect the growth of aquatic plants. We have the tools and expertise to help you “treat” it yourself. Of course, we can always do it for you if you wish!
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aquatic assessments

A pond is just like a lawn. It needs routine maintenance or it will require expensive renovation. In order to properly manage algae and aquatic vegetation, the first step is to conduct an assessment of the pond or lake. Our personnel are highly qualified in collecting the appropriate information to make the correct management recommendations. Informational parameters may include:

  • Lake / Pond Size
  • Algae Type(s) Present
  • Water Level
  • Vegetation Type(s) Present
  • Temperature
  • Visibility
  • pH
  • Water Color
  • Objectives
  • Regulated Stormwater BMP Determination
  • Fish / Aquatic Organisms Present

algae control

“Isn’t there anything I can put in my pond to take care of those nasty weeds?” Algae problems often start very early in the season. If we can get it controlled before it starts growing actively, produces gas bubbles and floats to the surface costs can be reduced. Algae can grow very fast and get very ugly. Fortunately, we have liquid and granular algaecides, beneficial bacteria/enzyme products, mechanical aeration/circulation devices, nutrient reduction techniques and mechanical removal tools available to us. Effective algae reduction often takes multiple tools and an integrated approach.

vegetation control

Nuisance aquatic vegetation is one of the most troublesome pond problems. Control methods include: biological (fish that eat plants); chemical treatment (aquatic algaecides and herbicides), cultural (beneficial plantings) and mechanical (pulling, cutting and raking). Biological control is usually the recommended long-term solution. Sterile grass carp can be extremely effective but require time. Treatments may be quick, but require care. The type of vegetation must be identified correctly. Treatments must be mixed and applied properly. Often special equipment is necessary for effective chemical application. Improper use of treatment products may kill many fish. We are licensed applicators of aquatic herbicides and pesticides. New aquatic herbicides are available which are effective, relatively long-lasting and safe. We often spray nuisance aquatic vegetation for immediate control, apply a colorant to limit light penetration or a probiotic enzyme/bacteria product to inhibit new growth, and then stock sterile grass carp for long-term control.

treatment tools

“I’m worried about putting aquatic algaecides and herbicides into my water because I don’t want to kill the fish.” Most Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs are designed to provide the longest lasting least expensive solution to the pest (in this case nuisance vegetation) problem. Many solution prescriptions start with chemical pesticides. Contact treatments kill what they contact even if it is only part of the plant. Systemic treatments are absorbed by the plant and can kill the entire plant. Excellent aquatic algaecides and herbicides are available today. Some are very selective, can be applied in very small concentrations and are very safe to the environment. We have the experience and commitment to sustainable lake and pond management to recommend the best vegetation management solution for your problem.

biological tools

We have always placed a great emphasis on biological tools to aid in an invasive IPM program. Sterile (triploid) grass carp are the best long-term control measure for most types of nuisance aquatic weeds. We recommend 20 sterile grass carp (10-12”) per “vegetated” acre. We sell and stock sterile grass carp all year long (except July and August when temperatures are just too warm!).

cultural tools

Reduction in the amount of nutrients in your water body is highly advisable. Several good biological tools have been introduced on the market recently. Floating islands are a great way to beautify your pond and reduce nutrients at the same time. These large “islands” are stocked with pots of nutrient-gobbling plants that help to minimize nutrients available for nuisance plant growth.

mechanical tools

Although the principal is good, mechanical removal of vegetation requires a tremendous amount of effort. Aquatic vegetation is very heavy and usually must drain or dry before being hauled off or otherwise disposed. Then, the effort may have only encouraged it to spread or become more abundant. Nevertheless, you will have removed significant volumes of plant material completely from the lake or pond. That may make it worth the effort.

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A healthy fish population in a lake, pond, or stormwater pond, can help provide insect control, recreational fishing opportunities, and overall ecosystem balance. Our experienced Fisheries Biologists will help you define a customized management objective and then take your project from beginning to end. Whether you want a simple self-sustaining fishery or Trophy Largemouth Bass, proper planning is key.
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pond fish stocking

At Foster Lake & Pond Management, we sell only fish at least 2 inches or longer. These fingerling fish have already learned to feed on their own. We intend for you to have 100% survival. You can assume a balanced fish population will be established. Higher quality fish insures you will have many years of productive fishing. Stocking decisions should be based on your objectives and the level of management you expect to use. Many options exist. Sterile grass carp can be extremely effective aquatic weed and algae control tools. Many people enjoy a few hybrid striped bass stocked into private ponds for trophy fishing or to control overcrowded small fish. Fathead minnows are excellent forage for predatory fish.

If you’re building a new pond, or currently have a balanced population, several steps can be taken to avoid problems. DO NOT add additional wild fish or fish from someone else’s pond. Wild fish from streams or other ponds may not be genetically pure and may carry diseases or parasites. Remember, you want a fish balance, which will allow you to achieve your objectives for the pond. The fish you stock are a long-term investment. Don’t make a mistake that could haunt you for years; stock fingerlings from a reputable source. We guarantee our fish are healthy or we will replace the fish or give you your money back. Small fingerlings are less costly and are usually stocked into new or renovated ponds. They may not produce harvestable fish for 1-3 years. Large “advanced” fingerlings are sometimes available which provide essentially instant fishing, but the cost is higher. Larger, “advanced” fingerlings are often desirable for adding to ponds with established fish populations. All species of fish may be stocked at the same time if balanced numbers and similar sizes are stocked. Budget, objectives and length of time before you can begin catching fish must be considered before deciding upon size of fingerlings to purchase. In new ponds the initial stocking is very important. The stocking rate is determined by the water supply, pond fertility, whether supplemental feed will be provided and by the objectives you chose. In the chart below, the high stocking level is appropriate for a pond built in fertile soil, which maintains its water level during droughts and receives pelleted fish feed 5 – 6 times per week or is fertilized regularly. The low stocking level is for a clear-water pond rarely fished or lakes over 10 acres. The moderate rate is appropriate in most circumstances.

stocking recommendations

(fish per acre) Ponds larger than 1/2 acre

Species High Rate Moderate Rate Low Rate
Largemouth Bass 100 75 50
Bream Options:

  • Hybrid Bluegill
  • Coppernose Bluegill
  • Bluegill/Shellcracker
  

  • 1000
  • 1000
  • 700/300
  

  • 750
  • 750
  • 500/200
  

  • 500
  • 500
  • 530/150
Channel Catfish 500 200 50
Fathead Minnows 12lbs 7lbs 5lbs

fish stocking choices

largemouth bass

Largemouth Bass are the top predatory gamefish in a lake or pond. Largemouth bass typically are fast growing (up to 1.5 pounds per year) and excellent to catch on a rod and reel (hence their gamefish classification. These fish are critical to many lakes and ponds in order to maintain a proper balance or ratio of predator and prey.

bluegills

Bluegills can grow up to approximately 12 inches long and about 4 1/2 pounds. They typically are an excellent food source for largemouth bass; are fun to catch and make good table fare. Bluegill should generally be stocked if “catch and release” largemouth bass fishing is the priority.

fathead minnows

Fathead minnows should be stocked with hybrid bluegill to provide bass with sufficient forage.

channel catfish

Channel Catfish are a bonus in a pond. They increase the productivity of a pond and do not compete with the other fish. You can put as few as you like or as many as you want as long as they will have adequate food. They can be stocked anytime. Channel catfish do not usually reproduce in ponds unless spawning containers are provided. Ponds less than 1/2 acre in surface area are difficult to keep balanced with bass and bream. Small ponds are much easier to maintain and usually more enjoyable if stocked with only channel catfish. They will grow fast and provide plenty of fun and food with a minimum of work. You can stock about 500 fish per acre if you don’t feed them and 1,500 – 2,000 per acre if you do feed them. You may also stock just hybrid bluegill and a few bass if you don’t want channel catfish. About 10 largemouth bass per acre will control the limited reproduction by hybrid bluegill and enable the fish to get big faster.

sterile grass carp

Sterile grass carp are incredibly effective for controlling most aquatic vegetation. They consume up to 3 times their body weight in vegetation per day and may grow up to 5 pounds per year. In North Carolina only sterile grass carp are allowed. We have found that if you stock 20 grass carp per vegetated acre of pond, you can expect control by the end of the second year. Our customers have been amazed at the effectiveness of the grass carp. They control duckweed, watermeal, moss, submerged weeds, and even eat grass clippings. They may not be effective for controlling pennywort, lilypads, and tough woody vegetation. They are relatively expensive, but are usually the least expensive long term solution for aquatic weed control. Large fish, over 8 inches long, are usually stocked to prevent them from being eaten by large bass in the pond.

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Most all lakes and ponds will benefit enormously from aeration. In fact, aeration is the one expense that can make the most improvement in the appearance and productivity of a lake or pond. However, property owners are confused about which type of aeration is most suitable and cost-effective for their situation. This summary provides some basics to help you decide which system you prefer. More detailed information will be provided in additional articles about specific systems.
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the importance of oxygen

Dissolved oxygen is critical for plant and animal respiration and problems develop when it is limited. Oxygen is absorbed into lakes and ponds through diffusion of air at the water surface and from green plants, through photosynthesis. Diffusion at the water/air interface is greatly increased by moving water, ripples and splashing. Most oxygen supplied by plants comes from microscopic plankton, filamentous algae and submerged rooted plants growing in shallow water. Lakes and ponds are depleted of oxygen in several ways. No oxygen is produced in water too deep for light penetration. Aquatic plants, including plankton, consume oxygen for respiration at night. Fish and all other aquatic animals are constantly “breathing” oxygen. Multitudes of bacteria consume the most oxygen as they digest organic matter such as dead leaves and tree litter, aquatic animal waste, chemicals and even other bacteria. Another complicating factor is thermal stratification in lakes. Warm water is less dense than cold water and actually “floats” on top of cold water. Very little mixing occurs between layers and deep lake water is often very low in dissolved oxygen. During the summer aquatic life is restricted to the upper few feet of water or it dies. Without oxygen at the bottom, toxic gases and excess nutrients are released that contribute to nuisance algae, odors and surface films. The entire lake is unattractive, unproductive and problems can be expensive to correct. We provide aeration design and system installation services to customers across North Carolina. To date, the company has designed and installed more than 1,000 aeration systems including fountains, compressed air diffusers and surface aerators.

fountains

Our fountains are “hybrid” devices that provide much of the attractiveness of high-pressure fountains while still circulating large volumes of water through the air where oxygen is absorbed. Recent design improvements provide many spray patterns with high volumes of water being pushed by energy efficient motors. Like surface aerators, the splashing water sound, surface film reduction and optional deep water intake collars add to their popularity.

surface aerators

These relatively efficient units use an electric motor suspended beneath a plastic float to push high volumes of lake water a short distance into the air where the water can absorb oxygen. Since the water is pushed only a foot or two into the air, the spray is not as attractive as a fountain. However, much greater volumes of water are circulated.

In addition to exposing large volumes of water to the air, they increase circulation (increasing oxygen diffusing from the air) and break down surface films. Ugly surface films caused by pollen, dust, algae, cyanobacteria, tree litter and insects are pushed to the shoreline by ripples and quickly sink. These units are most often used in shallow lakes and ponds. Some units can be placed in water only 18 inches deep, but they are often used in lakes up to 8 feet deep. Some systems offer optional intake collars that pull deep water to the surface to reduce stratification.

diffused aerators

Compressed Air Diffusers: These systems provide up to 3 to 5 times more dissolved oxygen than other methods. A one horsepower motor can circulate 8,000 gallons of water per minute. A properly designed system can eliminate thermal stratification, reduce “muck” accumulation on the bottom, improve water clarity, improve fish production and reduce surface film. Under certain circumstances a one horsepower unit can aerate and de-stratify a 10-acre lake.

The important factor is depth. Special “synergistic airlift diffusers” create rising columns of bubbles that expand as they rise through the water column. Each bubble gets larger and the column of bubbles spreads out pulling vast quantities of water up with them. Oxygen diffuses from the bubbles into the water and more air enters as the surface water is circulated. The surface boil of bubbles (only evidence of aeration in operation) may spread out as much as 100 feet. An on-shore compressor (in a fan-cooled cabinet) provides air to the diffusers via special plastic tubing. Although more efficient in deep water, smaller multiple diffuser units can be used in shallow water.

repairs & maintenance systems

Our staff has more than 35 years combined experience troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining aeration systems. Several are certified service representatives for major fountain manufacturers capable of providing the following repair services:

  • Motor and Pump Change-out
  • Float Maintenance and Replacement
  • Lighting Maintenance and Replacement
  • Electrical Troubleshooting and Repair
  • Annual Maintenance Agreements
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