Protecting Our Water: Understanding Permanent BMPs and Basin Certifications

By Hilary Zerr, Partner and Civil Engineer at Davidson Architecture & Engineering

Stormwater runoff is a major contributor to water pollution in urban and suburban environments. As civil engineers, it’s our responsibility to help manage this runoff through systems that not only prevent flooding but also improve water quality. One of the most important tools in this effort is the implementation and ongoing maintenance of Permanent Best Management Practices (BMPs).

What Is a Permanent BMP?

Permanent BMPs are engineered structures or vegetative features designed to manage stormwater after construction is complete. These features are built into the final site design and remain in place throughout the life of the development. Examples include detention and retention basins, bioretention cells (rain gardens), infiltration trenches, vegetated swales, native vegetation, and permeable pavement systems.

Their primary functions are to:

• Slow down runoff to prevent downstream erosion and flooding

• Promote infiltration to recharge groundwater

• Filter out pollutants like sediment, oil, and nutrients before water enters local streams and rivers

  
  

Why Are BMP and Detention Basin Certifications Required?

To ensure these systems continue working as designed, many cities and municipalities require BMP and detention basin certifications, often on an annual or bi-annual basis. These inspections and certifications verify that the permanent BMPs:

• Are functioning properly and efficiently

• Have not been altered or neglected

• Are not causing unintended issues like standing water, erosion, or system bypass

Without regular maintenance and review, even the best-designed system can fail—putting both the environment and surrounding infrastructure at risk.

How Davidson A+E Supports Clients with Fast, Reliable Certifications

At Davidson Architecture & Engineering, our civil engineering team is deeply experienced in stormwater management and compliance. Our registered Professional Engineers in both Kansas and Missouri are qualified to complete required certifications quickly and thoroughly, helping property owners stay in compliance with local regulations.

Whether you’re a property manager, business owner, or developer, we understand that your time is valuable. Our team streamlines the certification process—visiting your site, documenting conditions, and submitting the necessary reports to the municipality. If deficiencies are found, we’ll help develop a maintenance or repair plan that ensures your site returns to full compliance.

Protecting Our Water, One Site at a Time

Stormwater BMPs are not just regulatory checkboxes—they’re vital infrastructure for sustainable development and environmental protection. At Davidson A+E, we’re proud to support our clients and communities in creating safer, cleaner environments through responsible water management. If your property is due for its annual or bi-annual BMP certification, reach out to our civil engineering team today. We’re here to help keep your site compliant—and our waterways clean.

The most common cities that require BMP certifications and detention basin certifications are Shawnee, KS, Overland Park, KS, Unified Government and Kansas City, KS.