Bioretention System Areas (BMP)

Bioretention systems are required by the City of Columbia, and there are upwards of 30 of these areas located throughout the Brooks. They use vegetation, such as trees, shrubs and grasses to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. According to the City of Columbia's website, they "are critical in achieving greater water quality for our community as a whole." 

In The Brooks (and in most newer subdivisions), the HOA is responsible for costs associated with upkeep and maintenance.

Stormwater runoff is generated from many different land surfaces and is impacted by the behaviors and activities of individuals, households, and the public. These common individual behaviors have the potential to generate stormwater pollution including: 

• littering, 

• disposing of trash and recyclables, 

• disposing of pet-waste, 

• applying lawn-chemicals, 

• washing cars, 

• changing motor-oil, and 

• disposing leftover paint and household chemicals. 

Source: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/national-menu-best-management-practices-bmps-stormwater-public-education 

Post-construction stormwater management is typically accomplished through stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). It is the responsibility of the owner (HOA) to maintain these areas in good working order, and the areas require annual inspections to be performed and submitted to the City of Columbia. If these areas are cited for vegetation growth, silting, containing pollutants (e.g. trash, oils), the HOA is required to pay for those repairs to bring the area back into compliance. 

Since these areas are meant to slow and filter storm water, they are not intended to be maintained like a lawn, which is why they are scheduled to be mowed less frequently than general common areas. The BMP areas throughout the Brooks are mowed either bi-weekly or monthly. 

Photos taken by Tracy Della Vecchia, 5/27/2026.