From roof inspection to stormwater management, CAM has you covered

As the winter season approaches, Southern Californians may not experience the frigid temperatures and snowfall that residents in other parts of the country do. However, it’s essential for commercial property owners to recognize that even in milder climates, winter weather can bring its own set of challenges.

At CAM Property Services, we’re uniquely attuned to those needs, and available to assist property managers, building owners and municipalities prepare for the colder, wetter months ahead. By taking a proactive approach to winterizing your property, you can ensure its longevity and the satisfaction of its tenants.

Roof Inspection

Southern California may not see snowfall this winter, but rain and occasional storms still pose a threat — especially during an El Niño winter. That’s why you should initiate the winterization process now with a thorough inspection of your property’s roof, utilizing CAM’s Drone Inspection Service.

Our eye-in-the-sky technology can reveal signs of damage, loose shingles, water leaks and other issues. A thorough and professional roof inspection by our Property Pros can identify potential vulnerabilities and prevent more extensive damage from occurring during winter precipitation.

Stormwater Management

Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water damage to your property, especially during the winter months. CAM’s Property Pros will clean out gutters and downspouts, removing any debris that may have accumulated over the year. This can help ensure that stormwater is directed away from your building, preventing potential flooding or damage to the foundation.

The proper treatment of stormwater runoff is important on several levels. CAM can help commercial property owners with compliance, design, and construction to overcome potential penalties and permitting issues. We also perform stormwater inspections and certification for municipalities by conducting regular inspections of their equipment.

Exterior Inspection

CAM’s Property Pros will thoroughly inspect your building’s exterior for any cracks, gaps, holes, or other structural vulnerabilities. Once identified, we’ll repair any openings in the walls, windows, or doors to prevent drafts and heat loss during those chilly winter nights.

Proper insulation not only keeps your commercial property comfortable but also contributes to energy efficiency, reducing utility costs.

Irrigation Systems

Southern California typically experiences cooler temperatures and increased rainfall during the winter months. Commercial property owners can take advantage of these seasonal conditions by having CAM adjust their building’s irrigation systems.

Our Property Pros can reduce watering frequency and adjust the schedule to align with the seasonal weather patterns and daylight savings time This not only conserves water but also prevents overwatering, which can lead to issues like mold and mildew.

CAM has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to beautify your landscaping while reducing water use and costs. We do this by conducting extensive water audits, installing weather-tolerant landscaping and smart irrigation systems throughout your commercial property.

Outdoor Furniture and Landscaping

Our Property Pros can help protect outdoor furniture and landscaping elements from potential winter damage. From moving sensitive plants or covering them during colder nights to storing outdoor furniture in a dry, sheltered location to prevent weather-related wear and tear, CAM has you covered.

By taking these steps, commercial property owners can preserve the aesthetics of their property and extend the life of outdoor assets.

Pressure Washing

The aftermath of winter storms can wreak havoc on your property, not only causing damage but robbing it of its aesthetic appeal with accumulated dirt, grime, and damage. Fortunately, CAM has a variety of tools and techniques to keep your commercial property looking its best. We understand that every hard surface is different and requires special cleaning methods — and we have them all.

CAM employs cleansers, detergents, disinfectants, virucides, germicides, environmental green solutions, and high-temperature agents to clean and sanitize. Our Property Pros get the job done by utilizing pressure washing and steam cleaning to make your commercial building sparkle again like new, delaying the need for re-painting for up to another year.

CAM Has You Covered

Winterizing your Southern California property may not involve heavy snow removal or extreme cold-weather preparations, but it’s still essential to address specific challenges associated with the season. By taking a proactive approach to maintenance and preparation, you can ensure the resilience and longevity of your commercial property.

At CAM Property Services, we are committed to helping commercial property owners navigate the unique needs of Southern California. Implementing these winterization strategies will not only protect your investment but also contribute to the overall comfort and satisfaction of your tenants and visitors.

By properly preparing your commercial property for the winter season, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to safeguard your investment.

After an unusually cold and wet Winter, Spring has finally sprung here in Southern California. And you know what that means — it’s time for Spring Cleaning.

If you own and/or manage multifamily, retail or office property, this task can seem like a daunting undertaking. Fortunately, the Property Pros at CAM Property Services are here to help lighten your load with everything from repairs and enhancements to cleaning and landscaping.

JANITORIAL

Let’s start with the most straightforward way we can help achieve your Spring Cleaning goals. No matter the challenge, our Janitorial Pros will make your property truly sparkle. From general facility cleaning to floor and window care, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another team with as much experience and versatility to make your tenants happy. Our team communicates with you using state-of-the-art technology to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

DAY PORTER SERVICES

This Winter brought a barrage of storms to SoCal, resulting in potential harm to your property. Pooled water on rooftops and parking lots, can lead to bigger problems if left unattended and unreported. Fortunately, our perceptive and highly trained Day Porters can identify and report these issues before they become major headaches to their supervisor. Your mind will be at ease knowing a true professional is acting as your ‘eyes and ears’ keeping your property in tip-top shape.

PARKING LOT SWEEPING

Our Parking Lot Pros not only remove cigarette butts, paper, glass, bags, and all types of debris that create hazards and eyesores, we also know how to assess and extend the life of your asphalt. Compromised asphalt from recent storms will show ‘alligatoring’ and dangerous potholes can damage tires opening your property to liability claims. Water is abrasive and will remove and fade the striping of your parking lot and curblines. The Property Pros can help repair water damage by filling cracks and potholes to restriping the lot to full asphalt removal and replacement.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring unwanted debris into your stormwater system. Fortunately, stormwater management is one of the many services our Property Pros excel at. We can help with compliance, design, and construction of your system to treat stormwater and handle anything that washes in.

LANDSCAPING

Speaking of May flowers, what about landscaping? Our Property Pros are experts when it comes to plant and flower selection, cultivation, irrigation design, and repair, resulting in landscaping that really wows. We also specialize in maintaining and selecting the right plants for the right season, so your property is always in bloom. And with all the recent rains expect to see weeds in your landscape, which can be prevented with application of pre-emergent herbicides.

As you can see, when it comes to Spring Cleaning, CAM is the right call to spruce up your property. Just let us fix all of the above!

Click HERE to learn more.

As concerns about the environment continue to rise, California has increased their efforts to hold businesses accountable for violations. To reduce pollutants entering natural waterways and public water systems, the state has expanded the role of the California Water Boards regarding industrial stormwater runoff.

Pursuant to Senate Bill 205, the state Water Code now requires all eligible businesses renewing or applying for a business license to prove enrollment in a stormwater management program. It essentially makes it easier to catch violators by reviewing stormwater practices for all relevant businesses rather than performing random checks. The list of affected businesses is extensive.

Stormwater management is a consideration for businesses and public facilities alike, commonly implemented for shopping centers, office buildings, multifamily residential properties, municipalities, recreational parks, and industrial facilities. Here is a list of Standard Industrial Classification codes (SIC) for the businesses to which the stormwater program is automatically considered.

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over land without soaking through the surface. This water can accumulate and transport pollutants such as oil, industrial castoff, or trash into the common waterways or ground sources. In fact, unmanaged stormwater is a major source of pollution for lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs, and the ocean. Dry weather runoff is similarly a problem.

Fortunately, stormwater management practices have improved dramatically in recent years. Equipment, planning, and design have evolved to where they can manage the flow and filter water before sending it into municipal sewers. Sometimes this water is even reclaimed and used onsite for landscaping and other purposes.

Even before the state mandate, property and facility managers became increasingly involved in actively addressing public concerns for green initiatives. In fact, many forward-thinking companies already benefit from integrated plans for their properties. This includes sustainability planning, which incorporates public health and safety, environmentally green solutions, hi-tech efficiencies, and partner vendor relationships.

Stormwater management is another area where a strong property partner can use their inside knowledge to help with viable and affordable solutions. A facility company that provides landscaping, hardscaping, janitorial, handyman, and construction services can be well-suited to providing effective solutions for stormwater management plans and construction.

Major engineering firms and national construction companies might not be the right fit when it comes to state mandated stormwater management plans. Working with a company that does daily business within your industry, understands the nature of your specific property, and brings more relevant experience to the table can provide real benefits and save money. After all, you really do not need a company that manages large scale municipal water projects to implement your simple stormwater runoff plan.

In California, CAM Property Services has provided facility services for properties just like yours since 1987. Their in-house team and sister company Omnia Pacific Construction can develop and execute a viable stormwater management plan for your company as they have for many of California’s top companies. To learn more today call 800-576-3050.

’Tis the season, and that not only means heavier traffic at your property but winter weather, as well. Although Southern California property owners are spared from the harsh winter conditions experienced in other regions, all it takes is one heavy rainstorm to put your building or parking lot out of commission.

So, is your property ready to weather the storm this winter?

It pays to be proactive, literally. By taking these necessary precautions before winter storms hit, property owners can save money by avoiding costly repairs after the fact. CAM Property Services is here to help you take action — before it’s too late.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Heavy rain causes strain on your stormwater management system. If not fully functional, the Clean Water Act can impose fines as high as $5,000 per day. California standards can be even stricter, including regulations tied to business license renewal.

SITE MANAGEMENT

Stormy weather can also cause wear and tear on your building, which can lead to costly repairs. Be one step ahead of potential damage by hiring an experienced Area Manager from CAM Property Services. Our Area Managers can identify problems before they become catastrophes and can establish a presence that puts customers and tenants at ease.

LANDSCAPING

Winter can wreak havoc on your landscaping. From fallen leaves to muddy puddles, the first impression of your property can be significantly diminished. Take back control with the help of our landscaping pros at CAM. Utilizing the best irrigation techniques and seasonal floral, your landscape will never be out of season with our help.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to look out for when preparing for winter weather. Fortunately, the solution is only a phone call away with CAM Property Services. Start the conversation today.

Stormwater runoff is precipitation that flows across land, permeates into soil, merges into bodies of water, or evaporates back into the atmosphere. However, in urban environments, rainfall flows quickly across hard surfaces laden with pollutants. These contaminants are swept into waterways via drains and streams.

Improperly managed stormwater runoff can cause several problems for businesses, including property damage and regulatory violations.

Flooding: As stormwater flows over impermeable surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, large volumes of water can collect or flow rapidly, often causing property damage. Stormwater can also contribute to natural disasters by instantly raising water levels leading to severe flooding.

Water Pollution: Pollutants such as leaked automotive fluids, industrial waste, agricultural fertilizers, trash, animal waste, and refuse get picked up by urban stormwater flow and find their way, untreated, into local streams.

Stream Bank Erosion: As stormwater flows at unnaturally high speeds and volumes, it can cause severe degradation of shore banks. Rising waters can encroach on waterside property boundaries, destroy aquatic ecosystems, and create additional pollution from eroded sediment.

Human Health: Contaminants introduced to the natural water supply through stormwater runoff can adversely affect drinking water and the access to recreational water activities.

REGULATION & COMPLIANCE

As a result of the immense impact that stormwater runoff can have, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This is a permit program, created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act (CWA), to address pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States.

Under the CWA, Phase 2 of this program was established in 2003. It identified stormwater as a contributor to water pollution and mandated NPDES permits for land between 1 to 5 acres in size.

Most stormwater is conveyed through a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and discharged into local water bodies. While generally owned by a state, local, or public entity, an MS4 is a system of drains, pipes, and ditches used to collect and transport stormwater. This water flow is typically discharged, untreated, into federally owned waters.

MS4 operators are required to get permits and develop Stormwater Control Measures (SCM), to limit the damaging effects of surface runoff. Failure to comply with the regulations results in a Notice of Violation (NOV).

An NOV informs the property owner or manager regarding a failed assessment, including a detailed observation of the property, non-compliance issues, assessed fines, and penalties. An inspection is typically conducted by local city or government official alerted through an unscheduled property check, distressed phone call from a stakeholder, or general observation. Unfamiliarity with environmental compliance laws is not an excuse for non-compliance.

Compliance with stormwater regulations is also strictly monitored during permitted construction projects. Sometimes violations are discovered after construction, requiring costly modifications. Common violations include:

• Failure of permit coverage
• Failure to include Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
• Failure to implement SCM with essential maintenance and repair
• Failure to conduct or document inspections
• Illegal dumping or discharge
• Inadequate erosion controls

Violation notices typically include a one-time fine along with daily penalties for each subsequent day of non-compliance while the issue is remedied, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars. The frequency and severity of these violations depend on the degree of impact to the environment along with the harm or potential harm to human health.

These situations can often be avoided with an annual inspection, costing as little as $100, and less costly preventative remediation.

ASSESSING STORMWATER ON YOUR PROPERTY

It is important to understand how stormwater is generated within and flows on your property. Here are the steps used by professionals to evaluate water generation, flow, and volume on a property.

Draw boundaries of the property. If not readily available, look up property tax assessment papers or deeds for basic property maps. Draw buildings and other features on the property. Be sure to designate:

• Impermeable areas and hard surfaces that prevent stormwater from soaking into the ground
• Lawn and landscaped areas
• Natural vegetation
• Water features (i.e., streams, wetlands, ponds, swimming pools)

Assess and map stormwater flow, identifying the directional flow of runoff on the property and any problems it may cause. Common issues include ponding or large puddles, damp basements, and soil erosion. Map the following:

• Roof downspouts
• Stormwater flow paths (using arrows for direction)
• Areas of ponding
• Ditches or gullies from soil erosion

Some of these common stormwater control measures may exist or be incorporated into a property:

• Retention or detention ponds
• Constructed wetlands
• Grass swales
• Sand filters
• Level spreaders
• Underground systems (popular in metropolitan cities due to the scarcity of space)

Drainage structures include:

• Inlet/Concrete flume
• Catch basin/Drop inlet
• Permeable pavement
• Curb inlets
• Trench drains (popular for retail assets)
• Culvert
• Headwall
• Flared-end section
• Dock drains

SITE-SPECIFIC OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M)

O&M plans are usually developed as part of a construction or remediation plan and filed with local municipality authorities. These consist of maintenance schedules, inspection requirements, maintenance easements, and descriptions of maintenance activities.

CONCLUSION

The most efficient ways to avoid NOVs and costly fines are to know your O&M agreement, consult with stormwater management professionals, communicate with regulatory bodies, set up maintenance programs, and schedule annual inspections.

Stormwater maintenance programs can also safeguard and extend the life of your investment while keeping long-term repair costs down. Be proud that you are making an impact on protecting the local environment and watershed.

About The Author: Pranav Heryani is an EHS & Sustainability Specialist. Among the next generation of environmental professionals, his projects have encompassed both local and international efforts toward green initiatives with practical sustainability for the commercial sector.