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The Purpose of an effective maintenance programme is to ensure the stormwater is being collected and directed through the Downstream Defender^® and to ensure the pollutant accumulations do not exceed pollutant storage capacities. The following half yearly inspections, monitoring and clean-out procedures are recommended (note – may require more frequent inspection / cleanout depending on the quality and quantity of the flow):

1. Half yearly inspection and annual clean-out of the unit to monitor and remove pollutants (sediments, oils and floatables) and ensure proper operation and free flow of stormwater through the unit. Removed pollutant should be disposed of in accordance with Local Authority environmental regulations. More frequent clean-outs maybe required in busy commercial areas such as shopping streets and market places.
2. An annual maintenance report should be completed for each unit summarising the monitoring logs that document observations as well as the volume of sediment, oils and floatables that have been removed.

Half yearly inspection procedures
The following procedures outline the work to be completed as part of the maintenance programme:

1. Coordinated inspections with the property owner, facility manager, or assigned contact person to ensure that access to the immediate upstream and downstream structures and the unit is possible.
2. Opening to the immediate upstream and downstream structures from the Downstream Defender^® should be inspected to ensure debris is not preventing stormwater from being collected in the drainage system and directed into the unit. Any debris should be removed and properly disposed of.
3. The Downstream Defender^® should be inspected for floatables and sediment accumulation. Maintenance logs for the treatment should be completed for each site visit.

Annual clean-out procedures

1. Whilst the Downstream Defender^® internal components are manufactured utilising highly durable co-polymer polypropylene, care should be taken during the clean-out operations. Improper handling can result in damage to components and accessories.
2. For most installations, sediment and associated pollutants are considered hazardous waste and therefore, under section 62 of the Special Waste Regulations 1996, a pre-notification notice must be completed prior to the removal or disposal of any waste. For higher risk sites where the potential for spills or accumulation of extra hazardous materials exists, a chemical analysis of floatables, oils and sediment should be carried out prior to removal and disposal.
3. Removal of floatables and sediments from the Downstream Defender^® using a vacuum tanker or similar equipment.
4. Evacuating of water and oil should be performed by fully trained and authorised personnel only, and the equipment used, such as cleansing hoses must be equipped with protective nozzles to avoid damage to the Downstream Defender^® components.
5. Every time the unit is emptied the internal components should be checked and any damage repaired. Any damage liable to affect the units operation should be reported immediately to the supplier.
6. After emptying, the unit should be thoroughly cleansed using clean water at sufficient pressure. The unit must be then filled with clean water (not black water) until discharge from the outlet commences. Then all the covers should be replaced securely.