Not every commercial property needs an extensive network of ponds and swales to stay compliant with stormwater regulations, sometimes a single, well-maintained system is all it takes. EverGreen Infrastructure recently completed a green infrastructure assessment at Steinway Piano, a commercial property in Davidson County, Tennessee. The work focused on the site’s inlet filter, the sole green infrastructure practice employed on the property.

About Steinway Piano

Steinway Piano is a commercial property located in Davidson County, Tennessee. The parcel can be found on the Davidson County GIS under Parcel ID #13215009700. Unlike larger sites with multiple stormwater systems, Steinway Piano relies on a single green infrastructure practice, an inlet filter, to manage runoff and protect water quality before it enters the municipal stormwater system.

The green infrastructure practices at this site were originally designed and constructed in accordance with the Metro Stormwater Ordinance, as evidenced by the appropriate construction permits issued at the time of construction. EverGreen Infrastructure’s scope was not a review of original design accuracy. It was a professional assessment of the system currently in place and performing on the ground.

What Is an Inlet Filter?

An inlet filter is a green infrastructure practice installed directly at a stormwater inlet, the point where surface runoff enters the underground drainage system. As water flows into the inlet, the filter captures sediment, debris, and pollutants before they can travel downstream, protecting water quality and preventing buildup in the connected pipe network.

Inlet filters are a practical, space-efficient GIP for smaller commercial sites or properties where a larger system like a bioretention pond or detention basin isn’t feasible. Because they sit directly within an existing inlet structure, they require regular inspection and maintenance, sediment and debris accumulation can reduce their filtration capacity and, if left unaddressed, allow pollutants to bypass the system entirely.

The green infrastructure practice employed on this site is indicated on the aerial photo below.


Why Regular Inlet Filter Maintenance Matters

Even a single-system site carries the same maintenance responsibilities as a property with a larger stormwater network. Without regular attention, inlet filters experience:

  • Sediment and debris buildup that reduces flow capacity and filtration performance
  • Clogging that can cause water to bypass the filter entirely
  • Reduced pollutant removal efficiency over time
  • Potential non-compliance with local stormwater ordinances if the system isn’t properly maintained

For a commercial property like Steinway Piano, keeping the inlet filter clear and functional protects the surrounding parking areas and drainage infrastructure from the kind of buildup and flooding that can result from a compromised system.

EverGreen Infrastructure’s Approach

EverGreen Infrastructure specializes in the assessment, maintenance, and long-term management of green infrastructure systems across the region, whether a property has a single inlet filter or a complex network of ponds and swales. Our process combines thorough on-site evaluation with targeted maintenance work to restore systems to peak performance.

For the Steinway Piano project, our team conducted a performance evaluation of the site’s inlet filter, guided by an objective analysis of current system conditions, not assumptions about the original design, so that every recommendation and action reflects real, present-day performance data.

This is the standard we hold ourselves to on every project: honest assessment, practical maintenance, and documentation that gives property owners a clear picture of what they have and how it’s performing.

Serving Commercial Properties in Davidson County

Stormwater compliance is a responsibility that falls on property owners and operators, and the consequences of non-compliance or system failure can be costly, regardless of how large or small the site’s green infrastructure footprint is. EverGreen Infrastructure works with commercial properties, residential communities, and municipalities throughout the region to keep green infrastructure systems performing the way they were built to perform.

Whether a property has a single inlet filter or a complex network of bioretention ponds and swales, our team has the expertise to assess, maintain, and document those systems to the standard that local ordinances and property owners demand.

Ready to Schedule a Green Infrastructure Assessment?

EverGreen Infrastructure is taking on new clients in Davidson County and the surrounding region. Our team brings the technical knowledge and field experience to evaluate your stormwater systems, identify maintenance needs, and deliver the documentation you need for compliance and peace of mind.

Contact EverGreen Infrastructure today to learn more about our green infrastructure maintenance and assessment services.

EverGreen Infrastructure provides stormwater management, green infrastructure assessment, and GIP maintenance services for commercial, residential, and municipal clients. This post references work completed at Steinway Piano, Davidson County, Tennessee (Parcel ID: #13215009700).