Stormwater Management Services in Oneida County & Central New York
Build the System That Keeps Your Project in Compliance
Stormwater management contractor in Oneida County and Central New York. Detention basins, retention ponds, erosion control, SWPPP compliance, and stormwater tie-ins.
Stormwater Management Across Central New York
New York State requires a SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity on any project that disturbs one or more acres of soil. The permit requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), erosion and sediment controls during construction, and in many cases, a permanent stormwater management system that controls post-construction runoff. For projects in MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) areas, additional review and compliance steps apply.
Hale Excavation is a veteran-owned, licensed, and insured contractor with over 35 years of construction experience. We provide the earthwork and construction side of stormwater management: basin excavation, pipe installation, structure setting, erosion control installation, and site grading to the specifications in your SWPPP and stormwater management plan.
We work with developers, general contractors, engineers, and municipalities throughout Oneida County, Herkimer County, Madison County, and surrounding communities. We do not design stormwater systems, but we build them to the engineer’s plan with the precision and documentation the project requires. Free consultations on any stormwater earthwork scope.
Signs You Need Stormwater Management
Your Development Project Requires a Stormwater Permit
Any construction project in New York that disturbs one acre or more of soil requires a SPDES stormwater permit and a SWPPP. The permit conditions include erosion and sediment controls during construction and, for most commercial and residential developments, a permanent stormwater management system.
Your Engineer's Site Plan Includes a Detention or Retention Basin
The stormwater management plan specifies the basin dimensions, grades, outlet structures, and conveyance piping. You need an excavation contractor who can build the basin to those specifications and coordinate with the engineer for inspections and sign-off.
Your Construction Site Needs Erosion and Sediment Controls Installed
Before earthwork begins on a permitted site, erosion and sediment controls must be in place: silt fence, stabilized construction entrances, sediment traps, check dams, and inlet protection. These controls are required by the SWPPP and must be maintained throughout construction.
Your Project Requires a Stormwater Tie-In to the Municipal System
Some developments discharge managed stormwater to the municipal storm sewer system. This requires piping from the on-site system to the municipal connection point, with structures and grades that meet the municipality’s standards.
An Existing Stormwater Basin Needs Repair, Cleaning, or Expansion
Detention and retention basins accumulate sediment over time and lose capacity. Outlet structures can clog or fail. Banks can erode. We dredge and reshape existing basins, repair outlet structures, and restore systems to their original design capacity.
Types of Stormwater Work We Handle
- Detention Basin Excavation
Detention basins temporarily store stormwater runoff during a storm event and release it slowly through an outlet structure. They are typically dry between storms. We excavate the basin to the dimensions and grades in the engineer’s plan, install the outlet structure (riser pipe, weir, or orifice), grade the banks to the specified slopes, and stabilize the surface with seed or riprap.
- Retention Basin & Pond Construction
Retention basins hold a permanent pool of water and manage additional stormwater volume above the permanent pool level. We excavate the basin, construct the emergency spillway, install inlet and outlet structures, and grade the surrounding area for access and maintenance. Retention basins serve both stormwater management and aesthetic or habitat purposes on commercial and residential developments.
- Stormwater Conveyance Systems
The piping, catch basins, manholes, and structures that collect and transport stormwater from the development to the basin or municipal connection. We install storm drain pipe, set precast structures, make connections, backfill to specification, and test the system before the project engineer inspects it.
- Erosion & Sediment Control Installation
SWPPP-required controls installed before and maintained throughout construction. Silt fence, stabilized construction entrances, sediment traps, check dams, inlet protection, temporary seeding, and erosion blankets. We install the controls specified in the SWPPP and maintain them through the construction phase. Controls are adjusted as site conditions change during grading and construction.
Why Professional Stormwater Management Matters
It Keeps Your Project Permitted and on Schedule
A stormwater system that does not meet the engineer’s design or the permit conditions will not pass inspection. Failed inspections mean rework, delays, and potential stop-work orders. We build to the plan, coordinate with the engineer, and pass inspection so the project keeps moving.
It Protects Waterways and Downstream Properties
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from construction sites carries sediment, nutrients, and pollutants into streams, lakes, and municipal storm systems. The SPDES permit exists to prevent this. Properly built stormwater systems and erosion controls keep sediment on-site and protect the receiving waters.
It Manages Runoff Permanently After Construction
Impervious surfaces (roofs, parking lots, driveways) increase runoff volume and velocity compared to undeveloped land. A permanent stormwater system (detention basin, retention pond, infiltration area) manages that increased runoff so downstream properties and infrastructure are not impacted by the development.
It Reduces Your Liability as the Developer or Property Owner
A development that causes downstream flooding, erosion, or water quality problems because of inadequate stormwater management creates liability for the developer and property owner. A properly designed and built system, documented with as-built records, demonstrates compliance and reduces that risk.
What Stormwater Management Includes
The scope depends on the project and the stormwater management plan, but typical stormwater construction includes:
Erosion and sediment control installation: Installing all SWPPP-required controls before earthwork begins. Silt fence, construction entrances, sediment traps, inlet protection, and temporary stabilization.
Basin excavation: Excavating detention or retention basins to the dimensions, grades, and slopes specified in the stormwater management plan. Bottom grades, side slopes, bench elevations, and emergency spillway profiles are all built to the engineer’s design.
Outlet structure installation: Setting riser pipes, weir structures, orifice plates, and emergency overflow structures at the specified elevations. These control the rate at which water leaves the basin.
Stormwater pipe and structure installation: Installing storm drain pipe, catch basins, manholes, and junction structures that convey runoff from the site to the basin or municipal connection.
Stormwater tie-ins: Connecting the on-site system to the municipal storm sewer where required. Coordinating with the municipality for inspection and connection approval.
Basin grading and stabilization: Final grading of basin banks, bottom, and surrounding area. Seeding, hydroseeding, or riprap placement for permanent stabilization.
Erosion control maintenance: Maintaining controls throughout construction: repairing silt fence, cleaning sediment traps, re-stabilizing disturbed areas, and adjusting controls as site conditions evolve.
Excavation and Site Work Across Every Job Type
Seven service types covering every excavation need — residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial. If it involves moving earth, managing water, or building infrastructure, Hale handles it.
Site Preparation
Land clearing, building pad prep, topsoil work, subgrade, and final cleanup
Grading
Rough and finish grading, lot leveling, slope correction, drainage grading, and retaining walls
Drainage Solutions
French drains, catch basins, culverts, dry wells, and stormwater management
Septic Systems
New installation, repair and replacement, leach field work, and emergency service
Underground Utilities
Water and sewer lines, HDPE pipe fusion, utility trenching, and storm drains
Commercial Maintenance
Site maintenance, snow plowing, commercial mowing, and landfill maintenance
Related Services
Stormwater management is part of our full drainage service offering. We also install French drains, catch basins, culverts, and property drainage systems.
Stormwater management construction often overlaps with site preparation on new developments. We handle both under one scope.
Retention basins and stormwater ponds overlap with our pond excavation services. We build both engineered stormwater ponds and recreational or agricultural ponds.
Get in touch
Three Decades of Major Project Experience
Hale Excavation LLC is a new venture led by Eric Hale, who brings extensive experience in landfill construction, environmental remediation, road construction, and federal projects. He has worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Air Force, and major environmental firms throughout his career.
1991
Laborer & Surveyor
- Auburn, NY · Cayuga County
Eric returned from the Army to work full-time in construction while staying in the Army Reserves. Joined the apprenticeship program to become a certified operating engineer during this project (completed 1997, a certification he still holds).
1993
Laborer · Surveyor · Heavy Equipment Operator
- Malone, NY · Franklin County
Eric took on expanded field responsibilities on this project, working across three trades: laborer, surveyor, and heavy equipment operator.
1994
Laborer · Surveyor · Heavy Equipment Operator
- Frankfort, NY · Herkimer County
Constructed leachate collection and site drainage in 1994–95. Landfill closure completed in 1996. Gas removal windmill built in 1997. Eric worked across all phases of this multi-year project.
1998
Superintendent (First Time)
- Sodus, NY · Wayne County
Eric’s first job as a project superintendent — the beginning of his transition from the field to project leadership.
2008
Superintendent
- Wampsville, NY · Madison County
Cell 7 liner system construction on the Madison County Landfill. By this point Eric was running full field operations independently.
2012
Project Manager (First Time)
- Stanley, NY (Ontario County) + Morrisonville, NY (Clinton County)
Two of the largest projects Eric managed in his first year as a project manager. He worked on several other projects that year, but these were the biggest. Marks his transition from field superintendent to full project management.
2022
Senior Project Manager
- Middlesboro, KY + McGuire Air Force Base, NJ
2022 marked the first time Eric ever worked outside of New York State. He worked as senior project manager on both federal projects, plus several others that year.
2025
Founder · Owner · Director of Operations
- Sauquoit, NY · Oneida County
Eric founds Hale Excavation LLC — bringing 35 years of experience home to Central New York. From here we serve Oneida County, the Mohawk Valley, Herkimer, Madison, and surrounding counties. The scale is more personal now. The standards, work ethic, and project management discipline are exactly the same.
Projects listed above were completed under previous employers. They represent Eric Hale’s personal project resume and experience. Hale Excavation LLC was founded in November 2025.
Serving Central New York and the Mohawk Valley
From Utica and Rome through the Mohawk Valley, north into Lewis County, west across Onondaga, south into Chenango and Cortland — we work the full Central New York region. Our home base is Sauquoit, and our standard service radius is one to two hours from Utica. For the right project, we travel further.
What is the difference between a detention basin and a retention basin?
A detention basin is normally dry and temporarily stores water during a storm, releasing it slowly through an outlet. A retention basin holds a permanent pool of water and manages additional volume above the pool. The stormwater management plan specifies which type is required based on the site and regulatory conditions.
When is a stormwater permit required?
In New York, a SPDES stormwater permit is required for any construction project that disturbs one acre or more of soil. Projects in MS4 areas may have additional requirements. Your engineer or project manager can confirm whether a permit is needed for your specific project.
Do you design stormwater systems?
No. Stormwater system design is performed by a licensed professional engineer. We build the system to the engineer’s design and specifications. We work closely with the project engineer during construction to ensure the as-built system matches the approved plan.
Do you maintain stormwater systems after construction?
Yes. Detention basins, retention ponds, and conveyance systems require periodic maintenance: sediment removal, outlet structure cleaning, bank repair, and mowing. We offer maintenance contracts for commercial and municipal stormwater systems.
How do I get a consultation for stormwater work?
Call us at (315) 982-3673 or contact us online. Share your stormwater management plan and site drawings, and we will provide a scope and estimate for the earthwork and construction.
Stormwater Management Questions
