SAM is instrumental in providing geospatial solutions to cities across North America. A recent example of this is the stormwater mapping initiative in Mount Holly, North Carolina. This multi-phase project exemplifies our commitment to quality, precision, and client satisfaction, and highlights how SAM’s advanced technologies and expertise can be leveraged to help municipalities manage and improve their infrastructure.
Mount Holly, a rapidly developing city in North Carolina, faced a significant challenge in managing its stormwater system as its population continued to grow. The city’s limited funding required a phased approach to the stormwater mapping project. The project was broken down into four phases, with each phase allowing SAM to focus on approximately 1,00-1,200 stormwater structures.
With approximately $100,000 allocated for each phase, SAM began with Phase 1: mapping essential stormwater infrastructure such as inlets, culverts, manholes, and outfalls. SAM’s role was to map these structures and gather crucial data to ensure the city’s stormwater system was efficiently managed and compliant with regulatory requirements. As Mount Holly continues to grow, the data collected will play a vital role in future stormwater system management and flood prevention.
When Shane Hallowell, GIS Senior Project Manager, joined the project during Phase 2, he continued the work to ensure consistency and high-quality standards, helping the project maintain momentum. The data collected has included every relevant piece of stormwater infrastructure, from manholes to outfalls, enabling Mount Holly to better manage and maintain their system.
SAM’s work has helped Mount Holly comply with key environmental regulations, including those enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The data collected is essential for improving stormwater management, reducing flooding, and ensuring the city's preparedness for ongoing development.
To ensure the project’s success, SAM utilized advanced technologies like survey-grade GPS equipment and Esri’s ArcGIS software to capture precise data from each stormwater structure. These technologies enabled SAM to map every detail with exceptional accuracy, capturing attributes such as pipe size, material, depth, and condition. SAM’s custom-built GIS tools, developed from the team’s previous work at Midland GIS, helped automate the calculation of pipe size, slope, and length, reducing the risk of human error and improving efficiency.
In addition to the GPS equipment, field crews used tablets equipped with Esri’s Field Maps to collect data in real time. This system allowed SAM to upload data directly into the GIS system, enabling crews to review and correct data on-site, minimizing the need for return trips. This streamlined data collection process kept the project on schedule and within budget, which was essential for the City of Mount Holly.
The project presented some unique challenges, such as accessing stormwater structures without traditional manhole covers. SAM worked with a third-party contractor to lift concrete tops using skid steers to gain access and complete inspections. Though unconventional, this solution was necessary to ensure that every piece of infrastructure was properly mapped.
Another challenge was the city’s rapid growth, which resulted in new stormwater infrastructure being added regularly. SAM had to adjust schedules and coordinate with the city to capture the data on these new developments as they emerged, ensuring that every new infrastructure was included in the mapping process.
SAM’s strong relationship with Mount Holly has been central to the success of the project. As an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) city, Mount Holly is required to inspect 20% of its stormwater infrastructure annually to comply with regulations. SAM’s work is vital in helping the city meet these requirements while also providing valuable data for future stormwater system management.
The high-quality and accurate data that SAM delivers has been essential for stormwater system management and public safety. Mount Holly is eager to continue the partnership as the city’s infrastructure needs evolve.
Phase 4 of the Mount Holly stormwater mapping project is scheduled to conclude in July 2025. However, the city’s ongoing development suggests the need for additional mapping in the coming years.
SAM is also exploring the possibility of providing ongoing inspections and maintenance services for Mount Holly’s stormwater system. As cities like Mount Holly are required to reinspect their stormwater assets every five years, this offers an opportunity for SAM to be a partner in the city’s long-term stormwater management.
The Mount Holly stormwater mapping project is a prime example of SAM’s ability to deliver high-quality, technology-driven solutions that meet the needs of municipal clients. By leveraging advanced tools such as survey-grade GPS, Esri’s ArcGIS software, and custom GIS tools, SAM provided Mount Holly with accurate, actionable data to enhance their stormwater management strategy.
As Mount Holly continues to grow, SAM is committed to helping the city manage its infrastructure, ensuring the stormwater system remains compliant, efficient, and prepared for future challenges. The success of this project not only demonstrates SAM’s technical expertise but also highlights the importance of strong, long-term partnerships between cities and the companies that help manage their critical infrastructure.