If you’ve spent any time in stormwater management, you’ve likely heard the terms Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs). At first glance, they seem different, but here’s the reality: they mean the same thing.
How Did We Get Here?
Originally, the industry used BMPs to refer to methods and structures designed to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality. However, as stormwater regulations evolved, some felt that BMP was too broad and generic—after all, “best practices” could apply to anything. The push for more precise terminology led to the adoption of SCM to emphasize that these were specific, engineered measures for stormwater control.
Unfortunately, this transition wasn’t handled consistently. Some agencies, engineers, and regulators stuck with BMP, while others moved to SCM. The result? Widespread confusion. Now, both terms are used interchangeably, despite the intent to replace one with the other.
Why This Terminology Shift Makes No Sense for Engineering
Engineers deal in precision—things either work or they don’t. But the BMP-to-SCM transition has been anything but clear-cut. Instead of improving clarity, it created an unnecessary divide where both terms linger, leading to inconsistent language in reports, regulations, and discussions.
A few key takeaways from this mix-up:
- BMP and SCM are synonyms – No need to overcomplicate it. Whether your agency or client prefers one term over the other, they refer to the same stormwater management solutions.
- Regulatory inconsistency remains a challenge – Some states, cities, and organizations have fully switched to SCM, while others still use BMP. Engineers and contractors often have to adapt based on jurisdiction.
- Clarity in communication is key – When discussing stormwater control, it’s best to confirm which term your audience prefers to avoid confusion.
What Actually Matters: The Measures Themselves
Regardless of the label, the goal remains the same: effectively managing stormwater runoff to protect water quality and reduce flooding. Whether you call them BMPs or SCMs, these measures include:
- Retention and detention ponds
- Bioswales and rain gardens
- Permeable pavements
- Underground stormwater storage
- Green roofs
BMP or SCM, the function remains unchanged. Let’s put the focus back on performance and practicality.
With over 30 years of stormwater experience, the team at Faircloth Stormwater is more than capable of helping you navigate the strict guidelines associated with stormwater system management, maintenance, and even repair. Contact us to discuss your needs.
