Efficient Alternative to Traditional Stormwater Basins
A common method for managing stormwater runoff is a stormwater basin. A basin is meant to collect stormwater and slowly release the water at a controlled rate to prevent downstream flooding and erosion. While generally effective, these traditional stormwater management techniques have limited water quality treatment, and require the use of valuable land that could be used for development.
A detention pond also requires a significant amount of maintenance. Regularly scheduled mowing, repair eroded slopes when necessary, keeping trash and other debris out of the pond, and regularly verify that the outfall pipe(s) are not clogged or blocked. You can read more about the maintenance requirements here.
The alternative would be placing the detention system underground. In doing so, the owner can utilize valuable land that would other wise be occupied by a detention pond. A modular underground stormwater system can be used in a variety of depth tolerances from two inches up to just under seven feet. It can be placed under parking lots, streets, access roads, driveways, landscaping, playgrounds, swales and channels.
We recently installed an R-Tank modular storage system on a site in Magnolia, TX that required 21,400CF of detention. This site was fairly shallow with perspective to depth allowances on the property. Working closely with the Civil Engineer, we submitted a design that included single module HD R-tanks to be placed underneath all parking areas within the site. These modular tanks are 1.44’ tall, and with 2’ of total cover from top of tank to top of pavement, HS-20 traffic load ratings were achieved. By combining the modular system and a back fill of #57 stone, we were able to meet the full detention requirement for the site.
R-Tank is a proven modular subsurface detention system that serves as an efficient alternative to traditional stormwater basins. Please contact Construction EcoServices Systems Department for your detention needs.
