Underground Drainage Solutions Preserving Valuable Property
“With ever-increasing land cost and tougher regulatory requirements, engineers and developers are turning to more extensive use of underground drainage systems to maximize development acreage in lieu of the traditional surface storm water ponds. “ - Scott K. Stannard, P.E.
Recently, in conjunction with SASD Development Group, LLC of San Diego, California, CSS, Inc. was challenged with providing site & Civil Engineering for a new VA Outpatient Center in New Port Richey, Florida. The property faced a fourfold challenge with on-site wetland areas to protect, storm water rate attenuation, a volume sensitive drainage basin, and flood plain impacts that required mitigation.
The property includes a 20+ acre lake with wetland buffers, so the development area was greatly limited. The 115,000 SF VA Clinic requires over 900 parking spaces to be operational, leaving no room on-site for a traditional storm water pond. In addition, the project required a portion of the flood plain to be filled, triggering compensation requirements. CSS, Inc. was able to overcome these challenges by utilizing two types of underground storage systems. The storm water rate attenuation, water quality treatment, and volume percolation all were achieved with a system of perforated pipe and series of stone beds. The flood plain compensation was challenging, but was ultimately achieved via a chambered system to allow free flow of floodwater into and out of the system, depending on the lake water level.
Shown to the left is the pipe and stone bed system that was utilized, one of the largest underground drainage systems that CSS, Inc. has ever employed. The system was installed recently, and will soon be placed into operation.
Although historically costlier than traditional surface water ponds, these methods can more than pay for themselves in comparison to losing valuable real estate and sometimes can make the difference in whether or not a property can be developed at all. Whatever challenges your site presents, CSS, Inc. is ready with innovative designs to allow your project to move forward.
