The Stormwater Blog

As land prices rise and project footprints shrink, developers and engineers are forced to rethink traditional stormwater management. Gone are the days when an open detention basin in the back corner of the site was the default. The trend is shifting underground, and for good reason. Corrugated metal pipe (CMP) detention and infiltration systems provide a solution that helps maximize usable land, comply with regulations, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Stormwater design isn’t always straightforward. Between utility conflicts, easement restrictions, odd property lines, and topography, most sites require more than a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s where the flexibility of corrugated metal pipe (CMP) comes in.

When it comes to underground stormwater systems, longevity depends heavily on material selection. While all corrugated metal pipe (CMP) systems offer structural integrity, the right coating ensures they perform for decades in the specific environmental conditions of your site. This article breaks down the main CMP coating types, their performance in different soil and water conditions, and when to use each.

Stormwater runoff doesn’t just result in pollution and flooding; it can silently overheat rivers and streams, threatening fish and water quality. Learn how underground detention systems offer a hidden but powerful solution to this overlooked environmental challenge.

Infiltration systems are a cornerstone of modern stormwater management—but are we designing them to last? As their use expands, especially underground, new research raises concerns about sediment buildup, maintenance challenges, and long-term performance. This article takes a closer look at whether our current practices are protecting infiltration capacity—or quietly eroding it.

Being buried under dirt might be one of the most common fears people have. However, if you were a stormwater management device (or the human designing it) you might begin to worry about not having enough dirt over your system. How much is enough earth cover? Can I put too much? What backfill materials are suitable? Whether you are designing a hydrodynamic separator, a filter, or any of the diverse options of detention and retention systems; You need to know the answers to these questions, and we are here to help.

When it comes to stormwater management and culvert design, selecting the right pipe material is crucial for performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Enter Aluminized Type 2 (ALT2) pipe—a material that has become a staple in civil engineering projects. But what makes it so special? This blog will cover everything you need to know about ALT2 pipe and why it’s often the top choice for stormwater and drainage systems.

In stormwater management, manufactured treatment devices (MTDs) are often recognized as innovative solutions for controlling runoff and enhancing water quality. Yet, despite their growing adoption, several misconceptions about these devices persist, leading to confusion and misinformed decisions. This blog will tackle some of the most prevalent myths surrounding MTDs, shedding light on their true capabilities and effectiveness.

Proper maintenance is hands-down the most important factor in the sustainability of any infiltration system. By their very nature, infiltration systems are difficult to inspect and maintain. The selection of a cost-effective and easy-to-access pretreatment system can mean a huge difference in maintenance expenses for years to come.

On the rare occasion I get invited to a party, I like preparing topical jokes, funny anecdotes, and ways of explaining my job as a stormwater engineer that won’t instantly put the other guests to sleep. So when someone asks what I do, I usually pique their curiosity by answering, “I make the world a cleaner place, one storm at a time.” This usually gets a follow-up question about what that means or a confused look and a request to tell another joke about pineapples.