The Stormwater Blog

With urban expansion outpacing natural infrastructure, cities face a growing challenge: managing the surge of stormwater that leads to flooding, pollution, and environmental harm. One innovative solution is the stormwater park—a green space designed not only for recreational use but also to manage stormwater through advanced engineering techniques.

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.

Civil engineers understand the delicate balance between form and function. High-rate bioretention systems, known for their efficiency in managing stormwater, offer an often overlooked benefit: aesthetics. Integrating visually appealing bioretention systems into urban landscapes can enhance community engagement, foster sustainability, and improve the overall perception of civil infrastructure.

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.

Hydrodynamic Separators (HDS) have been a staple in stormwater management for over twenty years. Choosing the right HDS unit for your project can be challenging, but understanding key design considerations can help guide you through the process. This blog post reviews several important factors to consider when sizing your HDS unit.

Hydrodynamic separators (HDS) are increasingly recognized as essential components in modern stormwater management systems. These devices effectively remove pollutants from stormwater runoff, helping to protect water quality and meet regulatory requirements. However, the successful implementation of HDS requires careful consideration of various design factors. This article outlines best practices for engineers to ensure the effective performance and longevity of hydrodynamic separators.

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.

Given the pivotal role civil engineers play in designing and implementing infrastructure, a deep understanding of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and contributes to the broader goals of environmental stewardship and public health. This post provides detailed insights into the triggers, development, and implementation of TMDLs, emphasizing the integral role civil engineers have in achieving and maintaining water quality standards.

To help you navigate the plethora of information, we've curated a list of the top ten stormwater websites that every civil engineer should bookmark.

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.