The Stormwater Blog

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.

Stormwater parks are an innovative solution for managing urban runoff while providing recreational and ecological benefits to communities. However, in dense urban areas, the large amount of land traditionally required for these parks poses a major challenge due to high costs, limited space, and competing land uses. This blog explores how high-rate bioretention systems offer a compact, efficient alternative that enables the development of successful stormwater parks even in space-constrained environments, with real-world examples from Washington State.

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.