Underwood Engineers has developed a high level of expertise and experience with practical stormwater management solutions for municipal projects. As the scale of impervious surfaces grow in response to population demands, the issue’s importance has similarly grown due to its impact on receiving waters. Pollutants accumulate on impervious surfaces and then migrate with runoff piped directly into waterways, meaning relatively small storm events have the greatest effect on water quality.
The financial cost of stormwater can be high, especially when considering the long-term maintenance and monitoring required. Integrating stormwater management with infrastructure planning provides numerous solutions to the problem. Meeting permit requirements efficiently is critical. This can be accomplished by promoting natural systems to remove pollutants and help groundwater levels recharge. For example, bioretention cells and rain gardens are effective in managing runoff from roadways, parking lots or other large impervious surfaces.
The relatively recent development of porous surface materials affords solutions to more urban areas where green space may be limited. These systems employ the same principals for reduced sheet flow, volume control and infiltration that allow significant pollution removal as well as groundwater recharge. Underwood Engineers has been a leader in applying this strategy to municipal projects.
We can help you manage this complex issue, improve regulatory compliance, support CIP budget planning and meet sustainability goals.
