There are several concepts that are often important within stormwater management on any construction or similar site, and that of drainage is commonly on this list. How does a stormwater drainage system work, and what else do you need to know about these important parts of your stormwater management setup?
At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we're here to help with a huge range of SWPPP and stormwater management services around Utah, including erosion control and many other best management practices - drainage among them. Here are some basics on what stormwater is and how it compares to wastewater, why stormwater drainage systems are often necessary as part of stormwater management, and some other basics of this important process.
Just for your basic understanding, stormwater is not the same thing as wastewater, although the two are often confused. Wastewater comes from indoor sources like sinks and toilets in commercial or residential buildings; it's water that you wouldn't consider using for outdoor purposes.
Stormwater, on the other hand, refers to any type of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet) that falls on land surfaces and then flows into nearby bodies of water. While both stormwater and wastewater can contain pollutants, stormwater is often more concerning because it flows directly into bodies of water without being treated first. This can lead to contamination of lakes, rivers, and oceans.
One of the primary reasons drainage systems are necessary is because they help prevent flooding and control erosion on construction sites. Without an effective drainage system in place, stormwater can collect on the site and cause damage to buildings, equipment, and other structures. It can also cause soil erosion, which can lead to sediment runoff and contamination of nearby water sources.
Another reason drainage systems are necessary is for compliance with local regulations and environmental laws. Many cities and states have strict guidelines for stormwater management, including proper drainage systems. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or other penalties.
Stormwater drainage systems typically consist of a network of pipes, drains, inlets, catch basins, and other components that work together to collect and direct stormwater away from the site. These systems are designed to handle a certain volume of water based on the expected amount of precipitation in a given area.
The most common type of drainage system is a gravity-based system, which relies on the natural slope of the land to move stormwater towards designated outlets or discharge points. In some cases, pumps may also be used to help move water through the system.
Proper installation and maintenance of these systems is crucial for their effectiveness. It's important to regularly inspect and clean out drains and catch basins to prevent blockages that can lead to backups and flooding.
Within any stormwater drainage system, there are a few pitfalls that you'll want to avoid to ensure flooding or other issues do not arise. These include:
These issues serve as a great reminder of the value of working with a professional stormwater management company, like Silver Leaf SWPPP, for all your stormwater drainage needs. Our experienced team can design and install an effective system that meets all regulations and helps protect your site from potential hazards.
As with any aspect of stormwater management, proper integration of drainage systems with other best management practices (BMPs) is crucial. Erosion control measures, such as sediment barriers and erosion blankets, can work hand in hand with drainage systems to prevent soil erosion and sediment runoff.
Additionally, incorporating green infrastructure techniques into the design of a drainage system can help reduce stormwater runoff and promote infiltration back into the ground. This can include features like bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavement.
Understanding how stormwater drainage systems work and their importance in stormwater management is crucial for any construction or similar site. By working with a professional stormwater management company and properly integrating drainage systems with other BMPs, you can ensure the safety and compliance of your site while protecting the surrounding environment. Contact Silver Leaf SWPPP for all your stormwater management needs in Utah and let us help you implement an effective and sustainable stormwater drainage system.
