Trusted Stormwater Management Solutions
In urban areas, stormwater quickly collects on roads, sidewalks, and driveways, causing accidents and property damage. Fortunately, the right stormwater management system can help. Southern Asphalt Engineering provides quality stormwater control. Our expert team of parking lot contractors can help design curbing, gutters, and other solutions for safely removing and containing stormwater.
Understanding Stormwater and Its Impact
Most urban areas will have to deal with stormwater after each rain. Stormwater can consist of small puddles or deep, rushing rivers, depending on the area. Whatever type of stormwater you encounter, it’s essential to address it thoughtfully.
Defining Stormwater Management
Stormwater management solutions involve finding ways to handle stormwater safely. Some management styles focus on improving stormwater drainage, while others prioritize redirecting water from high-risk areas. Best management practices (BMPs) carefully consider water flow, building layouts, and street design to find an effective way of removing unwanted water.
Urban Challenges Posed by Stormwater
In urban environments, stormwater doesn’t sink into the ground. Instead, it runs along concrete and pavement to collect in certain spots. This water is an accident waiting to happen. It can also destroy buildings’ foundations and erode landscaping. Furthermore, stormwater near commercial properties is often filled with chemicals that may pollute nearby waterways. An effective stormwater management plan must consider all these issues and find safer ways of managing stormwater.
Curbing as a Stormwater Management Strategy
One of the most effective ways of handling stormwater runoff is curbing. These raised structures at the edges of parking lots, roads, or walkways help to protect landscaping and keep areas from waterlogging.
Role of Curbing in Stormwater Control
Curbs are valuable to stormwater BMP because they can direct water flow. The shape of parking lot curbs and gutters collects water and channels it into a defined spot instead of allowing it to spread over the entire area. This method, especially with a slightly angled road surface, makes it easy to route water to the right spot.
Types of Curbing Solutions
The most traditional curbing solution for stormwater drainage is a curb cut. This consists of a curb with a small gap that gathers water and directs it away from the road.
Curbs can also be shaped differently to address various stormwater control measures. Flush curbs let stormwater flow straight to broad drainage areas, while vertical curbs collect stormwater and send it to a specific location.
Another alternative to roadway gutters is permeable curbs. These consist of a material that allows water to soak through the curb. Letting water sink into the curb and surrounding ground cuts back on puddles while letting stormwater re-enter the water table.
Drainage Solutions to Enhance a Stormwater Management Plan
Curbing solutions are a good start for dealing with stormwater, but remember that all the water they collect needs to go somewhere. Drainage systems take all the water flowing around and provide a safe place to sit until it evaporates or sinks into the ground.
Importance of Effective Drainage Systems
Drainage systems typically start with gutters and storm drains that collect water and funnel it away from parking lots or roadways. Many systems also include retention ponds and ditches to store the extra water. By picking the right drainage style, parking lot contractors can enjoy happier customers, safer business practices, and longer-lasting buildings and parking lots.
Designing Integrated Stormwater Management Solutions
When creating a stormwater management plan, it’s essential to consider these factors:
- Flow routes: Most plans start by examining current water flow routes and then consider more effective ways of handling water flow throughout the area.
- Accessibility: When designing parking lot curbs and gutters, it’s especially important to ensure the system doesn’t hinder accessibility or block access to the building.
- Water dispersal: Companies must decide whether to use stormwater to water their land or route it elsewhere.
- Customer experience: A significant part of stormwater BMP is ensuring customers can easily travel without climbing over ridges and ditches.
Sustainable Practices in Stormwater Management
Modern stormwater systems often prioritize sustainability. Options like bio-retention and permeable pavements help to reduce flood risks while still ensuring that natural stormwater hydrates nearby green spaces.
Maintenance and Upkeep of Stormwater Infrastructure
Like any other type of infrastructure, stormwater systems benefit from regular maintenance.
Routine Maintenance for Longevity
Stormwater maintenance involves checking roadway gutters and drains for clogs and ensuring curbs aren’t cracking or crumbling. By repairing minor issues immediately, commercial properties can avoid significant problems in the long run.
Upgrading and Retrofitting Old Systems
Miami Dade stormwater utility systems are currently following a trend of retrofitting old infrastructure. Simple changes like porous coatings and a few additional detention basins can make an old system work as well as a brand-new one.
Conclusion
When dealing with stormwater runoff, the right drainage solutions and curbing system make a big difference. Southern Asphalt Engineering is here to help with stormwater control measures for the Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach regions. Our team will help you find a solution that eliminates floodwater while still caring for your surrounding environment. Check out our concrete curb and gutter services for more information.
If you’re ready to get your ideal stormwater management system, contact us for an estimate today.