The Importance of Stormwater Facilities & Design

The Importance of Stormwater Facilities and Design

Managing rainfall runoff is essential in protecting our communities and the environment. Without proper stormwater facilities, heavy rain can lead to flooding, erosion, and pollution to our waterways. Stormwater facilities play a vital role in managing this runoff. At RQAW | DCCM, our Hydraulics team specializes in designing innovative stormwater solutions that address these challenges and meet the unique needs of each community. 

What are Stormwater Facilities? 

Stormwater facilities manage how rainfall runoff moves through the landscape. They help control flooding and can even filter pollutants from the water, ensuring cleaner and safer waterways. Stormwater facilities consist of different types of elements that direct and manage stormwater runoff, such as swales, channels, streams, pipes, culverts, bridges, ponds, and control structures.


Why are they necessary? 

Over time, as open fields and natural landscapes are converted into suburban and urban areas, the amount of land that can absorb rainfall decreases. Impervious land like roads, sidewalks, and rooftops generate more rainfall runoff, leading to an increased risk of
flooding. This challenge is further compounded as we see more extreme weather events. Heavy rainfall also increases the amount of runoffs, resulting in flooding, erosion, property damage, and even loss of life. 

 

How do we prevent stormwater problems?

To address the challenges caused by increasing stormwater runoff, RQAW | DCCM designs stormwater systems to manage water effectively, controlling its speed and even cleaning the water. Some solutions include:

  • Larger pipes; accommodating increased water volumes.
  • Detention ponds; temporarily storing runoff and releasing it slowly to prevent flooding.
  • Channel modification; reshaping channels or lining it with stone to slow water flow and prevent erosion.
  • Vegetation; planting specific types of plants to remove pollutants and enhance water quality.
Nick Bergman, PE
Director of Hydraulic Services

Nick brings over 22 years of diverse design experience encompassing stormwater management, hydraulics, and hydrology of large and small infrastructure projects. He understands the hydraulic analysis and permitting processes and can ensure that design, permitting, and detail design are choreographed in an appropriate sequence to meet demanding project delivery schedules. He has been directly involved with the hydraulic modeling and completion of Construction in a Floodway, 401/404, and Rule 5 NOI permits. In addition to his hydraulics experience, Nick has developed a strong relationship with state permitting agencies, such as the IDNR, IDEM, and USACE.

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