Stormwater Drainage & Permitting
Ever-increasing construction in urban areas generates a higher volume of stormwater runoff.
Careful examination of the proposed site through a physical visitation, along with inspection of USGS topographic maps, give the staff of OEI more insight and a better understanding of a site's natural drainage patterns. Every drainage facility is designed to be functional and aesthetically pleasing to the client.
There are two systems in our designs that help carry runoff generated by a storm event: the minor system and the major system. The minor system consists of open and closed conduits and their appurtenances. Though these pose little, if any, inconvenience to the public, there may be ponding in low areas such as intersections. However, the design for this system will carry the amount of runoff for the specified storm event, which generally occurs during the first 5-year period.
The storm design for the major system is generally for a 100-year storm but may also be for the 25-year return interval. This system does cause minor inconvenience to the public. By planning for the 100-year return interval in the initial stages of design, damage to property from flooding can be minimized. Another important consideration of designing for the 100-year return interval is that it can usually be incorporated into the minor system with no additional cost. Therefore, you receive greater protection at less cost.
OEI has provided private industry and municipal stormwater permitting across the United States.
As required by EPA and in compliance with the Clean Water Act, industries and municipalities greater than 50,000 must have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that addresses stormwater runoff and collection practices. Often included with this SWPPP are spill prevention practices, a chemical materials inventory and hazard awareness, where applicable.
Training by a certified environmental specialist is available through OEI in order to help you implement a new or revised SWPPP. This training is oftentimes mandatory for all employees, and it can be integrated into the safety program of many industries and municipalities that handle, transport or utilize potentially dangerous materials.