Stormwater Systems

StormChamber^® systems, when combined with our patented SedimenTrap™, create the most cost effective storm water system that not only meets the requirements for storage, but also exceeds requirements for a water quality BMP.  The SedimenTrap™ also makes the chore of sediment maintenance very easy and highly cost effective.

Our StormChamber^® systems are designed with a SedimenTrap™ in the first and last StormChamber^® of each row receiving storm water.  Most of the sediment drops out into the SedimenTrap™ in the first chamber of the receiving row.  Any sediment that bypasses this SedimenTrap™ eventually gets washed down to the one in the last chamber of the row.  The SedimenTraps™ are easily and quickly cleaned with a vacuum truck.  Similar to a septic drain field, a biomat of micro-organisms forms on the stone and soil underlying the StormChambers^® which breaks down pollutants and nutrients to non-toxic byproducts.  There is significant documentation demonstrating the role of naturally occurring soil micro-organisms in pollution abatement.  The EPA Technology Fact sheet, "A Citizen's Guide to Natural Attenuation", provides an excellent explanation how this process works.  Also review an article, "Intrinsic Bioremediation Of Petroleum Hydrocarbons", on natural micro-organism elimination of soil-contaminated hydrocarbons on a U.S Navy facility.  Studies have shown that infiltration type devices provide the highest level of storm water quality enhancement. 

The first row of a StormChamber^® system can also be regarded as a highly effective pre-treatment device.  In order for any sediment to get into the rest of the StormChamber^® system, water would  have to back all the way up to the first chamber of the row receiving the inflow and rise to the invert of the pipe connecting the first chamber of the adjoining row.  This would be highly unlikely.  When the storm water enters through the storm drain pipe into the first chamber of the row, it initially spreads throughout the stone base and rises up into the entire chamber system about equally through their open bottoms.  Any possible flow through the pipe connecting to the first chamber of the adjoining row would therefore occur well past the first flush.

With this StormChamber^® system design, the receiving row and each adjacent row, successively, function as an off-line storm water system.  EPA, in its November 2005 quidance document, "National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Urban Areas" states that off-line systems of this type prevent all of the total suspended solids (TSS) and other pollutant from exiting the site.

To restrict sediment from entering the StormChamber^® system, 3'-4' deep sumps should be used in all storm drain inlets.  Research has shown that shallow sumps are ineffective in sediment retention.  We also recommend installing a Snout at each storm drain inlet as an inexpensive and effective way to keep oils and debris out of the StormChamber^® system.

To see how this works, click on our animated video at the top right of this page.

For more information on how StormChambers help with water quality, see the article and report on the installation at Kure Beach, NC.