New construction of a multiple unit townhome complex that included several parking and patio areas was underway in an Atlanta suburb. Because it was surrounded by busy streets and heavy traffic, the small area of development generated large impermeable surfaces. There was a need to capture and detain considerable water runoff onsite. 

Based on the engineer’s calculations, the amount of rainfall and runoff from the large surfaces on the roof, deck and patio would have required the installation of a minimum of 13 dry wells for a total of 650 gallons of storage, but there just wasn’t enough real estate for dry wells, plus the installation process would quickly become both complex and expensive. The project’s civil engineer reached out to NDS DesignWorx for advice on a more ideal water detention system. 

PRODUCT DESIGN & NDS SUPPORT SAVES TIME, COSTS 

Given the constraints, NDS steered them toward something more space efficient and cost effective, and recommended a 7-unit StormChamber system that could capture slightly more volume as over a dozen dry wells. This approach would save money on stone, since much less would be required. Another added benefit is that it would shorten installation time because only a single pit would need to be dug, compared to one hole for each dry well. 

NDS developed a layout entailing a narrow, two-row system that would be placed beneath a parking lot. Once it was approved by the specifier, NDS was able to furnish product to the site immediately, even though other companies are still struggling with much larger lead times.

INSTALLATION PLAN KEPT PROJECT ON COURSE 

The DesignWorx team also came up with a plan where excavation, chamber placement and stone fill could be completed from one side of the hole. This meant the team didn’t need as much machinery or equipment, so installation occurred quickly and the general contractor could keep the rest of the project on schedule. 

With a number of other projects and tradespeople on the job in the same vicinity, the approach that NDS took was well received and appreciated by the contractor.