Today, just about every land development project requires storm water management.  Storm water discharges are generated by runoff from land and impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops during rainfall and snow events.  

In addition to an increase in the potential for downstream flooding, storm water discharges often contain pollutants in quantities that could adversely affect water quality.  Rainfall flows across impermeable surfaces picking up oil, trash and other pollutants, and then they are quickly discharged into low-lying areas, lakes and rivers.  To control the flooding and pollution issues that are inherent in storm water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") and other regulatory agencies have developed regulations that require all or a portion of storm water to be managed on site. 

Storm water management is a high priority for local communities, particularly in urban/suburban areas.  The best way to mitigate storm water impacts from new developments is the use of practices to treat, store, and infiltrate runoff onsite before it can affect water bodies downstream.

Traditional storm water management has been accomplished with detention ponds and basins, bioretention areas, infiltration islands, and numerous other “land-intensive” strategies.  With the dramatic rise in land costs in recent years, managing storm water discharge has become a major challenge to developers who are looking to find a cost-effective way to handle the storm water discharge.

For more than 12 years, Pinnacle Design/Build has designed and built retaining walls and erosion control systems, many of which have served in traditional storm water control systems.  Guided by our experience and knowledge of storm water control issues and our goal to provide a better solution for storm water management, Pinnacle Design/Build has partnered with GeoStorge Corp. in the development of the GeoStorage Stormwater Detention System.

The GeoStorage Storm Water Detention System ("GeoStorage™") is a below grade chamber with a stabilized porous perimeter and a pre-stressed concrete roof which is supported by both the perimeter and supports in the chamber.  The GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System uses a geosynthetic liner to prevent the passage of particulate matter into the porous perimeter and the chamber. 

What are the benefits of the GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System?

The GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System was developed based upon, in part, extensive research of the EPA which concluded that underground structures are a more convenient and economical solution because water can be temporarily stored underground before being released to a storm sewer or back into the surrounding soil to recharge the groundwater. 

The GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System allows for a smaller footprint and maximum design flexibility.   The GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System utilizes AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) standards, which, in most cases, allows GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System to be located under parking lots, streets, or parks.  The pre-stressed, reinforced concrete slab ceiling of the  GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System can easily handle HS-20 loadings.

Through our innovative design, the GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System costs less compared to land-intensive, traditional storm water control systems.  Large, deep underground storage chambers are constructed with open-graded stone which eliminates pore pressures and provides additional storage capacity.  Capacity can be adapted to fit the required depth and footprint via adjustment to column placement and height.  The efficiency of the GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System reduces costs and the size of excavation. 

Installation of the GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System is typically faster than traditional storm water retention systems.

GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention Systems are constructed with materials that are more durable than those used in plastic and metal pipes systems, thus providing lower maintenance costs to the developer.  Large,  open chambers allow for easy access and maintenance (periodic removal of trash and organic debris).  GeoStorage™ is the only system which allows for the inspection and replacement of clogged filter fabric.

The GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System yields fewer safety considerations when compared to above grade dry and wet retention systems and virtually eliminates all mosquito control concerns.

The GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System contributes to satisfying credit achievements of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System™.  The  GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System aids in reducing truck traffic to the construction site, reduces the amount of excavation and potential off-site hauling from the construction site, and provides a reusable water supply with a water tight system.

The GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System is ideal for commercial properties, industrial development, infrastructure applications, airports, schools, and sports facilities.

The culminating benefit is the single-source delivery of the GeoStorage™ Storm Water Detention System by Pinnacle Design/Build, one of the nation’s leading geotechnical subcontractors specializing in the design and construction of retaining wall and erosion control systems.  We differentiate ourselves from others in the marketplace by providing a fully integrated package of engineering design, construction, and quality manufactured products.  This turnkey approach delivers single source accountability, enhanced efficiency, and shortened project duration.