CAI-NJ Dec. 2019 (w) (1)

Understanding the Ins and Outs of STORM WATER MANAGEMENT! By David Chesky, PRA, RS, The Falcon Group

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S torm water management is a system or systems designed to purposely direct storm water and control the flow and velocity to protect natural and man-made structures. The system includes such features as inlets, berms, retention, and detention basins. Each system requires proper planning and installation along with regular inspections and maintenance. Storm water management in a community association is typically designed based upon the use of gravity to direct water away from buildings and/or low lying areas through sheet-flow and open channel flow (swales) toward storm sewer drain inlets, which transport the storm water through a system of pipes to detention basins, open bodies of water, and other areas where water can be safely stored

and discharged into the groundwater or off-site drainage systems in a controlled manner.

Swales & Berms – The Highs and Lows A swale is a low tract of land, especially one that is moist or marshy, either man-made or naturally occurring, acting as natures filter. This is achieved by spreading the water horizontally across the landscape, facilitating runoff infiltration into the soil and directing runoff into drainage structures. A berm is a level space, shelf, or raised barrier sepa- rating two areas. Berms are typically used in residential construction to control erosion and sedimentation by reduc- ing the rate of surface runoff. The berms either reduce the CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 38

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