Storm water install complete

Our excavator completed the install of the storm water management system today. With final inspection paperwork complete, we can move on from this task  and focus on building the actual structure. We have agreed to try some more innovative approaches in our next project in an attempt to reduce cost. Given the complexities involved with these installs, very few contractors want to bother with them. The specialized labour involved can be extremely costly and the risk of overruns is high. It is always a relief to complete this part of the  job. 

These catch basins are installed at the correct grade and the survey crew has approved the location. Now they become a landscaping challenge for later. 

Storm water install

The requirement to manage storm water is becoming increasingly burdensome as the city ratchets the requirements upward. For this project we are using four 1.2 m diameter manholes with a capacity of about ten cubic meters. They are interconnected and eventually discharge to the city storm water system in the street. Fees involve a $4000 civil engineering cost, and nearly $3000 in cost to pay off the city. Supplies are in the $10000 range and install is another $10000. It often appears dubious if these systems actually function as intended.  The last system we installed appeared to never have any water in the storage vessel.

This is the first manhole located in the visitor parking stall. It is piped into the basement where a sump pump will have to pump water slightly uphill to the front yard where the three manholes contain water and discharge it slowly into the street. 

Here a massive hole saw is used to core the manholes. 

Here the sewer line is in the process of being installed from the basent to the property line. This is inspected by the city prior to covering it. The pipe spec and fill material are strictly controlled. 

Storm water catchment

Our excavator began delivery of the manhole material to be used as storm water catchment vessels. Install of the manholes will require excavation of the front and rear yards. 

Backfill is also ready to begin around the entire foundation.