Underground Detention Systems

When managing stormwater on modern construction and development sites, space is often the most limited resource. Underground detention systems provide a powerful solution capturing, storing, and slowly releasing stormwater runoff while preserving valuable surface area for buildings, parking, or landscaping.

From commercial developments to municipal infrastructure projects, our systems balance hydraulic performance, compliance, and long-term reliability.

The Purpose of Underground Detention

Stormwater detention systems temporarily store runoff during and after rainfall events, reducing peak discharge rates to protect downstream waterways and infrastructure. Traditional above-ground detention ponds are effective but can consume large portions of usable land.

By placing the system underground, developers can:

• Reclaim surface space for parking lots, buildings, or recreation areas.
• Maintain the required detention volume for NPDES and local stormwater permits.
• Integrate seamlessly with permeable pavement, biofiltration, or other BMPs.
• Reduce visible stormwater infrastructure while meeting environmental goals.

Red River Storm Water’s underground detention solutions provide flexible, high-capacity storage systems that adapt to your site’s space constraints and compliance requirements.

Our Underground Detention Services

We deliver complete turnkey detention system services from early-stage feasibility and design through installation, inspection, and maintenance. Every project is engineered for compliance, efficiency, and longevity.

Design & Engineering

Our design team develops site-specific systems that align with project drainage patterns, local hydrology, and regulatory requirements.

• Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to determine detention volume and flow rates.
• Comparison of subsurface system options (chambered, pipe, or vault).
• Integration with NPDES and local post-construction stormwater requirements.
• Pre-treatment and outlet control design for sediment management.
• CAD drawings, flow routing calculations, and construction documentation for permitting.

We ensure every system satisfies both peak flow attenuation and water quality volume (WQV) mandates while maintaining structural integrity under surface loads.

System Types We Install

We provide several types of underground detention configurations, each suited to specific site conditions and budget considerations:

• Plastic Chamber Systems: Lightweight, modular, and cost-effective for large-scale developments.
• Concrete Vault Systems: High-strength, long-lasting, and ideal for urban or high-traffic areas.
• Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) Systems: Proven and flexible, easily configured for variable footprints.
• Modular Block or Cube Systems: High-storage-density units suitable for constrained urban sites.

Each system is designed to handle site-specific flow conditions and comply with EPA and state environmental requirements.

Installation & Construction Oversight

Proper installation is critical to long-term performance. Our field teams provide full construction oversight to ensure each system meets engineering specifications.

• Excavation and subgrade preparation with geotechnical verification.
• Installation of geotextiles, chambers, and conveyance piping.
• Backfill compaction testing and surface restoration.
• Integration with inlet/outlet control structures and monitoring systems.
• As-built documentation and photographic verification for compliance records.

Red River Storm Water coordinates closely with general contractors, civil engineers, and local regulators to keep installation efficient and compliant.

Maintenance & Inspection

Once installed, underground detention systems require periodic inspection to prevent sediment buildup and maintain storage capacity. Our certified inspectors provide ongoing compliance support, including:

• Sediment and debris removal.
• Inspection of inlet/outlet structures and flow control devices.
• Camera or confined-space inspections for internal condition assessments.
• Maintenance documentation and inspection logs for NPDES and local reporting.

We tailor maintenance programs to meet each jurisdiction’s inspection intervals—typically annual or post-storm event requirements.

Compliance You Can Trust

Underground detention systems are subject to strict performance and reporting requirements under federal and state stormwater programs. Red River Storm Water ensures that every project meets:

• EPA NPDES post-construction stormwater regulations.
• Local municipal stormwater design manuals and MS4 ordinances.
• State-specific stormwater quality volume (WQV) and detention criteria.
• Regional soil, seismic, and groundwater standards.

We provide complete as-built drawings, maintenance manuals, and inspection templates to streamline ongoing compliance and ensure your project remains audit-ready.

Integration With Other Stormwater Controls

Underground detention rarely operates in isolation. It’s part of a complete stormwater strategy. We integrate detention systems with other BMPs to provide comprehensive water quality and quantity management:

• Pretreatment BMPs such as sediment forebays or hydrodynamic separators.
• Permeable pavement systems for infiltration and filtration.
• Biofiltration / Bioretention systems for pollutant removal.
• SWPPP documentation and inspection programs for regulatory tracking.

This systems-based approach ensures consistent compliance across every phase of construction and long-term site operation.

Advantages of Underground Detention

Beyond regulatory necessity, underground detention delivers tangible project benefits:

Operational Advantages:

• Maximizes usable surface space for development or parking.
• Reduces flooding and downstream erosion risk.
• Protects infrastructure from peak flow damage.
• Compatible with phased construction and redevelopment projects.

Environmental & Aesthetic Benefits:

• Enhances sustainability by controlling runoff volume and rate.
• Reduces pollutant discharge into receiving waters.
• Minimizes visual impact compared to open ponds or basins.
• Supports green building certification and low-impact design goals.

By combining form, function, and compliance, underground detention represents a smarter, cleaner way to manage stormwater in today’s built environment.

Build Responsibly. Build With Confidence.

Stormwater management doesn’t have to come at the expense of space, design, or efficiency. With Red River Storm Water’s underground detention systems, you can meet your project’s regulatory obligations while maximizing site functionality and minimizing environmental impact.

Our certified experts handle every step from design and permitting to construction and maintenance, ensuring complete compliance and long-term performance.

Contact Red River Storm Water today to discuss your underground detention needs and learn how we can help you build a compliant, efficient, and sustainable stormwater system.