Storm Water Management

L.H. Tanner Construction:  Urges Residents, HOA’s and Municipalities to think ahead when it comes to stormwater management systems

L.H. Tanner Construction is a leader in drainage on the Space Coast and urges residents to think ahead when it comes to stormwater management systems. Proper drainage can save lives, livelihoods and property when disaster strikes. One of the most common causes of stormwater related flooding during or after a weather event is improperly maintained drainage infrastructure.

Though storms are not avoidable, flooding related to lousy drainage situations is. Proper drainage prevents water accumulation and allows the free flow of water. It also reduces the occurrence of soil erosion. Poor drainage plagues the Space Coast, but L.H. Tanner Construction can help prevent and minimize the problem.

Earlier this year, FEMA released updated local flood zone maps. Many Brevard locations that were currently in areas designated as “low risk” are now updated and considered “higher risk.” The designation change came on the heels of the 2017 storm season flooding related to Hurricane Irma and the tropical depression that followed. We encourage all Central Florida residents to review changes to the FEMA flood zone maps to see if they are now required to carry some form of flood insurance protection.

L.H. Tanner Construction has more than 30 years of experience working with municipalities, neighborhoods and HOAs, business owners, homeowners and state/federal contracts on stormwater management projects. L.H. Tanner has worked on projects of all sizes across Central Florida and understands the nuances of stormwater systems in this area.

Some of the most common factors for stormwater systemic failure include:

  • Undersized infrastructure (pipes, culverts, retention ponds)
  • Lack of regular maintenance that leads to clogged drain access
  • Overgrowth near drainage grates and pipes
  • Muck or “algae” blocking underwater drainage systems
  • Outdated infrastructure that has worn on broken over time

Learn more about drainage terms here.

Preventing Stormwater System Failure

So how can residents avoid stormwater system disasters? The first step is to check the property for signs of impending or current drainage failure. One telltale sign is erosion near drainage sites (this often indicates leaking within the system), grates or pipes. Keep an eye out for collapsing or cracking dirt and/or ground near drainage sites, grates or pipes. Slow draining, standing water after it rains, or retention pond, culvert or drainage ditch overflow are all signs of impending or current drainage failure. Though residents of organized communities don’t always have the ability to make decisions about neighborhood infrastructure, in many cases they do have some say so in deciding on placement of personal culverts, swales or even the grading of their land to prevent flooding.

The foundation of every home plays a vital role in the structure of the property. It is necessary it stays in the best shape possible with a focus on keeping water away foundation and the rest of the home in general.

Many images of the flooding after Hurricane Harvey that hit Texas, Hurricane Florence that hit North Carolina, and Hurricane Michael that hit Florida and Georgia were avoidable situations. Stormwater flow toward low-lying areas is natural, but proper drainage, water re-routing mechanisms and overflow systems can prevent damage caused by flooding in some cases.

As we move into the dry season in Florida, now is the ideal time to update, upgrade, replace or install stormwater management systems. With the peak of this year’s rainy season behind us, we are in a prime position to plan ahead and make changes for the 2019 storm season. Let L.H. Tanner Construction lend its expertise to strengthen, replace or create your effective stormwater system.

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