Civil Engineering · Engineering Glossary
Stormwater management encompasses the planning, design, and permitting of systems that control the quantity and quality of rainfall runoff from developed sites. Local and state regulations require stormwater management plans that limit runoff rates, treat pollutants, and protect downstream waterways.
New development typically disturbs natural drainage patterns and increases imperviousness, generating more runoff at faster rates than pre-development conditions. Stormwater management regulations require developers to maintain or restore pre-development runoff rates through detention, retention, or LID measures. In many jurisdictions, water quality treatment is also required — removing sediment, nutrients, oil, and grease through bioretention cells, constructed wetlands, filtration systems, or vegetated swales. NPDES construction general permits from the EPA require stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) for most sites over one acre. Apex Grid prepares stormwater management plans and SWPPPs where project-specific credentials and authorization are verified.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid's licensed PEs provide civil engineering services across multiple jurisdictions — with fast quote turnaround and permit-ready documents.
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