Any time precipitation accumulates, there is a risk of improper stormwater management. Because of this, every construction project has to factor water into the plan at every phase.
Pre-Construction
Before anyone breaks ground at a construction site, civil engineers perform extensive planning and surveying. Part of this process involves examining the current runoff patterns and considering the possibility of erosion. Depending on the size and potential levels of toxicity of the planned construct, civil engineers may also examine local natural waterways and wastewater systems to ensure areas downstream are not adversely affected.
During Construction
With good planning, there shouldn't be much to do regarding stormwater management during construction beyond ensuring that the stormwater pollution prevention plans are implemented correctly and all the necessary local laws are followed. Civil engineers often test the water management system at this phase as well to make sure everything is working as expected, as small details may need to be tweaked if other parts of the project change.
Post Construction
Even after a construction project is completed, stormwater management cannot be forgotten. Make sure you are following correct safety procedures and regularly checking to make sure erosion or standing water hasn't appeared on the property. As the area becomes older, some systems can break down, or nearby development might increase the likelihood of unexpected water displacement. Even if your project wasn't originally designed to handle stormwater, a civil engineer can help design post-construction plans to help prevent the risk of water damage in the future.
Don't let heavy precipitation stop you from making the most of your latest construction project. From small natural structures to huge non-absorbent parking lots, every man-made construct has the potential to alter the way stormwater flows. By predicting how the land will respond to more than a few drops of rain, you can prevent damages both to your property and to the areas downstream.