Retention and Detention Basins
Design and construction of retention and detention basins to temporarily store stormwater, reduce peak flow rates, and meet SFWMD and county stormwater management requirements across South Florida.
Retention and detention basins are essential components of comprehensive stormwater management systems. Our network of licensed contractors has the expertise to design and construct basins that effectively manage stormwater and comply with regulatory requirements.
Who This Service Is For
Retention and detention basin services are essential for developers, general contractors, subdivision developers, commercial property owners, and anyone developing properties that require stormwater management systems.
Whether you're developing a new subdivision, commercial complex, or any property requiring stormwater management, retention and detention basins are often required by regulatory agencies. We coordinate contractors with heavy equipment to design and construct basins that meet regulatory requirements.
Typical Project Sizes
Retention and detention basin projects typically range from $75,000 to $200,000 for smaller residential developments, and $200,000 to $500,000+ for large-scale commercial or subdivision projects depending on basin size, depth, overflow structures, and regulatory requirements.
What Retention and Detention Basin Construction Includes
Engineering Design
Design of retention and detention basins based on drainage requirements, flow rates, and regulatory standards. Design determines basin dimensions, depths, storage volumes, and overflow structures to meet SFWMD and county requirements.
Basin Excavation
Excavation of retention and detention basins to exact depths and dimensions specified in engineering drawings. Basin excavation creates proper storage volumes and depths for stormwater management.
Slope Construction
Construction of proper slopes for basin banks to ensure stability and prevent erosion. Slopes are typically 3:1 or 4:1 ratios, with proper grading to meet engineering specifications and regulatory requirements.
Overflow Structure Installation
Installation of overflow structures including weirs, risers, and outfall pipes to control water levels and discharge rates. Overflow structures ensure proper stormwater management and prevent basin overflow.
Inlet and Outlet Construction
Construction of inlets to receive stormwater runoff and outlets to discharge treated water. Inlet and outlet structures ensure proper water flow and treatment through retention and detention systems.
Erosion Control and Stabilization
Installation of erosion control measures including matting, vegetation, or riprap to protect basin banks from erosion. Erosion control ensures long-term basin stability and prevents sediment accumulation.
Retention vs. Detention Basins
Understanding the difference between retention and detention basins is important for stormwater management:
- Retention Basins: Retention basins maintain a permanent pool of water and provide both water quality treatment and flood control. Water is stored permanently and released slowly, allowing for natural treatment processes. Retention basins are often used for water quality improvement.
- Detention Basins: Detention basins are designed to temporarily store stormwater runoff and release it slowly to prevent flooding downstream. Detention basins are typically dry between storm events and fill during heavy rain, then discharge slowly over time.
- Design Differences: Retention basins require deeper excavation to maintain permanent water levels, while detention basins may be shallower with more storage volume. Both require proper overflow structures and inlet/outlet systems.
- Regulatory Requirements: Both retention and detention basins must meet SFWMD and county requirements for stormwater management. Design requirements vary based on watershed size, impervious surface area, and local regulations.
South Florida Basin Construction Considerations
Retention and detention basin construction in South Florida requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:
- SFWMD Permits: Basin construction typically requires SFWMD environmental resource permits for land disturbance and stormwater management. Permits ensure compliance with water management district requirements and may require specific design features.
- High Water Table: South Florida's high water table affects basin excavation depth and may require dewatering systems. Water table conditions determine basin design and may affect retention basin water levels.
- Stormwater Management Requirements: Basins must meet county and SFWMD requirements for stormwater treatment and flood control. Design requirements include storage volumes, treatment capabilities, and discharge rates based on watershed characteristics.
- Overflow Structure Design: Overflow structures must be designed to handle design storm events and prevent basin overflow. Structures include weirs, risers, and outfall pipes sized for proper discharge rates.
- Erosion Control: Basin banks require proper erosion control to prevent sediment accumulation and maintain basin function. Erosion control measures include matting, vegetation, or riprap based on design requirements.
- Maintenance Access: Basins require maintenance access for sediment removal, vegetation management, and structure maintenance. Access roads and maintenance areas must be included in basin design.
The Basin Construction Process
Our coordinated approach ensures your retention or detention basin is constructed properly and meets all regulatory requirements:
- Engineering Design: We coordinate with engineers to design retention and detention basins that meet drainage requirements and regulatory standards. Design determines basin dimensions, depths, storage volumes, and overflow structures.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required SFWMD and county permits for basin construction and coordinate with regulatory agencies. Permits ensure compliance with stormwater management requirements.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (excavators, bulldozers, compactors) and experience for basin excavation and construction.
- Basin Excavation: Contractors perform excavation to exact depths and dimensions, creating proper storage volumes. Excavation establishes basin shape and prepares areas for overflow structure installation.
- Slope Construction: Basin banks are graded to proper slopes (typically 3:1 or 4:1) to ensure stability and prevent erosion. Slope construction meets engineering specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Overflow Structure Installation: Overflow structures including weirs, risers, and outfall pipes are installed to control water levels and discharge rates. Structures ensure proper stormwater management and prevent basin overflow.
- Erosion Control and Final Inspection: Erosion control measures are installed, and final inspections ensure basins meet regulatory requirements. Basins are ready for operation after final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between retention and detention basins?
Retention basins maintain a permanent pool of water and provide both water quality treatment and flood control, while detention basins temporarily store stormwater and release it slowly. Retention basins are typically deeper with permanent water, while detention basins are designed to fill during storms and drain between events. Both serve important stormwater management functions.
Do I need SFWMD permits for basin construction?
Yes, retention and detention basin construction typically requires SFWMD environmental resource permits for land disturbance and stormwater management. Permits ensure compliance with water management district requirements and may require specific design features. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
How much does basin construction cost?
Basin construction costs vary based on basin size, depth, overflow structures, and regulatory requirements. Typical residential developments range from $75,000 to $200,000, while large-scale commercial or subdivision projects can range from $200,000 to $500,000+ depending on scope. Factors affecting cost include excavation volume, overflow structure complexity, and erosion control requirements.
How deep do retention and detention basins need to be?
Basin depths vary based on design requirements for storage volume and stormwater management. Retention basins typically require deeper excavation to maintain permanent water levels, while detention basins may be shallower with more storage volume. Depths are specified in engineering designs based on watershed characteristics and regulatory requirements.
How long does basin construction take?
Basin construction timelines vary based on basin size, depth, and regulatory requirements. Typical projects take 4-8 weeks depending on scope, with additional time for permit processing. Weather conditions, especially during South Florida's rainy season, can affect timelines. We coordinate with contractors to complete projects efficiently.
Service Locations
We coordinate retention and detention basin construction across all of South Florida. Select your location to learn more about stormwater management services in your area: