Modular crate, vault, and chamber suppliers for underground stormwater detention, retention, and infiltration.

    Find a Modular Detention & Retention Provider

    Matched providers: 9

    Top countries: United Kingdom, India

    Popular technologies: Acid Dosing Systems, Alkali Dosing Systems

    Modular Underground Detention Systems: Hydraulic Design, Structural Loading, and Installation

    Modular underground detention systems use interlocking polypropylene or HDPE crates, cells, or arch units installed below ground to attenuate stormwater runoff and reduce peak discharge rates to greenfield equivalent levels (typically 2 to 5 L per s per hectare). Attenuation volume is calculated from the runoff hydrograph for the critical storm event (1-in-100 year, or as specified by the drainage authority) using the Wallingford procedure, SuDS Calculator, or InfoDrainage software. Void ratio of modular crate systems: 95 to 97 percent (high porosity, water storage per m3 of installed system). Installed depth: typically 1.0 to 4.0 m below finished ground level, with minimum 300 mm cover for untrafficked areas and 600 mm to 1,000 mm for trafficked surfaces.

    Structural loading requirements govern system selection. Crate systems must withstand design vertical load: 25 kN per m2 for car parks (in accordance with EN 1991-1-1 imposed loads), 125 kN per m2 for HGV areas, and up to 200 kN per m2 for aircraft pavements. Load testing certification (by independent structural engineer) per CIRIA C737 or manufacturer's structural design certificate must be verified for the specific depth of cover and pavement type. Geotextile wrap (typically 150 to 200 g per m2 non-woven PP, permeability greater than 10 to the -4 m per s) contains the crate structure and prevents migration of fines into the storage void while allowing water infiltration or outflow through a perforated outlet pipe.

    Design and regulatory compliance: Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) requirements in England and Wales (NPPF and PPG) require underground detention systems to meet the required attenuation volume with an empty system at the start of the storm (not accounting for partial pre-filling from antecedent conditions). Outlets are typically designed as orifice control (calibrated orifice plate or throttle pipe, diameter 50 to 150 mm) achieving the target discharge rate. Bypass overflow (connecting to sewer or surface water) handles flows exceeding storage capacity during extreme events. Installation quality control includes: geotextile damage inspection, crate alignment (maximum 5 mm step between units), backfill compaction (maximum 300 mm layers, compaction to 95 percent modified Proctor), and video survey of internal access pipes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How is the storage volume of a modular detention tank calculated?

    Storage volume is calculated to attenuate design storm runoff to the permitted discharge rate. Method (simplified): (1) Define the critical storm event (typically 1-in-100 year with climate change allowance of 30 to 40 percent uplift per UK Flood Risk Assessment guidance); (2) Calculate inflow volume using rational method (Q = CIA, where C is runoff coefficient, I is rainfall intensity in m per s, A is catchment area) or from hydrograph analysis; (3) Calculate outflow volume over the storm duration at the permitted discharge rate (greenfield runoff rate, typically 2 to 5 L per s per ha); (4) Volume required = inflow volume minus outflow volume at the critical storm balance point; (5) Apply 10 to 20 percent freeboard contingency. For a 1 ha commercial catchment with 1-in-100 year 100 mm critical storm (Wallingford): inflow volume approximately 900 m3, outflow (at 5 L per s per ha = 5 L per s over 6 hours): 108 m3; storage required approximately 792 m3 net volume.

    What is the difference between detention and retention in stormwater management?

    Detention (attenuation) stores runoff temporarily during the storm event and releases it slowly after the storm, reducing peak discharge rate but not reducing runoff volume. Designed to release all stored water between storms (typically within 24 to 48 hours); the tank is empty and ready for the next storm event. Retention (infiltration basin or soakaway) stores runoff and allows it to infiltrate to ground, reducing both peak discharge and total runoff volume. Feasibility depends on ground permeability: infiltration rate above 10 to the -5 m per s (sandy or gravelly soil) is suitable for soakaways; clay or rock soils require conveyance to water body or sewer. Hybrid systems (detention with partial infiltration, overflow to sewer or water body) are common where ground permeability is moderate. UK CIRIA SuDS Manual C753 categorises these as attenuation (detention) and infiltration (retention) SuDS components with different design procedures.

    How long do modular underground detention systems last?

    Polypropylene modular crate systems have design service lives of 50-plus years based on material properties, structural certification, and proper installation. Manufacturer structural warranties are typically 25 to 30 years. Key durability factors: PP and HDPE are inert to most soil environments (no corrosion, no biological degradation under soil-contact conditions), resistant to dilute acids and alkalis in stormwater; UV degradation is irrelevant for buried installations. Geotextile wrap (PP non-woven): 50-plus year service life when buried (UV degradation is the primary failure mode for geotextiles, which is absent underground). Outlet control structure (concrete manhole or HDPE chamber): 50 to 80 years. CCTV inspection inside accessible chambers and along perforated pipes is recommended at 5 to 10 year intervals to check for siltation, debris accumulation, and structural condition.

    What permits are needed for an underground detention system?

    Permits and approvals required vary by jurisdiction and discharge destination. UK: (1) Local planning authority drainage approval - Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and Environment Agency review drainage strategy and attenuation design as material planning conditions; (2) If discharge is to an ordinary watercourse: consent from Lead Local Flood Authority; (3) If discharge is to a main river: consent from Environment Agency; (4) If discharge is to sewer: agreement with the sewerage undertaker (Section 104 agreement under Water Industry Act 1991 for adoption); (5) CDM regulations apply (construction design and management), requiring structural engineering sign-off on tank design for buried loads. US: MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) stormwater permit compliance; state and local stormwater management regulations (vary by state); Engineer of Record stamp on structural design drawings. Adoption by utility/authority requires standard inspection and test protocol completion.

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    HomeDirectoryReuse, Recovery & StormwaterModular Detention & Retention Companies

    Reuse, Recovery & Stormwater

    Modular Detention & Retention Companies

    Modular crate, vault, and chamber suppliers for underground stormwater detention, retention, and infiltration.

    9 providers

    This page is a good fit if you need:

    • Acid Dosing Systems or Alkali Dosing Systems capabilities
    • Suppliers with asset maintenance & rehabilitation sector experience
    • Providers operating in United Kingdom or India
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    Find a Modular Detention & Retention Provider

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    Ecosystems International logo

    Ecosystems International

    Verified
    Indonesia51-200 employees
    Flat Sheet Microfiltration Units · Hollow Fiber MF Systems · Ceramic Microfiltration Modules +80 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    PT Ecosystems International (PT ESI) was established at Jakarta on 21st November 2006. We are an industrial effluent treatment systems integrator specializing in electrocoagulation (EC), a unique waste water treatment profile. PT ESI has capabilities in designing complete waste water treatment solutions by combining various effluent treatment systems such as the electro-coagulation, biological, chemical processes and membrane filtration, offering its customers a wide and comprehensive range of solutions, tailored to suit their various needs – ranging from basic effluent treatment for discharge to effluent recycling for water reuse. The Company is experienced in handling the design, engineering, procurement, construction and operation of new Effluent Treatment Plants (“ETP”) and possesses expertise in retrofitting existing ETP to increase the flow rate and treatment capability without any major infrastructure increase PT ESI is also a premier waste water treatment service company specializing in handling waste water generated from Exploration (Drilling) and Produced Water. Customers in Indonesia include major Oil & Gas companies such as Pertamina, Exxon, Chevron, Petro-China and Medco. Operations in Indonesia are provided by both mobile and fixed units. At drill sites where waste-water recycling is required, PT ESI supplement these treatment units with skid mounted mobile Reverse Osmosis systems. The technologies and solutions employed by PT ESI are developed in-house and examples of these are its proprietary Trident™ Electro Contaminant Removal (“ECR”) system, the Stage Contaminant Removal (“SCR”) process and Mobile On-Site Waste-Water Treatment (“OWT”) units

    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    Multi-media Filtration (MMF) Systems
    +63 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
    Brine Consulting logo

    Brine Consulting

    Verified
    Netherlands1-50 employees
    Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) · Atmospheric Evaporator · Spray Evaporator +130 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    BRINE CONSULTING delivers senior-level strategy, technical design, and actionable insight across the full lifecycle of water-related challenges. We support clients with advisory and due diligence, advanced brine management and resource recovery, industrial and municipal water reuse, and MLD/ZLD systems. Our team also leads ESG and climate-resilience strategy, innovation scouting, and international development and PPP advisory. With deep specialization in desalination, brine valorization, circular economy models, and high-impact infrastructure, we help organizations turn water and waste streams into opportunities, providing clear thinking, rapid delivery, and solutions built for real-world results.

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    +85 more
    manufacturing
    energy-production
    Devram International logo

    Devram International

    Verified
    India1-50 employees
    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters · Fixed Bed Activated Carbon Adsorbers · Powdered MOF Adsorbent Systems +19 more
    apac · mea

    DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL, headquartered in Surat, India, is a pioneering enterprise specializing in Snow and Rainwater Management with advanced contamination reduction abilities for storage and artificial groundwater recharge. Established as the commercial wing of Shree Someshwar Education Trust (SSET), DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL is driven by a mission to provide tech-enabled, nature-based solutions that address the world’s most pressing water and climate challenges. The company’s work integrates Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles and contributes across the source-to-sea water management cycle, ensuring holistic restoration of the global water cycle. Its innovative portfolio includes rainwater harvesting systems, stormwater management, aquifer recharge, artificial glaciers, desert trenches, rooftop water filtration, and green infrastructure models. These interventions directly reduce salinity in soils and aquifers, restore ecological balance, and enhance resilience to droughts, floods, and climate change. As the commercial promoter of the Global Rainwater Management Program (GRMP), DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL advances the vision of GRMP as a Global Common Minimum Program (GCMP) for nations and international bodies. GRMP demonstrates how rainwater and snowwater retention can restore entire natural cycles, while delivering unmatched benefits across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Alignment with the SDGs • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By reducing soil salinity, supporting organic farming, and ensuring water availability for agriculture, GRMP safeguards food security. • SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): DEVRAM’s recharge structures and contamination reduction technologies guarantee safe, sustainable drinking water for communities. • SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy): By reducing dependency on energy-intensive desalination, GRMP lowers national energy bills and improves hydropower capacity. • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): DEVRAM integrates nature-based water infrastructure with industrial operations, reducing OPEX and water footprints. • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Through stormwater management and aquifer recharge, GRMP mitigates urban flooding and secures municipal supplies. • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production): Promotes a circular water economy, reusing wastewater, biogas from organic waste, and aligning with industrial CSR. • SDG 13 (Climate Action): By lowering GHG emissions and cooling local climates through water cycle restoration, GRMP strengthens resilience to global warming. • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Free-flowing rivers, improved aquaculture, and reduced dam-related aquatic pollution support marine and freshwater ecosystems. • SDG 15 (Life on Land): DEVRAM’s interventions restore wetlands, mangroves, peatlands, and biodiversity-rich ecosystems, addressing land degradation. • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The company actively collaborates with UN agencies, governments, World Bank programs, and private investors to scale GRMP globally. Founders and Leadership Dhaval Pandya, Co-Founder of DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL and CEO of SSET, is a globally recognized sustainability leader. He co-developed the Global Rainwater Management Program (GRMP), recognized by the United Nations Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the Government of India. As a Technical Committee Member (WRD03) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), he contributes to national water policy frameworks. His work is featured in UNCCD IWRM Action Hub and global forums like COP, Stockholm World Water Week, and World Bank SDG reviews. Manalika Pandya, Co-Founder, plays a critical role in embedding social, gender, and educational dimensions into GRMP. Her focus on women empowerment, local capacity building, and community-driven adoption ensures the program’s sustainability at the grassroots. Impact and Recognition DEVRAM INTERNATIONAL has piloted groundbreaking projects such as: Kawas Village (Gujarat, India): A GRMP model village achieving self-reliance in water, organic farming, and biogas, while resolving conflicts with industries. Delhi’s Water Paradox (Figshare Study): Shows how GRMP can solve megacity water crises without costly desalination or dams. GSECL Surat Project: Demonstrates reduced industrial water costs through GRMP recharge planning, aligning profitability with SDG and ESG goals. These projects show GRMP’s potential to reduce industrial and municipal water supply costs by up 60%, avoid massive investments in desalination and dams, and enable nations to achieve water sovereignty. Core Competencies • Rainwater & Snowwater Harvesting • Artificial Groundwater Recharge & Salinity Reduction • Stormwater Management & Urban Flood Control • Transboundary Water Cooperation • IWRM & Source-to-Sea Water Governance • AI-Enabled Hydrological Modelling & Policy Analytics • Environmental Services Restoration (Wetlands, Mangroves, Peatlands) • Circular Economy.

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters
    Multi-media Filtration (MMF) Systems
    +25 more
    manufacturing
    utilities
    Marshalls Civils & Drainage logo

    Marshalls Civils & Drainage

    United Kingdom

    Marshalls Civils & Drainage is a precast concrete business with a difference as innovation and diversification is the key to its success, a market leading manufacturer of concrete products specializing in concrete drainage products including pipes, manholes and gullies. The Marshalls Off-Site solutions team offers a diverse range of cost and time saving products that are designed, engineering and manufactured off-site under factory conditions, these include modular walls, platforms and tank systems, preformed manholes and bases and watertight sealed manholes and a range of bespoke precast products. The Redi-Rock retaining wall system is an ingenious, space saving solution for the retention of earth for a wide range of retaining, force protection, landscaping and flood protection applications. Marshalls specialist precast concentrates on producing high quality elements which provide the best value for customers producing goods like spillway blocks, beams, stairs and terraces, reinforced panels and bespoke products to your specification. The environmental team developed a range of solutions for water management including harvesting, storage, flow control and treatment. Concrete has many advantages over other materials for storage of water and Marshalls has maximised the benefits producing systems for collecting and storing rainwater and grey water.

    Site Preparation
    Designers
    AUMA Actuators Limited logo

    AUMA Actuators Limited

    United Kingdom

    Based in Clevedon, near Bristol, North Somerset, AUMA Actuators Limited is the UK subsidiary of the global AUMA Reister GmbH and Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of electric valve actuators, operating on every continent, with 2,300 employees in 30 locations. AUMA Actuators Limited is the UK arm of global manufacturer AUMA Reister GmbH, manufacturing daily over 500 electric actuators for valves, penstocks and dampers. A trusted supplier to the UK water and wastewater industry, AUMA holds supply and maintenance frameworks with all major UK water companies. With a UK-based team of experts and a £2.5 million inventory held locally, AUMA ensures rapid response and fast-track call-off for urgent project requirements. AUMA provides electric actuators – including variable speed, explosion-proof and underwater variants – plus gearboxes for flow control across water and wastewater networks, backed by comprehensive service, maintenance, and support tailored to the specific needs of the UK water sector. Key Products • SQ and SA part and multi-turn actuators for Class A and B operation, torques from 10 Nm to 32,000 Nm extendable to 675,000 Nm with optional gearboxes. • SQR and SAR modulating actuators provide Class C control up to 1500 starts/hr. Torques from 15 Nm to 2,400 Nm depending on model chosen. • SQV and SAV variable speed actuators provide accurate close control of valve position and flow rate, with soft-open and soft-close ability that protect ageing assets while retaining speed of operation and emergency functions. Tripping torques from 10 Nm to 1000 Nm. Modulating versions SQRV and SARV are also available • Profox – compact actuators for part- and multi-turn applications – easy to set up, reliable and tough, for torque ranges up to 600 Nm (part turn) and 100 Nm (multi-turn) For explosive atmospheres, AUMA actuators are available with full ATEX certification. Please ask us for details. AUMA equipment is built for the digital world. Full Fieldbus integration, the ability to integrate and consolidate other plant signals and bidirectional control makes AUMA an ideal project partner, while the modular approach and versatile configuration of AUMA equipment makes it ideal when you are considering automation of existing assets.

    Reservoirs - Treated Water
    Accreditations
    FLI Precast Solutions logo

    FLI Precast Solutions

    United Kingdom

    FLI Precast Solutions (formerly FLI Carlow) provide design, engineering and manufacturing services for the off-site manufacture of specialist concrete infrastructure and attenuation systems. Our markets include Water, Wastewater, Energy and Storm Attenuation in the UK & Ireland and bespoke projects globally. SERVICES INCLUDE Design, engineering and manufacturing services for the off-site manufacture of specialist concrete infrastructure and attenuation systems. Design to national and international water industry standards and our semi-precast modular designs make us the industry leader in off-site concrete engineering and manufacture. By early involvement and integrating with our clients’ design teams we can accelerate and improve design optimisation and reduce cost. The value is in the solution, and off-site manufacturing and fabrication leads to higher efficiencies and lower risks and costs. Framework agreements enable us to add more value through collaboration, innovation, economies of scale, supply chain partnering and cost management. Our products and designs are engineered to provide solutions to many challenges facing our clients: water retention, water storage, water conveyancing, water management, water treatment, fire-resistance criteria, chemical resistance parameters, infrastructural products, retaining walls, coastal erosion, decorative walls, to name a few. We are a solutions provider using innovative off-site concrete engineering and our industry leading semi-precast modular designs. The company is part of the FLI Group which is a diversified group of companies providing environmental solutions, services and technologies to private and public sector customers in the UK, France, Ireland and throughout the world. PRODUCTS INCLUDE Service reservoirs Process settlement tanks (PST / HST / FST / etc) Storm & attenuation tanks (network or site based) Process structures (ASP / TSR / GAC / RGF / etc) MCC service foundations Bund wall system Chambers Channel & lids Comms chambers Multi-purpose chambers Bespoke culverts Holding tanks Barriers Demountable fence supports (international airport approved) Ballast blocks Dry flow channelling Foundation bases Blast fence supports

    Precast Concrete
    Concrete Works
    Siltbuster Group logo

    Siltbuster Group

    United Kingdom

    Established for over 20 years, the Siltbuster Limited provides rapidly deployable, “modular off the shelf” water treatment solutions to the construction, industrial and municipal markets, with a client base ranging from the world’s most recognisable multi-national corporations to small enterprises. Siltbuster provides a wide range of water and wastewater treatment equipment for the industrial and municipal markets, including: Packaged lamella dissolved air flotation (DAF) units. Lamella clarifiers. Packaged biological treatment systems. Oil/water separators. Pipe flocculators. Reaction tanks. Containerised dosing systems. In the UK, Siltbuster has pioneered the concept of offering this plant through our extensive hire fleet. Approximately 20 major contracts and circa 50 smaller projects are undertaken each year for a diverse range of clients, many of which are some of the UK’s best-known companies. In addition to the industrial/municipal sector, Siltbuster has undertaken a number of mine water treatment projects in many countries, for example, the UK, Ireland, Greece, France, USA, Canada, Australia and Slovakia. The Siltbuster team pride themselves in their ability to react rapidly and in compliance with the project constraints, delivering mobile or permanent solutions tailored to meet your individual needs.

    Treatment Process Technologies
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Technocover Ltd logo

    Technocover Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Technocover is an approved ISO 14001:2004 Environmental and ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accredited Company, dedicated to the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Physical Security Access Solutions for protection to all industrial sectors. Our extensive in-house design and manufacturing facilities are home to well established research and development unit and comprehensive testing facility. Our commercial offices incorporate our design team who utilise the latest computer aided design technology and work alongside our dedicated planning section who oversee everything from surveying, scheduling and contract reviews, to the management of framework agreements. We have been designing and manufacturing innovative steel products since 1993. In that time, through organic growth, planned expansion and acquisition, we have gained a reputation as the UK’s leading supplier of Physical Steel Security Access Products. We have a range of aperture security solutions for virtually every application, establishments in the UK and overseas have sought our expertise in providing security products for asset protection. We operate a Total Service Philosophy and can handle complete projects from site survey to final installation, whether for new or refurbishing projects, the adaptability of our galvanised steel access products means the most complex design criteria can be met. Our range of high quality access products offer custom built operational and security solutions to prevent unauthorised persons gaining access, securing key assets against all levels of trespass, malicious vandalism, theft, extortion, contamination or terrorism. Many of our access system products have been tested and approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)  to LPS 1175 issue 5 or above, Security Rating Levels 2, 3, 4 or 5. Frameworks We hold both exclusive and shared framework agreements with most of the major UK water companies. Framework Security items include: LPCB Level 2 Universal Gas Cylinder Clamps LPCB Level 3 Mesh Cage Systems LPCB Level 3 Flush Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Upstand Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Padlockable Access Doors LPCB Level 4 Key Entry Doors LPCB Level 4 Enclosures/Kiosks/Cabinets LPCB Level 4 Walk-In Modular Buildings LPCB Level 4 Window Bar Sets LPCB Level 5 Louvres

    Security Solutions
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd logo

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd provide a wide spectrum of engineering services ranging from steel fabrication and CNC machining to cladding and civil engineering, with our highly experienced team we provide on-time, on-budget quality solutions. From our bases in Forres and Fort William, and a team accustomed to travel we can meet our client’s needs wherever required. Having worked on various water and wastewater treatment projects for the past 25 years we have developed a great working relationship with water companies across the UK. Our in-house capabilities allow us to offer a turnkey service to our clients from reactive maintenance and manufacturing to planned infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Many of the projects we undertake in the water sector are within water treatment and wastewater treatment plants where cleanliness is paramount, all our water sector site teams hold certification and Water Hygiene cards. Our range of services collated into one means that we can take on multiple discipline contracts and deliver them as one which provides our clients with a number of advantages. It removes the need to have multiple contractors on site at once. Benefits in cost savings passed down on procuring large amounts of steel for a side wide project. Little risk of dimensional discrepancies between contractors We work alongside framework delivery partners throughout the UK providing the services below; Steel portal frame buildings (design, fabrication, erection & cladding) Design, manufacture and installation of pipe bridges Design, manufacture and installation of site wide access metalwork (walkways, access stairs, ladders etc) Design, manufacture and installation of modular water buildings transportable by road. Design of various process tanks, pipework and pumps. Fabrication of tanks and pipework (stainless and carbon) Mechanical Installation Modular Treatment Buildings and Mechanical Fit-out SR2 rated steel enclosures (quicker than GRP Kiosks) We appreciate how important quality and cleanliness is in the water sector and we are proud that we have completely segregated facilities for stainless steel and carbon steel. In addition to this we are also approved under the regulations 31(4)(A) of the water supply regulations 2016 to supply stainless steel and pipework fabrications to the drinking water sector.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation

    Modular Underground Detention Systems: Hydraulic Design, Structural Loading, and Installation

    Modular underground detention systems use interlocking polypropylene or HDPE crates, cells, or arch units installed below ground to attenuate stormwater runoff and reduce peak discharge rates to greenfield equivalent levels (typically 2 to 5 L per s per hectare). Attenuation volume is calculated from the runoff hydrograph for the critical storm event (1-in-100 year, or as specified by the drainage authority) using the Wallingford procedure, SuDS Calculator, or InfoDrainage software. Void ratio of modular crate systems: 95 to 97 percent (high porosity, water storage per m3 of installed system). Installed depth: typically 1.0 to 4.0 m below finished ground level, with minimum 300 mm cover for untrafficked areas and 600 mm to 1,000 mm for trafficked surfaces.

    Structural loading requirements govern system selection. Crate systems must withstand design vertical load: 25 kN per m2 for car parks (in accordance with EN 1991-1-1 imposed loads), 125 kN per m2 for HGV areas, and up to 200 kN per m2 for aircraft pavements. Load testing certification (by independent structural engineer) per CIRIA C737 or manufacturer's structural design certificate must be verified for the specific depth of cover and pavement type. Geotextile wrap (typically 150 to 200 g per m2 non-woven PP, permeability greater than 10 to the -4 m per s) contains the crate structure and prevents migration of fines into the storage void while allowing water infiltration or outflow through a perforated outlet pipe.

    Design and regulatory compliance: Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) requirements in England and Wales (NPPF and PPG) require underground detention systems to meet the required attenuation volume with an empty system at the start of the storm (not accounting for partial pre-filling from antecedent conditions). Outlets are typically designed as orifice control (calibrated orifice plate or throttle pipe, diameter 50 to 150 mm) achieving the target discharge rate. Bypass overflow (connecting to sewer or surface water) handles flows exceeding storage capacity during extreme events. Installation quality control includes: geotextile damage inspection, crate alignment (maximum 5 mm step between units), backfill compaction (maximum 300 mm layers, compaction to 95 percent modified Proctor), and video survey of internal access pipes.

    Post your modular detention & retention project — get matched proposals

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How is the storage volume of a modular detention tank calculated?

    Storage volume is calculated to attenuate design storm runoff to the permitted discharge rate. Method (simplified): (1) Define the critical storm event (typically 1-in-100 year with climate change allowance of 30 to 40 percent uplift per UK Flood Risk Assessment guidance); (2) Calculate inflow volume using rational method (Q = CIA, where C is runoff coefficient, I is rainfall intensity in m per s, A is catchment area) or from hydrograph analysis; (3) Calculate outflow volume over the storm duration at the permitted discharge rate (greenfield runoff rate, typically 2 to 5 L per s per ha); (4) Volume required = inflow volume minus outflow volume at the critical storm balance point; (5) Apply 10 to 20 percent freeboard contingency. For a 1 ha commercial catchment with 1-in-100 year 100 mm critical storm (Wallingford): inflow volume approximately 900 m3, outflow (at 5 L per s per ha = 5 L per s over 6 hours): 108 m3; storage required approximately 792 m3 net volume.

    What is the difference between detention and retention in stormwater management?

    Detention (attenuation) stores runoff temporarily during the storm event and releases it slowly after the storm, reducing peak discharge rate but not reducing runoff volume. Designed to release all stored water between storms (typically within 24 to 48 hours); the tank is empty and ready for the next storm event. Retention (infiltration basin or soakaway) stores runoff and allows it to infiltrate to ground, reducing both peak discharge and total runoff volume. Feasibility depends on ground permeability: infiltration rate above 10 to the -5 m per s (sandy or gravelly soil) is suitable for soakaways; clay or rock soils require conveyance to water body or sewer. Hybrid systems (detention with partial infiltration, overflow to sewer or water body) are common where ground permeability is moderate. UK CIRIA SuDS Manual C753 categorises these as attenuation (detention) and infiltration (retention) SuDS components with different design procedures.

    How long do modular underground detention systems last?

    Polypropylene modular crate systems have design service lives of 50-plus years based on material properties, structural certification, and proper installation. Manufacturer structural warranties are typically 25 to 30 years. Key durability factors: PP and HDPE are inert to most soil environments (no corrosion, no biological degradation under soil-contact conditions), resistant to dilute acids and alkalis in stormwater; UV degradation is irrelevant for buried installations. Geotextile wrap (PP non-woven): 50-plus year service life when buried (UV degradation is the primary failure mode for geotextiles, which is absent underground). Outlet control structure (concrete manhole or HDPE chamber): 50 to 80 years. CCTV inspection inside accessible chambers and along perforated pipes is recommended at 5 to 10 year intervals to check for siltation, debris accumulation, and structural condition.

    What permits are needed for an underground detention system?

    Permits and approvals required vary by jurisdiction and discharge destination. UK: (1) Local planning authority drainage approval - Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and Environment Agency review drainage strategy and attenuation design as material planning conditions; (2) If discharge is to an ordinary watercourse: consent from Lead Local Flood Authority; (3) If discharge is to a main river: consent from Environment Agency; (4) If discharge is to sewer: agreement with the sewerage undertaker (Section 104 agreement under Water Industry Act 1991 for adoption); (5) CDM regulations apply (construction design and management), requiring structural engineering sign-off on tank design for buried loads. US: MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) stormwater permit compliance; state and local stormwater management regulations (vary by state); Engineer of Record stamp on structural design drawings. Adoption by utility/authority requires standard inspection and test protocol completion.

    Case Study·Residential housing developer, South East England
    Challenge

    A 120-unit housing estate in a Flood Zone 2 area required greenfield runoff rates of 3 L per s per hectare for the 1-in-100-year plus 40 percent climate change event. The site had clay sub-soil with permeability below 10 to the -8 m per s, ruling out infiltration. Available land for above-ground attenuation was limited to 200 m2 due to site density.

    Approach

    A 580 m3 modular polypropylene crate system was installed under the estate road and visitor parking bays at 1.2 m depth with 300 mm structural concrete pavement above. The system used 95 percent void-ratio crates certified to 125 kN per m2 with a calibrated orifice outlet (85 mm diameter) controlling discharge to the adopted highway drain at 2.8 L per s. Geotextile wrap (150 g per m2 non-woven PP) was specified per CIRIA C737.

    Outcome

    The system passed Lead Local Flood Authority and Highways England drainage review at planning stage. Section 104 adoption was completed 18 months post-completion. MNF analysis during monitoring confirmed zero surface flooding in three consecutive design-level rainfall events over a two-year period.

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    1. 1

      What structural load certificate covers the crate system at my specified depth and pavement type?

      Load certification must match the exact depth of cover and pavement construction — generic manufacturer data may not cover site-specific conditions.

    2. 2

      What is the void ratio of the proposed crate system and how was it tested?

      Void ratio directly determines storage volume per unit installed; unverified claims can lead to undersized systems that fail during design storms.

    3. 3

      How is the outlet control designed and how is blockage risk managed?

      Orifice plates and throttle pipes are common failure points; specify rodding-eye access and confirm the LLFA's maintenance adoption requirements.

    4. 4

      What geotextile specification is used and what is the permeability at design head?

      Geotextile that is too tight can restrict inflow during a storm event, reducing effective storage volume below design.

    5. 5

      What maintenance access does the system provide and what is the CCTV survey protocol?

      LLFA adoption and long-term performance depend on accessible inspection chambers and a documented maintenance plan.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    Installed depth and pavement loading class

    Deeper installation requires higher-rated crates, thicker structural slabs, and more excavation, increasing installed cost by 30 to 60 percent versus shallow untrafficked installations.

    Storage volume required

    Volume directly scales crate quantity and excavation; unit cost falls from around 350 to 450 GBP per m3 for small systems to 180 to 250 GBP per m3 for large installations due to fixed mobilisation costs.

    Groundwater and contamination

    High groundwater tables require dewatering during installation; contaminated ground requires geomembrane lining and specialist disposal of arisings, adding 15 to 40 percent to total cost.

    Outlet control structure complexity

    Simple orifice-controlled manholes add minimal cost; flow-control chambers with multiple return periods or motorised throttles can add 20,000 to 80,000 GBP to the package.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    CIRIA C737 (2015)

    Structural design guidance for buried modular stormwater structures; covers load certification, depth-of-cover requirements, and geotextile specification.

    Flood and Water Management Act 2010 / Schedule 3

    Requires SuDS approval by the Lead Local Flood Authority for all new major developments in Wales (2019) and England (pending); governs adoption and maintenance of attenuation systems.

    Water Industry Act 1991 Section 104

    Legal basis for adoption of private drainage infrastructure by sewerage undertakers; Section 104 agreement sets maintenance standards for adopted underground detention systems.

    CDM Regulations 2015

    Construction Design and Management requirements apply to underground detention installations; Principal Designer must manage structural design risk and ensure structural engineer sign-off on buried loads.

    Explore Related Categories

    Stormwater System

    Stormwater Management CompaniesHydrodynamic Separator CompaniesPermeable Paving Companies

    Tanks & Civil

    Concrete Tank CompaniesPrecast Concrete Pipe & Manhole Companies

    Browse the full provider directory

    Comparing modular detention & retention companies is one slice of a larger shortlisting decision. Explore the complete directory of water treatment suppliers, then filter by region, sector, and technology before you request scoped proposals.

    Open the directory

    Related Articles from Aguato Insider

    • SuDS and Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management
    • Modular Stormwater Detention and Attenuation Systems
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