Municipal Drainage Expert Opines on Icy Parking Lot Conditions

I am a former town engineer and director of public works for 5 years. I was also a municipal drainage technician for a few years, and I currently specialize in design and construction management of roads, lots, drainage and hydrology infrastructure. I have reviewed hundreds of designs and implemented comprehensive drainage improvement programs in town. I am familiar with all aspects of design from hydrology to drainage components, surveying, construction and storm management (ice and snow). I can absolutely speak specifically to recommended drainage methods given size, scope, usage, slopes, dimensions, etc of lot.

Most parking lots are designed using a Simple Rational Method, the size and characteristics of the drainage area, intensity of the storm, infiltration rate of the land use and time of concentration are the main aspects. Slope and land use factors as well as dimensions of the flow paths enter into the time of concentration considerations. There are more sophisticated methods of Hydrology and it will be pertinent to determine the locally accepted norms. I can go into much greater depth as needed. As an Expert, I’ve testified in federal court and prepared counsel for a drainage issue in several states.