Temporary (Detention) Stormwater Management

A natural processing area to temporarily collect, hold, filter and slowly release stormwater runoff. MagnumStone retaining walls help direct water to the dry pond area below or at the toe of the wall. This is accomplished thanks to the MagnumStone hollow core block design which allows for optimal drainage, horizontally and vertically.

Temporary stormwater management systems include dry ponds and detention basins. They are often found in the form of multi-use recreation areas that are typically dry, along parks and vegetated street ditches.

Permanent (Retention) Stormwater Management

Engineered control structures that collect and treat large volumes of water runoff. These generally contain an outlet for excessive water overflow after severe rainfall events to prevent flooding.

For these true water applications, MagnumStone retaining walls permanently hold runoff delivered through drainage systems. These systems typically have water in them at all times, similar to artificial lakes or canals.

Permanent stormwater management systems include wet ponds, retention basins, and retention ponds.

Stormwater Conveyance, Drainage Channels & Stream Banks

Conveyance systems are a series of natural or manufactured drainage features that guide and funnel stormwater runoff downstream to receiving waters such as rivers or streams. Similarly, a stormwater channel is a long, narrow and permanently excavated waterway designed to convey surface runoff.

Conveyance and drainage channels are built to endure intermittent stormwater surges, fed by piping systems and street gutters. These canal-shaped waterways are graded and lined with retaining walls so that stormwater runoff is strategically slowed by riprap or weirs along the bottom. Riprap is also used to prevent scouring or undermining of the base blocks along the structure’s walls, which could erode and wash away the base levelling pad.

MagnumStone retaining walls serve as an excellent drainage structure that contains the water as it flows downstream. The retaining wall blocks are often built as stream banks to limit erosion and scouring as water flows to safer areas.

Bioretention Stormwater Management

Natural, sustainable ways of treating and removing stormwater runoff have become an effective approach for new developments and infrastructure. Commonly referred to as bioretention ponds, bioretention basins or rain gardens.

Bioretention areas are dedicated drainage areas landscaped and engineered to ensure proper filtration of sediments and contaminants. These are commonly planted with native vegetation to promote habitat for wildlife. They help control, treat, and remove water through evapotranspiration and gradual permeation into the land or underdrains below. The engineered soil layers of bioretention ponds allow for optimal filtration and are mostly dry areas that capture stormwater runoff.

These eco-friendly, flexible systems perfectly align with MagnumStone retaining wall blocks. With the option for a terraced design with plants incorporated into the exposed hollow cores for a ‘plantable wall’, and a natural rock face, MagnumStone can easily blend into the natural and sustainable aesthetic of a rain garden. Together, they minimize environmental impacts, promote efficient drainage techniques and provide a secure area to capture stormwater.