StormTank Underground Stormwater Detention System Brings Cost Savings to New Starbucks Site

Stormwater Management for New Starbucks in Conway, South Carolina

In the fall of 2023, construction began on a new Starbucks coffee shop along Highway SC-544 in Conway, South Carolina. The project included a new retail building with associated utilities and infrastructure, onsite parking, and an underground stormwater detention system.

SPECIFIED ARCH CHAMBER DETENTION RESULTED IN ELEVATED CONSTRUCTION COSTS

The original project design specified a 30-inch tall arch chamber detention system beneath the parking area. However, this approach required a large footprint and significant volumes of stone backfill, driving up both material and installation costs.

StormTank VE Alternative Cuts Detention Costs and Space

During the bidding phase, StormTank proposed a value engineering (VE) alternative using a 24-inch tall StormTank Module 25 Series system. This underground stormwater detention system:

• Reduced overall detention footprint

• Minimized required backfill materials

• Lowered installation and material costs

As a result, the StormTank Module system was selected as a substitute and installed in October of 2023.

Added Value: Integrated Water Quality Treatment with Debris Row

The installed StormTank system included Debris Row sections at each inlet to capture sediment, trash, debris, and to isolate those pollutants from the stormwater discharge leaving the new development. The Debris Row was also used to satisfy full water quality treatment requirements for the city of Conway.

Quick Installation and Cost-Saving Results

The StormTank system allowed for cost-effective compliance with both stormwater detention and water quality treatment needs. The Starbucks location officially opened to customers in May of 2024.

Project Partners

      • Civil Engineer of Record: Kimley-Horn, Charleston, SC

      • Sitework Contractor: Consensus Construction & Consulting, Inc., Myrtle Beach, SC

      • Drainage Materials Distributor: Fortiline Waterworks, Myrtle Beach, SC