EPIC™ System
Authorized Distributor
and
Certified Installer
Copyright © 2016.
Low Impact Development Inc.
Sustainability has become a major and more important part of a successful architectural design. More and more projects are seeking LEED® certification and clients are appreciating the value of a sustainable design. In addition LID/SUSMP regulations are becoming more strict and compliance is a non-negotiable part of the project design approval process.
The EPIC™ system offers unparalleled ability to maximize LEED® points, if pursuing certification, along with LID/SUSMP compliance for capture and use - all resulting, not only in a more efficient approval process, but real cost savings in the long term for the project.
With EPIC™ green roofs can actually "work", water usage is reduced, costly concrete planter boxes can be replaced with lawns and lush landscaping, gray water can be used for irrigation and, as a bonus, up to 70% water savings can be realized once the project is built and operational. All of this, without a "visible" system. It's a win-win for the design team and the client, since compliance with codes rarely results in operational cost-savings.
At Low Impact Development Inc., we offer planning and design assistance for architects who wish to be at the forefront of sustainable design. It is crucial to plan stormwater compliance in the early stages of the project which will allow for the engineering consultants to take into consideration the elements needed and minimize time spent on revisions to accommodate EPIC™ (or any other stormwater system).
Our team is comprised of engineers, designers and contractors. That blend of professionals allows us to have a wider perspective when it comes to project planning and our design assistance services are an invaluable asset to any project.
Contact us to discuss how your project can benefit from utilizing EPIC™ or to schedule an in-office presentation for your team.
LEED® is a registered trademark of the United State Green Building Council.
Stormwater has always been considered a nuisance and civil engineers are trained to find ways to collect and remove it offsite as quickly as possible. Until now. LID/SUSMP compliance has evolved to require capture and use as part of a conservation movement and a way to aid the alleviation of the water shortage in Southern California caused by current drought conditions. Although it may be assumed that the drought will not last forever, it is important to consider the value hidden in the hundreds of thousands of gallons of runoff which falls on sites and it is promptly transported to stormdrains. If the stormwater is captured and then used for irrigation, it translates into less water drawn from the domestic potable supply, which in turn means less power consumption (to get that water to the end user), causing a chain-reaction of lowering water demand and creating more sustainable developments.
EPIC™ offers a simple, elegant solution - non-pressurized, subsurface, shallow system that captures runoff, stores it and, with an optional storage tank, can sustain itself for months during the dry season. In a recent study model for a large school project, a 68% reduction in water demand was calculated if a tank capable of storing 100% of the rainfall on the site is installed. The proposed EPIC™ system configuration will provide 5 months of irrigation supply before it needs supplemental water (potable or recycled). This is where EPIC™ really brings value by demonstrating real operational cost savings to the client.
The system itself is low profile (maximum depths of 32" for trees), easy to install and relies completely on gravity. It utilizes a 2" gravel layer, chambers and a variable depth sand layer. Subsurface irrigation is achieved by taking advantage of the capillary rise action in the sand profile - in essence, it's a hydroponic system. The plants thrive as they only uptake the water they need and during rain events, the sand drains quickly and excess runoff is collected within the subsurface chambers and then it can be either stored, infiltrated or released offsite.
EPIC™ is fully customizable and can be installed in any shape or configuration. It offers almost infinite versatility.
All of the above is just scratching the surface. To find out more, contact us and schedule an in-office presentation for your engineering team.
EPIC™ is a fairly simple system to install, but it does require training and excellent knowledge of how the system functions. Since it is a gravity-driven, non-pressurized system, it is crucial to perform a proper installation to ensure its lasting efficiency and performance.
For contractors we offer bid assistance services - complete parts and materials list, quantities (design plans must be submitted in AutoCAD) and material sourcing (for sand and gravel).
In addition, all EPIC™ system installations must be supervised and inspected by Low Impact Development Inc. representatives, unless the contractor is an EPIC™ certified installer.
Please contact us for current pricing for materials and rates for installation supervision and inspection.
As the water shortage persists, it is important to find ways to maintain public parks, school and public athletic fields and other landscaped recreational areas while still reducing or eliminating water use.
It may sound impossible, but it is not - there's plenty of water! It does rain (albeit less than normal), but the rainfall is captured, collected and directed to the storm drain system as quickly as possible. What if it were captured and then utilized to irrigate the playfields, parks and playgrounds?! And not irrigate in terms of conventional irrigation systems, but by the means of a subsurface system which uses 100% of the water supplied to it. Added benefit - no conventional sprinklers are needed. Nothing to breakdown, need constant maintenance and waste water.
Supplemental sources for the EPIC™ system are vast - lavatory sinks, showers in locker rooms, air-conditioner condensation, ice machine condensation, water fountains - any gray water source can be directly conveyed to the system, which filters and stores it until the plants or turf use it.
Ease of installation, competitive cost, irrigation efficiency and up to 70% water use reduction, EPIC™ offers a smart way to maintain the quality of life for the public and protect children from the dangers associated with playing on artificial turf.
To find out more, contact us and schedule a presentation for your facilities team.
Vista Del Lago HS
Folsom, CA
45 days after installation
4-6" roots
Ready for play!
8 day seed germination
90 days after installation
10.5 years after installation
We offer assistance with planning, design and installation.
Please use the form below to contact us for assistance or request a presentation at your firm / agency.
LID construction stormwater susmp stormwater management