Firestone Specialty Products now offers a total system approach to water management solutions that helps building owners, landscape architects, civil engineers, specifiers and municipalities maximize their water resources and achieve hydrologic responsibility. A key component to Firestone’s family of water management products is the Firestone Environmental Passive Integrated Chamber (EPIC Chamber™), an onsite water management and reuse system designed to collect, filter, retain and distribute water below ground at its source.
Firestone introduced its total Water Management Solutions product line at StormCon 2011 in Anaheim, Calif.
“While the U.S. infrastructure struggles with a growing urban footprint, effective stormwater management solutions are a focal point. However, the conventional curb and gutter system design treats stormwater as a waste product to be moved from one location to another as quickly as possible,” said John Goers, general manager, Firestone Specialty Products. “The comprehensive water management solutions available from Firestone represent a significant paradigm shift and offer a true onsite water management and reuse system.”
Designed for stormwater run-off, athletic fields, parking lots, irrigation and other green spaces, Firestone’s Water Management Solutions include a fully customizable product line comprised of the following:
Firestone EPIC Chamber – drainage and irrigation system that utilizes a natural passive process to manage and direct water resources;
Firestone EPIC Pan Sheet – corrugated plastic flat sheets, which are assembled on-site for ease of installation. It is used in conjunction with the Firestone EPIC Chamber where infiltration is desired;
Firestone EPIC Pan – as an alternative to the pan sheet, this preformed, single piece, injection molded pan, can also be used in conjunction with the Firestone EPIC Chamber where infiltration is desired;
Firestone EPDM Geomembrane – a cured, single-ply liner used to capture water for reuse in subsurface irrigation;
Firestone Netlon Advanced Turf System (ATS)™ – a polypropylene mesh blended into the soil profile to increase bearing capacity as well as root stability, allowing vegetative surface to have “spring back” capabilities;
Firestone NetPave® 50 – a structural, permeable, plowable recycled thermoplastic paver used for grass or gravel parking surfaces and paths for heavier vehicular traffic such as tractor trailers, fire trucks and ambulances;
Firestone NetPave 25 – a lightweight permeable paving system installed on top of existing grass surfaces to improve bearing capacity for lightweight vehicular traffic allowing infiltration in areas that would otherwise have increased run-off, causing erosion; and
TurfGuard Paver – an extruded polyethylene mesh roll that is tough, flexible, long lasting and suitable for occasional vehicular access on soft subgrades. It is good for event/overflow parking, residential access, trails, wheel chair/handicap access and golf cart paths.
Key sustainable benefits of Firestone’s Water Management Solutions include:
Irrigates with 50 to 85 percent less potable water, depending on location and application;
Provides a non-clogging drainage system;
Can reduce the need for open retention ponds;
Uses a Firestone EPDM Geomembrane to create a cost-effective barrier to store water;
Minimizes the pollutants entering the groundwater;
May help earn LEED credits in categories such as Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Materials and Resources, Innovation and Design, and Regional Priority Credits; and
Requires minimal maintenance and management.
Firestone Water Management Solutions are ideal for heavy rain events and standing water that can wreak havoc on parks and fields, especially during peak utilization periods. When the Firestone EPIC system is installed beneath a park or field, the system’s substantial drainage and filtration capabilities promote efficient land and water use and mitigates turf issues.
The Firestone EPIC System recycles stormwater run-off and greywater for subsurface irrigation, without above ground exposure. It also filters and distributes water in an underground controlled release that promotes healthier plant growth, reduces the need for fertilizer, which cost effectively enhances aesthetics.
When Firestone Netlon ATS or other Firestone permeable paver options are added to a natural grass soil profile as part of the system, parks and fields can support heavy loads, even in saturated turf conditions. When Firestone Netlon ATS and the EPIC System are installed in artificial turf applications, field surface temperatures can be reduced up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) on hot, sunny days.