When it comes to industrial construction in Florida, few topics are as critical, and often as overlooked, as site drainage design. Whether building aviation hangars, manufacturing plants, or logistics facilities, proper stormwater management determines not only a site’s performance but also its lifespan and compliance with state regulations.
The Challenge: Florida’s Climate and Terrain
Florida receives an average of over 50 inches of rain per year, and much of the state sits at or near sea level. That combination creates a perfect storm for flooding if water isn’t managed correctly. Industrial sites, with their expansive paved surfaces and heavy loads, face even greater risk. Without adequate drainage, standing water can erode foundations, compromise pavement, and even contaminate nearby waterways.
Engineering Precision from the Ground Up
At Brandon Development Enterprises, site drainage begins long before concrete is poured. Each project starts with a hydrological and topographical analysis, a study of how water naturally moves across the land. Using this data, engineers design grading plans that create subtle slopes, directing runoff away from critical areas like structures, taxiways, and utilities.
Advanced technologies such as laser-guided grading systems allow for millimeter-level precision, ensuring surfaces maintain the correct pitch even over large areas. For hangars and manufacturing spaces, where drainage errors can disrupt operations, this level of accuracy is non-negotiable.
Stormwater Management Systems
Modern industrial drainage systems often include multiple layers of protection. Retention and detention ponds capture runoff, allowing sediments to settle before water is slowly released or absorbed. Underground piping networks and permeable pavers promote infiltration while reducing surface pooling.
Brandon Development also integrates geotextile stabilization layers beneath heavy-load surfaces to prevent soil shifting and subgrade erosion. These materials strengthen the ground, extend pavement life, and prevent costly cracking or settlement over time.
Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Stewardship
Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and local water management districts enforce strict stormwater regulations. Industrial builders must design drainage systems that control both volume and quality of runoff. Failure to do so can result in fines, project delays, and environmental damage.
Brandon Development’s approach ensures every system exceeds these standards, often incorporating oil-water separators and bioswales to filter pollutants before they reach sensitive waterways like the Indian River Lagoon.
Aviation and Heavy-Industry Applications
Few environments test drainage systems like airports and manufacturing zones. Even a quarter-inch of standing water can jeopardize operations. Brandon Development’s experience in projects at MLB Melbourne Orlando International Airport and other large-scale industrial sites highlights how drainage design directly impacts performance, safety, and longevity.
Built for Florida, Built to Last
Effective drainage isn’t just about moving water, it’s about protecting investments. Properly engineered systems prevent structural damage, reduce maintenance costs, and safeguard the environment. In industrial construction, these systems are as fundamental as the foundation itself.
For Florida’s demanding climate, Brandon Development continues to lead the way in precision-engineered drainage solutions that keep industrial operations safe, efficient, and resilient for decades to come.
Explore our industrial projects here.
