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The Situation We are a 56-home HOA with a private dry detention basin (Outlot E, approx. 0.5 acre) that has never drained since it was built in 2001 to 2002. This approach has already been discussed with the City of Brooklyn Park and the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission, and does not require permit submittal or approval from either. Essentially we have a bathtub with the plug in. We need drain tile or an underdrain designed to drain it. Why it doesn't drain The basin floor was built flat at elevation 841.0 ft, identical to the outlet invert. Both inlets sit slightly below the outlet (elevation 840.94 and 840.97 versus 841.0). Water entering at the inlets has no gravity path to the outlet once it's in the center of the basin. The existing outlet (SK1, 12-inch RCP skimmer) drains within one to two days near the outlet itself, but the center of the basin stays wet. 2019 site visit (American Engineering Testing): On November 13, 2019, AET performed two hand auger borings in the basin to a depth of 4.5 feet. Soils at both locations were topsoil and organic black material throughout. AET concluded the pond's soils were not suitable for infiltrating water, and that the soils between the inlet and outlet appeared unsuitable for proper sloping and drainage into the outlet. May 2026 dredge: We removed roughly 12 to 18 inches of accumulated sediment and organic material and restored the basin to its 841.0 design elevation. Standing water persisted in the center afterward. June 2026 follow-up dig: A month later, with the basin still holding water, our excavator and the City's civil engineer dug down an additional 4 feet into the center of the basin at several locations. They still encountered organic material, silt, and very fine sand throughout, confirming there is no infiltratable soil even several feet below the post-dredge grade. Grading limitation: The center of the basin is unsuitable muck to significant depth, confirmed by both AET's 2019 borings and the June 2026 follow-up dig. It cannot be graded or compacted to create positive slope. It must be removed and replaced with clean granular material wherever the design requires stable grade or bedding. Vegetation and sediment history: For roughly 23 years no vegetation was removed from the basin; cattails cut in 2017 were left to decompose in place, adding organic material to the basin floor annually. Neither inlet has sediment pretreatment, so street sediment has washed in unchecked the entire time. Scope Design a drain tile or underdrain system that collects water from the basin floor, bypasses the existing outlet structure and its catch basin entirely, and runs by gravity to a downstream storm sewer manhole. The existing outlet stays in place, functioning only as high water overflow, no longer the primary drain. Two options to evaluate: Option 1 (preferred): Excavate only deep enough to bury the pipe. Pipe must still be bedded and surrounded in clean drain rock or aggregate with filter fabric or sock, backfilled with clean sand to grade. The existing muck cannot be reused as backfill or bedding. Our concern is whether this leaves residual standing water above the pipe. We need confirmation this achieves drawdown in 5 days or less. If not, tell us. Option 2: Remove approximately 2 additional feet of material beyond Option 1 for faster drawdown, replaced with the same clean rock and sand system, if needed to hit the 5-day target. We are leaning toward Option 1 on cost, but want the engineering to confirm it will actually dry out in time. Requirements Plans must be biddable and buildable by an excavation contractor. Pipe sizing, slope, invert elevations, aggregate envelope, filter sock or fabric, and cleanout locations. Clogging is the failure mode we most need designed against. Low maintenance is a hard requirement. Our board turns over regularly and has no ongoing technical continuity. Design should be consistent with MPCA Minnesota Stormwater Manual and Brooklyn Park City Code Chapter 153 standards. Engineer of record must be a Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Minnesota. We will provide the original 2001 stormwater management plans and calculations, MFRA record drawings, the 2019 AET site visit report, and City and watershed correspondence. In your bid, please include: relevant underdrain design experience, your Minnesota PE license number, your fixed fee and timeline, and whether your fee assumes we provide an existing conditions survey.
Project ID: 40617966
16 proposals
Active 1 min ago
Location: Brooklyn Park, United States
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16 freelancers are bidding on average $5,892 USD for this job

Hello, I am interested in your stormwater drainage design project. I have experience designing residential stormwater systems, including both surface and subsurface drainage, with a focus on code compliance, effective water management, and constructible solutions. I can provide detailed drainage plans, calculations, and specifications that meet local regulations and support the permitting process. Please share the project location, site survey, grading information, and any available civil drawings so I can review the scope and provide a timeline. Thank you.
$7,500 USD in 7 days
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I can provide a complete engineering design for a low-maintenance underdrain system that restores positive drainage to your detention basin while maintaining the existing outlet structure as the emergency overflow. The design will be developed in accordance with the MPCA Minnesota Stormwater Manual, Brooklyn Park City Code, and accepted stormwater engineering practices. **Scope & Deliverables** * Evaluate both underdrain alternatives, perform hydraulic analyses to verify the 5-day drawdown target, and recommend the most effective solution based on constructability and long-term performance. * Prepare biddable, construction-ready plans showing pipe sizing, invert elevations, slopes, aggregate envelope, filter fabric/sock, cleanouts, outlet connection, and all required construction details. * Deliver supporting calculations, technical specifications, and a permit-quality drawing package for review and sealing by a Minnesota-licensed Professional Engineer. **Question** Will you be providing a current topographic/existing-conditions survey with utility elevations and the downstream storm sewer manhole invert elevations, or should those be included as part of the engineering scope?
$5,000 USD in 3 days
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Hello, I’m David, a licensed Professional Engineer with experience in stormwater management and residential drainage system design. I have worked on projects involving surface and subsurface drainage solutions, ensuring proper water flow, erosion control, and compliance with applicable local standards and regulations. I can develop detailed drainage plans, calculations, and specifications using industry-standard design tools while coordinating effectively with project stakeholders. My approach focuses on creating practical, efficient, and code-compliant drainage systems tailored to each site’s requirements. I would be glad to discuss your project details and provide the engineering support needed for a successful residential development.
$5,000 USD in 7 days
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Greetings, I can provide a complete stormwater drainage design package that includes: • Surface drainage layout • Subsurface drainage system design • Stormwater flow analysis • Drainage calculations • Detailed construction drawings • Technical specifications • Compliance with applicable local regulations I have experience supporting residential developments with practical drainage solutions that improve water management while meeting engineering and permitting requirements. I'd be happy to review your site information and recommend the most effective drainage strategy. Best regards Isabelle
$5,000 USD in 7 days
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Hello, I can prepare a comprehensive stormwater and drainage design for your residential area. My background includes site grading, subdivision drainage, underground conveyance, detention systems, erosion control, and permit documentation. My proposed services include: • Site and regulatory criteria review • Pre- and post-development runoff calculations • Surface drainage and lot-grading design • Pipe, catch basin, swale, and culvert layouts • Subsurface drainage and underdrain systems • Detention, retention, or infiltration analysis • Drainage profiles, details, and specifications • Agency coordination and plan revisions I have successfully completed similar residential projects requiring practical solutions for roadway drainage, yard flooding, saturated soils, and controlled discharge. I will coordinate the system with utilities, landscaping, foundations, and access requirements. Please share the property survey, geotechnical information, and jurisdictional stormwater criteria.
$5,000 USD in 7 days
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Hello, Your project description is one of the most thorough I've seen, and it clearly identifies the root issue rather than just the symptom. Based on the information provided, I can evaluate both underdrain alternatives and prepare a construction-ready design that provides reliable basin drawdown while minimizing long-term maintenance. My work will include hydraulic evaluation, drain tile sizing, invert and slope design, aggregate envelope details, filter protection, cleanout locations, and complete plan sheets suitable for competitive bidding by excavation contractors. I'll specifically verify whether the preferred shallow installation can consistently achieve the required five-day drawdown and, if not, provide the engineering justification for the deeper alternative. I have experience with municipal and residential stormwater infrastructure, underdrain systems, and permit-quality construction plans. Upon reviewing the existing drawings, boring information, and survey, I'll provide a fixed fee, schedule, and identify any additional information needed before beginning. Thanks Richard
$5,000 USD in 3 days
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Hi, I appreciate how well you've documented the site's history—it eliminates much of the guesswork that typically slows these projects. This isn't simply a grading issue; it's an underdrain and soil replacement problem that requires a practical engineering solution. I can prepare a complete Minnesota PE design package comparing both drainage options, including hydraulic calculations, pipe sizing, bedding details, filter fabric specifications, cleanout spacing, outlet connection details, and construction specifications. My objective is to produce a durable, low-maintenance system that excavation contractors can build confidently while meeting MPCA guidance and Brooklyn Park standards. I'd be happy to review your available reports and develop a fixed-price proposal along with an efficient project schedule. Thank you, Ronald
$5,000 USD in 3 days
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Good day, After reading your description, it's clear the basin has a fundamental drainage limitation caused by the original geometry and unsuitable subgrade rather than isolated maintenance issues. The engineering should focus on creating a dependable drainage path that remains functional decades into the future with minimal maintenance requirements. I'll evaluate the shallow and deeper underdrain concepts using hydraulic performance and constructability as the primary criteria. If the preferred option cannot consistently achieve the required drawdown period, I'll document why and develop the most cost-effective alternative that does. My deliverables will include complete construction drawings, drainage profiles, sections, material specifications, installation details, and supporting calculations suitable for contractor bidding and field construction. I have experience with stormwater drainage improvements and underdrain systems and would welcome the opportunity to review your existing plans and reports. I look forward to working with you! Best regards Robert
$5,000 USD in 4 days
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Good afternoon, I appreciate how thoroughly you've investigated the basin before seeking engineering services. With the historical reports, excavation findings, and existing plans already available, we can focus on designing the right solution rather than spending time rediscovering the problem. I'll analyze both Option 1 and Option 2 using accepted stormwater engineering practices, verify whether the preferred alternative can achieve the required five-day drawdown, and prepare complete construction documents if it proves feasible. If not, I'll clearly document the engineering basis for recommending the deeper reconstruction. My deliverables will include detailed plans, sections, material specifications, construction details, and supporting calculations suitable for contractor bidding and future maintenance. I have experience with stormwater rehabilitation projects and understand the importance of designing systems that remain reliable long after construction is complete.
$7,770 USD in 7 days
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Greetings, Projects involving existing stormwater facilities require careful engineering because every site tells a different story. In your case, the repeated confirmation of unsuitable organic soils changes the design approach entirely. Rather than relying on additional grading, I'll focus on developing an underdrain system that provides dependable groundwater collection while minimizing excavation costs wherever possible. The engineering package will compare both alternatives, evaluate expected drainage performance, and produce complete construction documents with profiles, trench sections, material requirements, and installation details. Every recommendation will be supported by engineering calculations and prepared with long-term reliability in mind. I enjoy solving challenging drainage problems like this and would be glad to contribute to a permanent solution for your community. If you select me, you will be satisfied. Thanks
$5,000 USD in 3 days
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Hello, I enjoy working on projects where the problem has been thoroughly documented because it allows the engineering effort to focus on delivering a permanent solution. From what you've shared, the issue is clearly related to the basin's original geometry and unsuitable subgrade, not routine maintenance. I'll evaluate both underdrain concepts, determine whether the preferred option can reliably achieve the required drawdown period, and prepare a complete set of construction drawings with all necessary details for bidding and installation. My design philosophy emphasizes durability, constructability, and low maintenance so future HOA boards aren't left managing recurring drainage issues. I'd be happy to review your existing documentation and provide a detailed proposal with schedule and fixed pricing.
$5,000 USD in 6 days
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Hi, This is exactly the type of stormwater rehabilitation project I like taking on. Instead of recommending unnecessary excavation, I'll analyze both options based on hydraulic performance, constructability, and long-term maintenance. If the shallow installation performs as required, I'll document the supporting calculations. If it doesn't, I'll explain why and develop the deeper alternative with the most cost-effective design possible. You'll receive a professional engineering package including drain tile sizing, profiles, invert elevations, trench sections, aggregate specifications, geotextile details, cleanouts, outlet connection details, and construction notes prepared for competitive bidding. I look forward to reviewing your plans and helping your HOA finally resolve this long-standing issue.
$5,000 USD in 7 days
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Greetings, Your project already has the most important ingredient for a successful design—excellent background information. I can assist with: ✔ Hydraulic evaluation of both proposed options ✔ Underdrain system design ✔ Pipe sizing and slope calculations ✔ Aggregate and bedding details ✔ Filter sock or geotextile recommendations ✔ Construction specifications ✔ Biddable engineering drawings ✔ Support during contractor questions if needed I focus on practical engineering solutions that contractors can build efficiently while providing dependable long-term performance. I'd be glad to review the available documents and begin developing the design.
$7,500 USD in 7 days
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As a seasoned civil engineer with a focus on residential planning, I'm confident that my skills and experience align with the unique requirements of your underdrain tile design project. My proficiency in AutoCAD, building design, and structural engineering gives me the expertise to not only design a drain system that efficiently collects water from your basin floor but also ensures it is biddable, buildable, and resistant to clogging. I understand how important low maintenance is for HOA projects like yours. With a regular turnover of board members and a lack of ongoing technical continuity, it's vital that the design is intuitive and requires minimal effort to sustain functionality. My extensive experience in creating permit ready drawings and documentation will streamline the approval process for this critical stormwater management project. Moreover, I am familiar with Minnesota's stormwater management regulations set by MPCA. This background allows me to design your underdrain system consistently, ensuring compliance while addressing your unique needs. My effective communication and dedication to clear understanding will ensure that your needs are meticulously addressed throughout the project life cycle. All in all, my holistic approach will transform your non-draining bathtub into an excellently functioning stormwater basin with the utmost efficiency and quality possible.
$7,500 USD in 7 days
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