Stormwater Services

Wessler Engineering is a recognized leader in stormwater planning and design.  From drainage improvements, new collection systems and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to long-range stormwater master plans and utility formation, we have the resources and expertise your project demands.

We believe in the value of thorough investigation during the planning and design phases of a project in order to save money during construction.  We utilize state-of-the-art design and modeling tools to ensure storm and combined sewer systems are appropriately sized for the needs of the client.

Services We Provide

  • Stormwater Utility Formation and Planning
  • Master Planning
  • Drainage Improvement Design
  • Hydraulic Modeling
  • Floodplain/Floodway Analysis
  • Green Infrastructure Design
  • Detention/Retention Design and Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Combined Sewer Overflow Mitigation
  • Watershed Studies
  • Outfall Rehabilitation


Related Projects

Stormwater Master Plan
Indianapolis International Airport
Wessler prepared the overall stormwater plan for the New Indianapolis International Airport Midfield Terminal Development. The plan included the strategy for major conveyance routes, stormwater quality treatment, and design standards used by numerous designers. Wessler developed the Master Stormwater Management Model, completed the Direct Discharge Study, and performed stormwater plan review.  The Direct Discharge Study demonstrated that runoff from the development would not impact the flood level of the receiving stream.  As a result, the entire project was constructed without stormwater detention, saving millions of dollars in construction cost.

Lake Sullivan Outfall Rehabilitation
Department of Public Works, Indianapolis, Indiana
The Lake Sullivan Outfall Structure manages flows from a 20 square mile watershed.  It suffered from substantial structural deterioration that caused flooding of the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex and sedimentation of Lake Sullivan.  This innovative project completely rehabilitated the structure without taking it out of service.  The project restored the outfall structure and Lake Sullivan at a substantially lower cost than complete replacement.  Today, the structure and the lake are safe and usable.

Stormwater Utility Formation
Town of Brownsburg
Wessler performed impervious surface area calculations, facilitated meetings and discussion topics for the Storm Water Advisory Committee, and worked with the rate consultant and Town attorney to develop a budget and policy and procedure manual for the Storm Water Utility.  Wessler was able to meet an aggressive timeline for the project.  Within two months of collecting stormwater user fees from their customers, the Town was able to recoup the professional services fees for developing the Storm Water Utility.  A successful public education and outreach program during the development of the Storm Water Utility resulted in public acceptance of the stormwater fee and very little opposition. 

Elm Swamp Road Drainage Improvements
City of Lebanon
Standing water along Elm Swamp Road has inconvenienced residents and motorists in Lebanon for years, creating hazardous conditions and contributing to the degradation of the asphalt pavement.  A Scoping Report identified alternatives including a traditional design with inlets and a flow-through stormwater quality treatment unit and a green infrastructure design utilizing rain gardens.  A public hearing was held and the residents selected the traditional design.  The selected project is currently under construction.  Construction Cost:  $328,000.

Combined Sewer Overflow Long-Term Control Plan
City of Monticello
The City of Monticello has a combined sewer system that overflows into Lake Freeman, one of Indiana’s most popular recreational waterbodies.  Wessler was tasked with developing a long range plan for reducing the amount of raw sewage that is discharged to the lake. The project included the evaluation of existing record drawings of the City’s sewer system, determination of sensitive and priority areas, maximizing treatment at the WWTP, evaluation of the sewer system characteristics and CSO volumes using computer modeling, and selection of CSO control projects.  Wessler also conducted an analysis to determine the implementation schedule and Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) to allow temporary suspension of the designated use of the receiving stream.  The Plan was later updated to include an evaluation of the Design Storm Approach, which was ultimately selected by the City and will avoid the need for a UAA.

For more information on how Wessler Engineering can assist you with your Stormwater needs, please contact:

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), P.E., LEED AP
Stormwater Group Head
317.788.4551