We are an environmental company that originated out of the necessity of local San Diego Contractors… More info »

All services are provided by our own in-house, factory trained personnel… More info »

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQS)

News And Resources

What is an underground vault system?

Our underground vault system is an integrated below ground vault with a filter catch basin, that allows the runoff water to enter the below ground two-part vault passing through a commercially available replacement filter before being transferred out to the sewer, or out through a French drain consisting of a cavity below the surface that is filled with drain gravel. The device has the unique capability of filtering low flow water runoff while allowing high volume to pass through with the added benefit of not retaining water that can become a mosquito breeding ground.

What is a catch basin filter insert?

Filters have been designed to help eliminate hydrocarbons and other contaminants commonly found in storm water runoff. The filters come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and dimensions, including square, round, rectangular, curb inlets, area drains, and trench drains.

How do the filters work?

The filter functions as a water purifying system at the point of entry to storm drain systems. As the water enters the drainage inlet, it falls into the filter’s receiving basin and flows through a replaceable filter medium (Media-Pak). This filter medium is capable of removing up to 99.4% of the contamination from oil and other petroleum-based contaminants, along with capturing sand, silt, leaves, grass clippings, and litter, etc.

What if the filter becomes blocked by heavy debris?

The filters have been design to allow for the easy removal of debris, such as rocks, large gravel, garbage, leaves, landscaping material, etc. The filters have been designed to hold the litter and debris in accessible locations for their easy removal. This allows for easy on-site maintenance when filters are ready to be serviced.

What maintenance do the different filters require?

The useful life of the filter medium is based on the quantity of contaminants it collects. On average we suggest at least three to four cleanings are to be performed and documented throughout a given year. One of those cleanings (preferably May/June) may need the change out and replacement of the filter media. Each site can be different from the next, requiring different service intervals. It is very important to determine what the service needs are going to be in order to keep the filters running effectively throughout the service year and documented per county requirements. At least one absorbent medium recharge per year is recommended under normal conditions. Filters placed in areas of higher contamination may require more frequent servicing. To receive an estimate for our yearly service maintenance program, please call Jim Fitzgerald @ 760-801-7170.

What happens when the filter medium has absorbed as many contaminants as possible?

The used filter media is technically classified as "Hazardous Petroleum Waste Solid," and is removed from the filter and placed in an approved container for transportation. The used filter medium must be disposed of in accordance with Federal, State and Local laws for petroleum waste. GreenStorm Technologies, Inc., participates in a recycling program that separates and recycles the oil and absorbent media, lessening customer liability and decreasing landfill use while doing the most to protect the environment.

What is the total life expectancy of the storm drain insert filter (total assembly)?

One of our goals at GreenStorm Technologies Inc was to design a product that has excellent product longevity. We use precast type II/V Portland cement that conforms to ASTM C-150 and in some cases HDPE (High-density polyethylene) due to their excellent qualities in damp and corrosive environments. Although we do not have an exact life expectancy on our vault materials as of yet, we do believe that the materials we have chosen, should yield an excellent life expectancy. We back this up by offering an extended warranty which totals up to six years from the date of initial installation, when the customer uses GreenStorm Technologies, Inc., for their Service Maintenance Program.

News And Resources