R-Tank Stormwater Modules

R-Tank Stormwater Modules

R-Tank Stormwater Modules

07/09/26

“How can we create large-scale underground stormwater storage with modular units?”

Stormwater storage can be a monumental problem when you don’t have enough space in your project. But what if we were to take modular storage units, put them underground, and then connect them to one another and to pipes feeding from above ground? This way, we can create a large storage system that’s expandable, dense, and flexible without taking up overland space. Well, this is the idea behind R-Tank Stormwater Modules. R-tanks are typically installed under impervious surfaces so they won’t take up infiltration potential. R-tanks can channel their contents to detention, retention, or water reuse systems.

Image credit: https://www.fergusonwaterworks.com/

Oligotrophic Lakes

Oligotrophic Lakes

Oligotrophic Lakes

07/08/26

“What’s special about deep, cold, clear lakes?”

Lakes form in all sorts of conditions. Some lakes have cold water that’s deep and provides only low biological productivity. Their waters are clear and dense with dissolved oxygen because low nutrient levels lead to fewer plants and algae that would otherwise cloud the site. The bottom layer of the lakes is typically much colder than the top in summertime, creating a different habitat. These Oligotrophic Lakes are a wonder to behold and are commonly found in high-altitude mountain environments.

A Meta-Affiliated Data Center Discharged a Deadly Bacterial Strain Into a Wyoming Town’s Wastewater

A Meta-Affiliated Data Center Discharged a Deadly Bacterial Strain Into a Wyoming Town’s Wastewater

A Meta-Affiliated Data Center Discharged a Deadly Bacterial Strain Into a Wyoming Town’s Wastewater

07/07/26

“How did a Meta-affiliated data center discharge a deadly bacterial strain into a Wyoming town’s wastewater?”

Data centers are very controversial for their heavy environmental strain. Recently, a Meta-affiliated data center was found to have discharged a deadly strain of bacteria into the wastewater pipes of Cheyenne, the capital of the U.S. State of Wyoming. This bacterial strain, known as Cupriavidus gilardii, is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that may have a mortality rate as high as 31.3 percent. As a consequence of this finding, local officials are withholding waste-dumping privileges from any data center connected to the municipal water services. This is how A Meta-Affiliated Data Center Discharged a Deadly Bacterial Strain Into a Wyoming Town’s Wastewater.

Image credit: Laramie Boomerang + Meta

Biological Productivity in Water Bodies

Biological Productivity in Water Bodies

Biological Productivity in Water Bodies

07/06/26

“How can we characterize the rate at which new biomass is created in water bodies?”

Water bodies can be the fabric of an ecosystem. Ecosystems are composed of living matter, also known as biomass. The rate at which new biomass is produced in water, or Biological Productivity in Water Bodies, is dependent upon the amount of sunlight that reaches the water, the nutrients in the ecosystem, the water temperature, the amount of mixing and clarity in the water, and the carbon availability. Biological productivity can drastically affect a water body system’s health, leading to eutrophication if not controlled.

Eco-Industrial Parks

Eco-Industrial Parks

Eco-Industrial Parks

07/05/26

“How can we make industrial parks more sustainable?”

Industrial parks are the foundation of much industrial activity. However, they can also create voluminous amounts of pollution. That’s where Eco-Industrial Parks come in. Eco-industrial parks establish circular economy practices through resource sharing and the reuse of manufacturing byproducts. Eco-industrial parks also strive to harness sustainable energy and reduce inefficiencies. Governments can adopt eco-industrial park strategies to build wealth and industrial capacity while avoiding excess environmental damage.

Industrial Parks

Industrial Parks

Industrial Parks

07/04/26

“How do governments create areas for industrial development?”

Industrial development can be a planning nightmare. It needs to be close enough to major transportation and infrastructure access, but far away enough from residential neighborhoods to shield people from pollution. One way to accomplish this is to designate areas as Industrial Parks. Industrial parks cluster industrial buildings in a specific area for optimal output. Industrial parks can focus on specific industries, allowing different businesses to work together for synergy. Industrial parks typically have industry-specific infrastructure such as high-power electricity lines, dedicated water towers, or commercial rail stops.

 Re-Entrant Orifices

 Re-Entrant Orifices

 Re-Entrant Orifices

07/03/26

“What’s so special about orifices that extend into their container?”

Orifices are openings in containers. In water systems, they’re pipes that allow for gravity-based release. Orifices whose pipe extends into the tank itself are called Re-Entrant Orifices. For these orifices, the water will flow to the tube from all directions, leading to a sharp turn inwards and a significant stream contraction, leading to a jetting on the other end. These features lead to a smaller discharge coefficient, thereby limiting flow. Re-entrant orifices are useful for applications where flow downstream of the container must be controlled.

Image credit: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/

Drainage Rings 

Drainage Rings 

Drainage Rings 

07/02/26

“How can we use rings to facilitate floodwater infiltration?”

Infiltration can be a very useful stormwater control method. However, too much water impacting the surface at once can overwhelm soil and hinder infiltration. We can address this by placing solid Drainage Rings in the Earth to store water while seeping it out at controlled rates to the surrounding dirt. Drainage rings are commonly surrounded by stone drainage media for additional support. Drainage rings are a central component of drywell systems.

Ghost Forests

Ghost Forests

Ghost Forests

07/01/26

“How can saltwater intrusion seriously harm forests?”

Saltwater damages freshwater trees. Consequently, saltwater intrusion into coastal forests leads to wide swaths of destruction, leaving Ghost Forests in its wake. Sea-level rise from climate change is already leading to a proliferation of ghost forests. Ghost forests are an increasingly common sight in the U.S. Southeast.