Patent ID: 7160058

Claim:
A method for retaining or detaining storm water beneath a ground surface comprising the steps of: connecting a plurality of longitudinal channels each defined by at least one substantially horizontal deck and at least one substantially vertical side wall, each side wall having a bottom edge, said longitudinal channel extending upwardly from said bottom edge; connecting a plurality of lateral channels each defined by a portion of a corresponding deck and a portion of a corresponding side wall so that said longitudinal channels are in fluid communication with said lateral channels, said lateral channel extending upwardly from a corresponding bottom edge, said channels being in longitudinal and lateral alignment to form at least one continuous longitudinal channel and at least one continuous lateral channel for relatively unconstrained flow of the stormwater in the longitudinal and lateral directions; providing an outer boundary for said channels, said outer boundary being formed by a plurality of peripheral walls; placing said peripheral walls around said channels to form an assembly which receives the storm water through at least one assembly access port; providing an impermeable floor for said channels; and placing said floor to form a bottom surface of said channels.