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Commission signals support for larger detention basins: staff proposes holding 500‑year runoff, not street capacity
Summary
Public Works recommended changing county standards so on-site basins retain runoff equivalent to a 500‑year event (about 6.3 inches in 24 hours), while streets remain sized to the 100‑year event; commissioners and the public pressed staff to return with additional water‑quality and percolation‑well guidance.
San Benito County Public Works presented a technical briefing on April 16 proposing that the county revise its subdivision and drainage standards to require detention/retention basins sized to hold the runoff from a 500‑year storm event rather than the current 100‑year standard.
Steve Loop, county engineer, said the typical local design uses underground pipes sized to carry 5‑ or 10‑year storms and streets that accommodate a 100‑year event (roughly four inches of rain in 24…
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