Civil

On-site Detention (OSD): A Practical Design Guide

Sizing, orifice detailing and the buildability traps that turn a compliant OSD tank into a construction problem.

26 April 20257 min read

Sizing to policy, not to theory

Each council publishes its own permissible site discharge and site storage requirement. The theoretical optimum is irrelevant if it does not match the adopted policy — design to the policy and demonstrate compliance clearly.

Orifice plates and blockage

Small orifices block. Where the calculated orifice diameter falls below the council minimum, a different control arrangement is required, typically a weir and orifice combination with an accessible screen.

Access for maintenance must be shown. A tank that cannot be cleaned will not be maintained.

Buildability

Check the tank against the structural design early. Below-ground detention under a driveway carries vehicle loads, and a late change of tank location can force a footing redesign.

Get in touch

Let's build something great together

Send through your drawings, survey or site address and we will come back with a clear scope and fee proposal.

Quick enquiry

Talk to an engineer

Message us on WhatsApp for project enquiries, fee proposals and drawing reviews.

WhatsApp