EPIC
Subsurface
Irrigation
System
Specifications
EPIC System Manual
1
MATERIAL LIST
Epic Chamber
Environmentally Passive Integrated Chamber (EPIC™) is a single piece injection molded arched chamber.
EPIC™ is used individually or connected serially in preformed cells to provide non-plugging and bi
directional movement of fluids or gas in sand, gravel, grain or other imbedded porous matrixes. The
chambers are used to provide water drainage systems, sub-irrigation and underground storage
applications, waste water soil injection, sand filtration, gas collection systems, pond bottom sludge air
injection, sand aeration, grain drying, water decanting applications, etc.
Size: 46” L x 13.25” W x 6.5” H
Polymer: Polypropylene
Total Internal volume: 9.67 gallons (1.29 cu. Ft.)
Epic Grommet (2 inches)
Size: 76.00 mm (3.00”) Outside Diameter
Polymer: Flexible neoprene rubber
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Firestone EPDM liner
Firestone Quickseam Splice tape and primer
Firestone Conduit Flashing (Boots)
Pvc pipes and fittings (These are typical pipes of varying diameters commonly used in the industry
ranging in size from 1 ½ “ (38mm) – 6” (15cm)
Reservoir Tank (size of tanks is 800 Gallon, Vertical Type)
Electric 220v Submersible pump with automatic float shutoff. Pump size to range from 1/3 HP – 1 ½ HP
Ball float valve
Electrical Control Panel
7 day automatic timer (optional)
Sweet Sand
3/16” Gravel
Organic Mulch to be blended with top 10 – 15 cm of Sweet Sand
Fertilizer
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INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION LAYOUT
A REQUIRED FINAL CHECK OF SUBGRADE PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF COMPONENTS IS IMPERATIVE TO
VERIFY TOLERANCE ELEVATIONS AND REMOVE ANY DEBRIS WITHIN INSTALLATION AREA. PROJECTS
MAY CONSIST OF ONE OR MORE EPIC CELLS AND LAYOUT SHOULD BE VERIFIED ACCORDING TO PLAN SET.
SCOPE OF WORK SEQUENCE
Survey work shall ensure that the base sub-grade of the installation areas (Individual EPIC cells)
is level, smooth, and compacted.
1. Plans and provisions are made for adequate containment of sand and gravel along EPIC
cell perimeter edges as specified on plans.
2. EPIC parts assembly and related service components are made according to EPIC
approved plans or supervised by an EPIC certified individual.
3. Grading, leveling, and final compaction of the sand fill are to be completed by the
Contractor and approved by the Owner, or Owners Representative before proceeding to
the final seeding phase.
4. Locate and protect all existing EPIC components, pipe, valves, valve boxes and other
physical features on the field and the immediate vicinity.
5. Protect all pavement and hard surface areas.
6. Compaction shall be done with smooth drum roller or Vibra-plate per specifications.
7. Furnish and apply specified amendments and/or fertilizer.
8. Incorporate amendments if called for in plans using a Toro sand pro, Blekavator or
equivalent machine with 2-4” cultivating attachments.
9. Finish grade as specified.
10. Apply vegetation per specifications
SUB-GRADE
EQUIPMENT LIST
EPIC systems are generally placed on flat, laser level subgrade(s) which in most instances have
to be prepared to remove slopes, undulations and gradient changes on the project site.
Consider avoiding native soil export whenever possible.
Typical equipment needed to prepare and compact the EPIC subgrade include:

Surveying quality LASER level

Graders, excavators, track skid bobcats, conveyor systems or other suitable earth
moving equipment
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
Skilled backhoe and skid steer operators

Compacting with smooth drum vibrating rollers or vibra-plate compactors

Dump trucks and end dumps if soil export is required

Wheel barrows, shovels, rakes, tape measure, sharp knife, misc. hand tools
SITE SURVEY | FIELD MEASUREMENTS
Prior to construction, site survey and visualization of the project is required. The installer should
be familiar with site plans and area of intended project. Manual tape measurements or optical
surveys should confirm that area is in accordance with prepared plans.
SITE SOIL BALANCE
Proper design of cut/fill excavation to maximize soil reuse onsite will minimize site soil export,
therefore reducing costs. Epic profile using locally available Sweet Sand calls for a 60 cm profile
depth. Install EPIC profile in accordance with project’s construction documents and plan set.
LASER LEVEL
The required tolerance of EPIC subgrades is +/0.5” (15mm) over the entire cell. As such the
contractor must rely on level indicators he can
trust and verify. Therefore, maintaining site
controls are very important. Daily
confirmation of site survey control is
recommended.
Figure VI - Optical survey transit level is positioned to side
of EPIC installation area with building's corner concrete
pad allocated as bench mark of reference elevation.
COMPACTION
In addition to the critical subgrade preparation aspects of site soil balance and a laser level base,
equally important is a firm compaction of the EPIC subgrade. A standard type of measurement
to determine compaction firmness is “Standard Proctor Density.” EPIC subgrade Standard
Proctor Density is 95%.
Soil material used to level the subgrade that isn’t properly compacted may have sections that
settle over time and create an off level base that could eventually inhibit system performance.
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Figure VII - Vibrating roller compactor
achieving compact subgrade.
CONTAINMENT
Figure VIII - Fill material
added and back dragged
to a smooth base.
Figure IX - Track skid-steer
recommended
The perimeter of an EPIC project has to be available or constructed to contain the sand fill
material. Buildings and residential structure may at times themselves be on the plans as the
containment barriers as long as the EPDM liner wall is installed to finish grade or higher along
the building foundation. The EPDM liner can provide the water/vapor barrier and the structural
finish of the building may provide the stability to contain the sand.
EPIC INSTALLATIONS ON SLOPED TERRAIN
A number of principles apply when sloped or undulating turf landscapes utilize EPIC. Subgrade
sections shall meet identical soil balance, laser level tolerance, and compaction proctor density.
Sloped EPIC system flow patterns shall follow a serpentine pattern of benched or stepped level
subgrades from high elevation to low elevation. The finish grade evenly reflects the graded
slope as specified on plans.
Figure X - Midpoint bench elevation is determined
first, then subsequent bench lines are created by
matched elevations following the topography.
Figure XI - Example of hand screening level
bench subgrade with level 2x4.
Slopes in excess of 1% grade shall be benched. However the maximum width of an EPIC cell on a 1%
slope is 5’. Vertical drop between level benches shall not exceed 2” (50mm). Subtle bench transitions
yield even moisture distribution by capillary irrigation mitigating from the higher /shallow profile bench
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edge, over the 8” vertical EPDM liner wall or pan side wall, and into the lower / deeper profile bench
edge.
.
Perimeter edges of EPDM liner upright walls shall extend to the surface and beyond finish grade
edge. Trim excess liner to finish grade upon completion of aggregate profile import as specified
in construction documents.
Typical slopes accommodated for sloped turf projects includes topographical contours of 2%.
Special designs and approaches can be accommodated for steeper slopes used in erosion
control and steep embankment situations.
.
EPIC PROFILE MATERIALS IMPORT
GRAVEL SOURCES AND SELECTION
The 2” (5cm) gravel layer at the bottom of an EPIC cell
GRAVEL BRIDGING PRINCIPLE
provides a path of least resistance to distribute water
quickly and evenly on top of the EPDM liner. The gravel
must be no larger than 3/16” in particle size and
intersects the sand layer and allows the water layer to
initiate capillary rise throughout the EPIC profile. The
visible reference mark for the 2” (5cm) depth are outside
interface holes on the EPIC chamber. When the holes are
The average diameter
of the larger aggregate
no longer visible the required depth has been achieved.
has to be less than 8X
1.5x
the diameter of the
Gravel has a very limited capillary rise characteristic so
smaller aggregate.
gravel depth should not exceed 3” depths. It is important
to be uniform in the depth of the 3/16”gravel to assure even bridging of the overlying sand
profile above it.
8x
SAND SOURCES AND SELECTION
The washed sand profile in EPIC™ systems is the key ingredient to function as:

Resistance to soil compaction

The ability to initiate upward draw of water through capillary rise

Excellent drainage

The ability to maintain as aerobic soil profile in the root zone
Tests have determined that in the UAE commonly available Sweet Sand meets the requirements
for construction of the Epic System. Sand should be washed to insure salinity level of soil is
reduced to allow proper plant growth. Contractor shall provide a sample of the sand prior to
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construction and placement of sand to allow sand to be tested for salinity and capillary
properties. Field construction manager shall confirm that aggregate deliveries match approved
aggregates in accordance to construction documents. Quick field confirmation checks should
inspect color, texture, and drainage characteristics.
COMPONENTS
EPIC Chamber | EPIC Grommet
EPIC CHAMBER
Epic System components include EPIC chambers, EPIC pans, FIRESTONE EPDM GEO MEMBRANE
Liner, EPIC Grommet. Other products used in conjunction with EPIC chamber system may
include control valves, sensors, timers and pumps as specified in project plans. TO connect the
chambers Non-Pressurized connection pipe shall be 2” Schedule 40 PVC or ABS. Header
drainage pipes that connect to EPIC chamber rows shall be a 6” or larger SDR 35 PVC or ABS
unless specified otherwise in plans.
GROMMET
EPIC Grommet shall be installed as a sand tight connection to pan wall penetrations, header
pipes and possibly zero-drain chambers in accordance with construction documents and plan
set.
EPDM Liner
FIRESTONE 45 MIL EPDM LINER
EPDM provides a watertight water barrier preventing water loss to native sub-soils while
retaining a temporary 3” (75mm) perched water table (EPIC saturated zone). Construction
process of interconnected EPIC cells shall be installed in accordance with plans.
The EPIC cell is a confined area of EPIC chambers and the containment area of the sand fill as
defined by the liner base and vertically upright walls.
Recommend contractor have adequate workers available to locate the EPDM liner into position
as specified in plans. Pulling gently and fanning air under the liner aids positioning.
Figure XIX - Placement of EPDM
liner
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Recommend seaming of EPDM
liner to maximize coverage and
minimize waste. An onsite Epic
Green Solutions representative
can provide assistance with
EPDM liner seaming utilizing
Firestone Quickprime and 6”
Figure XVIII - Straight edge of liner
held in place
(15cm) seam tape. The seams
shall achieve a water tight seal.
Figure XX - Quick Prime
application to seam EPDM liners
Connection Pipes | Drain Lines | Supply Lines
CONNECTION PIPES
Assembly of EPIC chambers with non-pressurized 2” (5cm) PVC or ABS connectors does not
require gluing. Recommend to bulk precut
lengths of non-pressurized 2” (5cm) PVC
connecting pipe to their prescribed length.
EPIC chamber connections may vary in linear
spacing between chambers and shall be
installed as specified in plans. Nonpressurized pipe lengths exceeding 4’ (10cm)
required to brace the underneath connector
pipe midpoint with a piece of 2.75” (7 cm)
paver or brick to
support the level
connector pipe.
Figure XXI - Connection of precut connectors
and EPIC chambers
The connector pipe slides into the chamber 3.25” (8cm) from the
chamber opening and encounters a stop nub. For 30” (76cm) spacing
per design of this project cut the connecting pipe to 36.5” (92 cm).
Recommend labeling a mark of the connector pipe position at the end
wall of the chamber to provide visual check of final position.
It is recommended to physically brace the chamber to prevent shifting and uplift when gravel
and sand is added along the sides and top of the chamber. Fine gravel below the chamber foot
pads can lift the chamber above the liner to an off level position.
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All penetrations of EPDM liner for connection pipes shall be sealed watertight with Firestone
Conduit Flashing commonly referred to as boots . Penetration cuts through the liner to receive
Figure XXIII - Tabs cut into EPDM
penetration connection.
Figure I - Conduit flashing is Quick
Primed and adhered to the EPDM
liner, then rolled to ensure water
tight connection.
the 2” (5cm) connector pipe are
as shown below. The Firestone
conduit flashing is then cut to
the correct pipe diameter size, stretched snugly over the connector pipe, and tightly secured by
the stainless steel clamp. It is best to seam (glue) the conduit flashing base on a smooth and flat
surface to insure a watertight seal.
Inlet / Outlet | Header Pipes | Zero Drain
INLET
Large landscape areas incorporate 6” (15cm) header pipes along the landscape area with
multiple inlets from the reservoir pump. The inlet flow of a typical field is adjusted between 1-2
gallons per minute (4-8 Liters) per number of EPIC chamber row connections to the 6” inlet
header.
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Figure XXV - Inlet vault with gate valve inlet
from pump in reservoir
OUTLET
The Outlet of water
leaving the EPIC system
discharges into the
tank reservoir or to
secondary storage
reservoirs as allocated
in the construction
plans. A closed EPIC
system has no outlet
Figure XXVII - Outlet Vault on top of EPDM liner,
Figure XXVI - Concrete outlet vault with adjustable and continually
and adjacent to Inlet supply from pump.
recirculates the
"swing joint" to control water elevation.
water.
An open EPIC system has a final outlet from the reservoir, at capacity, to project outfall. Water
elevation levels of the EPIC cell can be controlled by the adjustable union joint and elbow
installed in the outlet vault.
HEADER PIPE
Recommend 6” (15cm) SDR 35 pipe used as Inlet headers and outlet headers located on
opposite edges of the EPIC area. Typically 2” (5cm) connectors integrate with 6” header pipe or
as specified in plans. For grommet installation a precise 2.75” (70mm) diameter hole is drilled
into the header pipe. The wall thickness of the header pipe shall be less than ¼” (9mm) to
provide fit for the grommet edges, and receive the 2” connector to EPIC chambers.
Recommend to fit header pipes with grommets prior to install. For uniform positioning a chalk
line is snapped on center (OC) line of 6” header pipe. Spacing positions of EPIC rows “OC” are
marked on chalk line for drilling positions. Inlet headers shall be positioned within the EPIC cell
as specified in plan details.
ZERO-DRAIN
A feature typical of EPIC designs in flat EPIC systems is a simple upgrade that provides more
precise and immediate saturated zone water elevation
adjustments. The zero drain option is installed in the last
EPIC chamber of the flow pattern. Contractor shall drill a
2.75” (70 mm) hole in end wall of chamber, off center, and
install EPIC grommet to receive 2” (60 mm) zero-drain
Figure XXVIII - Zero Drain EPIC camber
connection
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outlet pipe and cap standard 2” (60mm) connection at the chamber wall. Connection shall be
sand tight.
Tank Reservoir | Secondary Storage Reservoirs | Access Cover
TANK RESERVOIR
Typical EPIC installations utilize a plastic tank reservoir or various capacity sizes which can vary
from project to project. Check plans for correct type and sizing of tank.
SECONDARY STORAGE RESERVOIRS
Various secondary storage reservoirs can integrate with EPIC as an underground void space to
hold, retain, reuse, and/or delay storm volumes ranging from thousands to millions of gallons
and its potential erosive energy. Captured excess water is filtered through the EPIC sand profile
prior to reservoir storage. Storage reservoirs may be lined with EPDM liner to retain water for
reuse, or be unlined for ground infiltration. Verify intent in specified plans and construction
documents.
ACCESS COVERS
All electrical, pump, float valve are equipped with accessible cover or manhole as specified in
plans.
Float Valve | Water Pump | Water & Electrical Supply
FLOAT VALVE
Float valves shall operate within a pressure range of
15- 115psi. (103 – 792 kPa) in conjunction with the
water pump specified in accordance to the
construction documents and plan set. Water flow
through the float valve must be larger than the output
rate of the submersible pump.
WATER PUMP
Figure XXX - Reservoir access showing
zero-drain swing joint, water pump, float
valve, and water / electrical supply
Submersible water pump shall have quick connect
union to retrieve pump if necessary as specified in plans. Typical installations require a pump
between 1/3 HP and 1 1/5 HP depending on the size of the cells. Pump shall be equipped with
an automatic float shut off switch to protect the pump in case of low water levels in the
reservoir.
WATER & ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
Pressurized water supply connections typically are a single point location in conjunction with the
electrical supply that operates the recirculation pump. A dedicated 20 Amp 115V electrical
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circuit shall operate the submersible water pump positioned in the recirculation tank reservoir
as specified in the plans.
Final Drain & Outfall
At some point as water travels by gravity through the EPIC profile into the recirculation vault
and the optional sub surface storage reservoirs, water has to exit the system and leave the site.
Final overflow drains are positioned at the lowest elevation. Pre-filtered storm water through
the EPIC profile the final discharge can be channeled (day-lighted).
Final drain pipes shall be the same or larger diameter than the 6” (15 cm) header pipes within
the system. Large landscaped areas final drain pipe from recirculation vaults and reservoirs
should be 8” (20cm) or larger.
Drainage pipes are gravity driven with minimal head pressure. Hydrological design calculations
of maximum flow volumes:

2” (5cm) – 20 GPM (80 L/min.)

4” (10cm) – 80 GPM (320 L/min.)

6” (15cm) – 160 GPM (640 L/min.)
TREE INSTILLATION
While there are several methods used to accommodate trees in the Epic profile, the recommended
procedure for this project while still maintaining a level grade on the landscape surface is to first
complete the installation of the entire Epic System.
Once the Epic System is completed tree locations should be marked. After marking the location laborers
shall excavate the hole where tree is to be placed. When the excavation is underway a chamber pipe
may be encountered meaning the location may have to be shifted a half meter one direction of the
other to insure tree is placed between chamber pipes. Once the sand and gravel are removed from the
top of the EPDM liner a circle (approximately 1.5m in diameter) will be cut in the EPDM allowing the
excavation to continue to the depth of 1.5 meters. At this time an additional piece of EPDM will be
seamed around the edge of the EPDM where it was cut. This additional EPDM will stand 25cm vertically
from the base of the EPDM. This will insure water standing on the surface of the liner will not flow
directly into the subgrade and still allow water that rises through capillary physics to reach the root
system of the tree. This method also allows the tree to have a deep root structure while not interfering
with the rest of the Epic System.
SYSTEM STARTUP
Once a cell is completed the pump should be turned on for 3-5 days depending on the area of the cell to
insure complete saturation of the cell throughout the entire profile. Once this has been completed
vegetative material can be planted in the cell.
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MAINTENANCE
In general the maintenance of a landscape area with an Epic System shall be no different than any other
landscape area. Typical fertilization, mowing and trimming programs will be required. Regarding the
system itself, there are a few basic things that must be done on a regular basis. Reservoir tank should be
checked monthly to insure proper performance of the pump and ball float valve. The inlet vaults should
be checked periodically to make sure there is no blockage in the inlet header pipe and to check the flow
of water from the supply line into the vault.
The Epic System is designed to have the pump turned on to charge the cell about once per week for 1224 hours. This should normally be adequate even in summer conditions in the UAE. Currently plots
installed on Yas Island are performing quite well in the wintertime with the pumps only being turned on
once per month. The biggest mistake maintenance people normally make is to turn the pumps on too
often. The system works best when the sand profile is allowed to dry between charging cycles to
encourage the exchange of Co2 and O2 in the soil.
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