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This section provides an overview of stormwater ponds.  It includes a discussion of permit applicability, function within the treatment train, cold climate and retrofit suitability, and role in water quality and quantity treatment.
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<noinclude>[[File:General information page image.png|left|100px|alt=image]]</noinclude>
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[[File:Center pond.jpg|thumb|300px|alt=photo of a wet pond|<font size=3>Photo of a wet pond.</font size>]]
  
===Function within stormwater treatment train===
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This section provides an overview of stormwater ponds. It includes a discussion of permit applicability, function within the treatment train, cold climate and retrofit suitability, and role in water quality and quantity treatment.
[[Using the treatment train approach to BMP selection]], stormwater ponds are typically installed as an end-of-pipe BMP at the downstream end of the treatment train. Stormwater pond size and outflow regulation requirements can be significantly reduced with the use of additional upstream BMPs. However, due to their size and versatility, stormwater ponds are often the only management practice employed at a site and therefore must be designed to provide adequate water quality and water quantity treatment for all regulated storms
 
  
===MPCA Permit applicability===
+
==Function within stormwater treatment train==
One of the goals of this manual is to facilitate understanding of and compliance with the [http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/stormwater/construction-stormwater/construction-stormwater.html?menuid=&redirect=1 MPCA Construction General Permit(CGP)], which includes design and performance standards for permanent stormwater management systems. These standards must be applied in all projects in which at least one acre of new impervious area (or common area of development) is being created, and the permit stipulates certain standards for various categories of stormwater management practices.
+
Stormwater ponds are typically installed as an end-of-pipe BMP at the downstream end of the [[Using the treatment train approach to BMP selection|treatment train]]. Stormwater pond size and outflow regulation requirements can be significantly reduced with the use of additional upstream BMPs. However, due to their size and versatility, stormwater ponds are often the only management practice employed at a site and therefore must be designed to provide adequate water quality and water quantity treatment for all regulated storms.
<p>For regulatory purposes, stormwater ponds fall under the category ''Wet Sedimentation Basin'' described in Part III.C.1 of the CGP. If used in combination with other practices, [[Stormwater credits|credit]] for combined stormwater treatment can be given. Due to the statewide prevalence of the MPCA CGP, design guidance in this section is presented with the assumption that the permit does apply. Also, although it is expected that in many cases the pond will be used in combination with other practices, standards are described for the case in which it is a stand-alone practice.</p>
 
<p>The following terms are thus used in the text to distinguish various levels of stormwater pond design guidance:
 
*“'''Required''':” Indicates design standards stipulated by the MPCA CGP (or other consistently applicable regulations).
 
*“'''Highly recommended''':” Indicates design guidance that is extremely beneficial or necessary for proper functioning of the pond, but not specifically required by the MPCA CGP.
 
*“'''Recommended''':” Indicates design guidance that is helpful for pond performance but not critical to the design.</p>
 
<p>Of course, there are situations, particularly retrofit projects, in which a stormwater pond is constructed without being subject to the conditions of the MPCA CGP. While compliance with the permit is not required in these cases, the standards it establishes can provide valuable design guidance to the user. It is also important to note that additional and potentially more stringent design requirements may apply for a particular pond, depending on where it is situated both jurisdictionally and within the surrounding landscape.</p>
 
  
===Retrofit suitability===
+
==MPCA permit applicability==
<p>Ponds are widely used for stormwater retrofits and have two primary applications as a retrofit design. In communities where dry detention ponds were designed for flood control in the past, these facilities can be modified by adding a permanent wet pool for water quality treatment and adapting the outlet structure for channel protection. Alternatively, new ponds can be installed in available open areas as a part of a comprehensive watershed retrofit inventory.</p>
+
One of the goals of this manual is to facilitate understanding of and compliance with the [http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/stormwater/construction-stormwater/index.html MPCA Construction General Permit](CGP), which includes design and performance standards for permanent stormwater management systems. These standards must be applied in all projects in which at least one acre of new [[Glossary#I|impervious area]] (or common area of development) is being created, and the permit stipulates certain standards for various categories of stormwater management practices.
<p>Note that the MPCA CGP permanent pool specifications do not apply to retrofit ponds that serve an existing developed area unless new impervious acreage occurs as part of the retrofit project. Therefore, any of the aforementioned pond variants may be considered, along with other alternative approaches to treatment basin design.</p>
+
<p>For regulatory purposes, stormwater ponds fall under the category ''Wet Sedimentation Basin'' described in Section 18 of the CGP. If used in combination with other practices, [[Overview of stormwater credits|credit]] for combined stormwater treatment can be given. Due to the statewide prevalence of the MPCA CGP, design guidance in this section is presented with the assumption that the permit does apply. Also, although it is expected that in many cases the pond will be used in combination with other practices, standards are described for the case in which it is a stand-alone practice.
  
{{alert|...dry extended detention ponds are not considered an acceptable option for meeting water quality treatment goals|alert-info}}
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Of course, there are situations, particularly retrofit projects, in which a stormwater pond is constructed without being subject to the conditions of the [[Acronyms#M|MPCA]] [[Acronyms#C|CGP]]. While compliance with the permit is not required in these cases, the standards it establishes can provide valuable design guidance to the user. It is also important to note that additional and potentially more stringent design requirements may apply for a particular pond, depending on where it is situated both jurisdictionally and within the surrounding landscape.
  
===Special receiving waters suitability===
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==Retrofit suitability==
 +
Ponds are widely used for [[Glossary#S|stormwater retrofits]] and have two primary applications as a retrofit design. In communities where dry detention ponds were designed for flood control in the past, these facilities can be modified by adding a permanent wet pool for water quality treatment and adapting the outlet structure for channel protection. This is desirable because dry ponds have limited effectiveness for pollutant removal. Alternatively, new ponds can be installed in available open areas as a part of a comprehensive watershed retrofit inventory.
  
The table below provides guidance regarding the use of stormwater ponds in areas upstream of special receiving waters. This table is an abbreviated version of a larger table in which other BMP groups are similarly evaluated. The corresponding information about other BMPs is presented in the respective sections of this Manual.
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Note that the MPCA CGP permanent pool specifications do not apply to retrofit ponds that serve an existing developed area unless new impervious acreage occurs as part of the retrofit project. Therefore, any of the aforementioned pond variants may be considered, along with other alternative approaches to treatment basin design.
 +
 
 +
==Special receiving waters suitability==
 +
 
 +
The table below provides guidance regarding the use of stormwater ponds in areas upstream of special [[Glossary#R|receiving waters]]. This table is an abbreviated version of a larger table in which other BMP groups are similarly evaluated. The corresponding information about other BMPs is presented in the respective sections of this Manual.
  
 
{{:Special receiving waters suitability for ponds}}
 
{{:Special receiving waters suitability for ponds}}
  
  
<br>
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==Cold climate suitability==
 
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[[File:Plan and profile view of a wet pond.png|thumb|300 px|alt=schematic showing plan and profile view of a wet detention pond|<font size=3>Plan and profile view of a wet detention pond.]]</font size>
===Cold climate suitability===
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One of the biggest problems associated with proper pond operation during cold weather is the freezing and clogging of inlet and outlet pipes. To avoid these problems, the [http://www.cwp.org/ Center for Watershed Protection] ([[Stormwater_ponds#References|Caraco and Claytor, 1997]]) made some general design suggestions, which are adapted as follows:
[[File:Plan and profile view of a wet pond.png|right|500 px|alt=fact sheet 1|Plan and profile view of a wet detention pond]]One of the biggest problems associated with proper pond operation during cold weather is the freezing and clogging of inlet and outlet pipes. To avoid these problems, the [http://www.cwp.org/ Center for Watershed Protection]([[Stormwater_ponds#References|Caraco and Claytor, 1997]]) made some general design suggestions, which are adapted as follows:
+
*Inlet pipes should not be submerged, since this can result in freezing and upstream damage or flooding;
*Inlet pipes should not be submerged, since this can result in freezing and upstream damage or flooding.
+
*Burying all pipes below the frost line can prevent frost heave and pipe freezing. Wind protection can also be an important consideration for pipes above the frost line. In these cases, designs modifications that have pipes “turn the corner” are helpful;
*Burying all pipes below the frost line can prevent frost heave and pipe freezing. Wind protection can also be an important consideration for pipes above the frost line. In these cases, designs modifications that have pipes “turn the corner” are helpful.
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*Incorporating winter operating levels as part of the design to introduce available storage for melt events (see figure at right and [[Cold climate impact on runoff management]]);
*Incorporating winter operating levels as part of the design to introduce available storage for melt events (see figure at right and [[Cold climate impact on runoff management]]).
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*Increase the slope of inlet pipes to a minimum of 1 percent to prevent standing water in the pipe, reducing the potential for ice formation. This design may be difficult to achieve at sites with flat local slopes;
*Increase the slope of inlet pipes to a minimum of 1% to prevent standing water in the pipe, reducing the potential for ice formation. This design may be difficult to achieve at sites with flat local slopes.
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*If perforated riser pipes are used, the minimum opening diameter should be ½ inch. In addition, the pipe should have a minimum 8 inch diameter;
*If perforated riser pipes are used, the minimum opening diameter should be ½”. In addition, the pipe should have a minimum 8” diameter.
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*When a standard weir is used, the minimum slot width should be 3 inches, especially when the slot is tall;
*When a standard weir is used, the minimum slot width should be 3", especially when the slot is tall.
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*Baffle weirs can prevent ice reformation during the spring melt near the outlet by preventing surface ice from blocking the outlet structure;
*Baffle weirs can prevent ice reformation during the spring melt near the outlet by preventing surface ice from blocking the outlet structure.
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*In cold climates, riser hoods should be oversized and reverse slope pipes should draw from at least 6 inches below the typical ice layer;
*In cold climates, riser hoods should be oversized and reverse slope pipes should draw from at least 6" below the typical ice layer.
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*Alternative outlet designs that have been successful include using a pipe encased in a gravel jacket set at the elevation of the aquatic bench as the control for water-quality events. This practice both avoids stream warming and serves as a non-freezing outlet; and
*Alternative outlet designs that have been successful include using a pipe encased in a gravel jacket set at the elevation of the aquatic bench as the control for water-quality events. This practice both avoids stream warming and serves as a non-freezing outlet.
 
 
*Trash racks should be installed at a shallow angle to prevent ice formation.
 
*Trash racks should be installed at a shallow angle to prevent ice formation.
  
===Water quantity treatment===
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==Water quantity treatment==
 
Ponds are one of the best and most cost-effective stormwater treatment practices for providing runoff detention storage for channel protection and overbank flood control (see [[Unified sizing criteria]]). These goals are achieved with the use of extended detention storage, where runoff is stored above the permanent pool and released at a specified rate through a control structure. Wherever an embankment is constructed to store water at a level higher than the surrounding landscape, dam safety regulations must be followed to ensure that downstream property and structures are adequately protected.
 
Ponds are one of the best and most cost-effective stormwater treatment practices for providing runoff detention storage for channel protection and overbank flood control (see [[Unified sizing criteria]]). These goals are achieved with the use of extended detention storage, where runoff is stored above the permanent pool and released at a specified rate through a control structure. Wherever an embankment is constructed to store water at a level higher than the surrounding landscape, dam safety regulations must be followed to ensure that downstream property and structures are adequately protected.
  
===Water quality===
+
==Water quality==
Ponds rely on physical, biological, and chemical processes to remove pollutants from incoming stormwater runoff. The primary treatment mechanism is gravitational settling of particulates and their associated pollutants as stormwater runoff resides in the pond. Another mechanism for the removal of pollutants (particularly nutrients) is uptake by algae and aquatic vegetation. Volatilization and chemical activity can also occur, breaking down and assimilating a number of other stormwater contaminants such as hydrocarbons.
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{{alert|The discussion of water quality credits applies only to wet ponds. Dry ponds do not receive credit for volume or pollutant removal|alert-info}}
<p>The longer the runoff remains in the pond, the more settling (and associated pollutant removal) and other treatment can occur, and after the particulates reach the bottom of the pond, the permanent pool protects them from resuspension when additional runoff enters the basin. For these reasons, because they lack the crucial permanent pool, dry extended detention ponds are not considered an acceptable option for meeting water quality treatment goals; however, they may be appropriate to meet water quantity criteria (V<sub>cp</sub>, Vp<sub>10</sub>, Vp<sub>100</sub>; see [[Unified sizing criteria]]). It should again be noted that the only type of pond complying with the MPCA CGP is the wet extended detention pond (or wet sedimentation basin) constructed according to the minimum standards outlined in the permit.</p>
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<p>The long detention or retention time associated with stormwater ponds can be problematic in coldwater fisheries due to the potential increase in water temperature. In these situations, detention times should be limited to a maximum of 12 hours or other treatment alternatives (e.g., infiltration) should be explored.</p>
+
Ponds rely on physical, biological, and chemical processes to remove pollutants from incoming stormwater runoff. The primary treatment mechanism is gravitational settling of particulates and their associated pollutants as stormwater runoff resides in the pond. Another mechanism for the removal of pollutants (particularly nutrients) is uptake by algae and aquatic vegetation. [[Glossary#V|Volatilization]] and chemical activity can also occur, breaking down and assimilating a number of other stormwater contaminants such as hydrocarbons.
<p>Removal efficiencies for key pollutants for wet extended detention ponds are provided in Table 12.8.2. Typical effluent concentrations for selected water quality parameters are provided in Table 12.8.3.</p>
+
 
 +
The longer the runoff remains in the pond, the more settling (and associated pollutant removal) and other treatment can occur, and after the particulates reach the bottom of the pond, the permanent pool protects them from resuspension when additional runoff enters the basin. For these reasons, because they lack the crucial permanent pool, dry extended detention ponds are not considered an acceptable option for meeting water quality treatment goals; however, they may be appropriate to meet water quantity criteria (V<sub>cp</sub>, V<sub>p10</sub>, V<sub>p100</sub>; see [[Unified sizing criteria]]). It should again be noted that the only type of pond complying with the MPCA [[Acronyms|CGP]] is the wet extended detention pond (or wet sedimentation basin) constructed according to the minimum standards outlined in the permit.
 +
 
 +
The long detention or retention time associated with stormwater ponds can be problematic in coldwater fisheries due to the potential increase in water temperature. In these situations, detention times should be limited to a maximum of 12 hours or other treatment alternatives (e.g., [[Glossary#I|infiltration]]) should be explored.
 +
 
 +
Removal efficiencies and typical stormwater pond effluent concentrations for key pollutants for wet extended detention ponds are provided in the following two tables.
  
  
Line 55: Line 58:
 
{{:Pollutant concentrations for stormwater pond BMPs}}
 
{{:Pollutant concentrations for stormwater pond BMPs}}
  
===Limitations===
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==Limitations==
 
The following general limitations should be recognized when considering installation of stormwater ponds. Ponds generally:
 
The following general limitations should be recognized when considering installation of stormwater ponds. Ponds generally:
*Consume a large amount of space
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*Consume a large amount of space;
*Tend to increase water temperature and may cause downstream thermal impact
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*Tend to increase water temperature and may cause downstream thermal impact;
*Have the potential for nuisance insects or odor
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*Have the potential for nuisance insects or odor;
*Are problematic for areas of low relief, high water table, or near-surface bedrock
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*Are problematic for areas of low relief, high water table, or near-surface bedrock; and
 
*Pose safety concerns
 
*Pose safety concerns
  
<br>
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<noinclude>
 +
==Related pages==
 +
*[[Overview for stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[Types of stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[Design criteria for stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[Design considerations for constructed stormwater ponds used for harvest and irrigation use/reuse]]
 +
*[[Construction specifications for stormwater ponds]]
 +
<!--[[Construction observations for stormwater ponds]]-->
 +
*[[Assessing the performance of stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[Operation and maintenance of stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[Cost-benefit considerations for stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[Calculating credits for stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[Stormwater wet pond fact sheet]]
 +
<!--[[Additional considerations for stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[Links for stormwater ponds]]
 +
*[[External resources for stormwater ponds]]-->
 +
*[[References for stormwater ponds]]
 +
<!--*[[Supporting material for stormwater ponds]]-->
 +
*[[Requirements, recommendations and information for using stormwater pond as a BMP in the MIDS calculator]]
  
[[category:BMP]]
+
[[Category:BMP overview]]
 +
</noinclude>

Revision as of 16:14, 18 May 2020

image
photo of a wet pond
Photo of a wet pond.

This section provides an overview of stormwater ponds. It includes a discussion of permit applicability, function within the treatment train, cold climate and retrofit suitability, and role in water quality and quantity treatment.

Function within stormwater treatment train

Stormwater ponds are typically installed as an end-of-pipe BMP at the downstream end of the treatment train. Stormwater pond size and outflow regulation requirements can be significantly reduced with the use of additional upstream BMPs. However, due to their size and versatility, stormwater ponds are often the only management practice employed at a site and therefore must be designed to provide adequate water quality and water quantity treatment for all regulated storms.

MPCA permit applicability

One of the goals of this manual is to facilitate understanding of and compliance with the MPCA Construction General Permit(CGP), which includes design and performance standards for permanent stormwater management systems. These standards must be applied in all projects in which at least one acre of new impervious area (or common area of development) is being created, and the permit stipulates certain standards for various categories of stormwater management practices.

For regulatory purposes, stormwater ponds fall under the category Wet Sedimentation Basin described in Section 18 of the CGP. If used in combination with other practices, credit for combined stormwater treatment can be given. Due to the statewide prevalence of the MPCA CGP, design guidance in this section is presented with the assumption that the permit does apply. Also, although it is expected that in many cases the pond will be used in combination with other practices, standards are described for the case in which it is a stand-alone practice. Of course, there are situations, particularly retrofit projects, in which a stormwater pond is constructed without being subject to the conditions of the MPCA CGP. While compliance with the permit is not required in these cases, the standards it establishes can provide valuable design guidance to the user. It is also important to note that additional and potentially more stringent design requirements may apply for a particular pond, depending on where it is situated both jurisdictionally and within the surrounding landscape.

Retrofit suitability

Ponds are widely used for stormwater retrofits and have two primary applications as a retrofit design. In communities where dry detention ponds were designed for flood control in the past, these facilities can be modified by adding a permanent wet pool for water quality treatment and adapting the outlet structure for channel protection. This is desirable because dry ponds have limited effectiveness for pollutant removal. Alternatively, new ponds can be installed in available open areas as a part of a comprehensive watershed retrofit inventory.

Note that the MPCA CGP permanent pool specifications do not apply to retrofit ponds that serve an existing developed area unless new impervious acreage occurs as part of the retrofit project. Therefore, any of the aforementioned pond variants may be considered, along with other alternative approaches to treatment basin design.

Special receiving waters suitability

The table below provides guidance regarding the use of stormwater ponds in areas upstream of special receiving waters. This table is an abbreviated version of a larger table in which other BMP groups are similarly evaluated. The corresponding information about other BMPs is presented in the respective sections of this Manual.

This table shows infiltration Special receiving waters suitability for ponds.
Link to this table

BMP Group Watershed Management Category
A Lakes B Trout Waters C Drinking Water 1 D Wetlands E Impaired Waters
Wet Extended Detention Pond RECOMMENDED Some variations NOT RECOMMENDED due to pool and stream warming concerns RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED (alteration of natural wetlands as stormwater wetlands not allowed) RECOMMENDED

1 Applies to ground water drinking water source areas only; use the sensitive lakes category to define BMP design restrictions for surface water drinking supplies.



Cold climate suitability

schematic showing plan and profile view of a wet detention pond
Plan and profile view of a wet detention pond.

One of the biggest problems associated with proper pond operation during cold weather is the freezing and clogging of inlet and outlet pipes. To avoid these problems, the Center for Watershed Protection (Caraco and Claytor, 1997) made some general design suggestions, which are adapted as follows:

  • Inlet pipes should not be submerged, since this can result in freezing and upstream damage or flooding;
  • Burying all pipes below the frost line can prevent frost heave and pipe freezing. Wind protection can also be an important consideration for pipes above the frost line. In these cases, designs modifications that have pipes “turn the corner” are helpful;
  • Incorporating winter operating levels as part of the design to introduce available storage for melt events (see figure at right and Cold climate impact on runoff management);
  • Increase the slope of inlet pipes to a minimum of 1 percent to prevent standing water in the pipe, reducing the potential for ice formation. This design may be difficult to achieve at sites with flat local slopes;
  • If perforated riser pipes are used, the minimum opening diameter should be ½ inch. In addition, the pipe should have a minimum 8 inch diameter;
  • When a standard weir is used, the minimum slot width should be 3 inches, especially when the slot is tall;
  • Baffle weirs can prevent ice reformation during the spring melt near the outlet by preventing surface ice from blocking the outlet structure;
  • In cold climates, riser hoods should be oversized and reverse slope pipes should draw from at least 6 inches below the typical ice layer;
  • Alternative outlet designs that have been successful include using a pipe encased in a gravel jacket set at the elevation of the aquatic bench as the control for water-quality events. This practice both avoids stream warming and serves as a non-freezing outlet; and
  • Trash racks should be installed at a shallow angle to prevent ice formation.

Water quantity treatment

Ponds are one of the best and most cost-effective stormwater treatment practices for providing runoff detention storage for channel protection and overbank flood control (see Unified sizing criteria). These goals are achieved with the use of extended detention storage, where runoff is stored above the permanent pool and released at a specified rate through a control structure. Wherever an embankment is constructed to store water at a level higher than the surrounding landscape, dam safety regulations must be followed to ensure that downstream property and structures are adequately protected.

Water quality

Information: The discussion of water quality credits applies only to wet ponds. Dry ponds do not receive credit for volume or pollutant removal

Ponds rely on physical, biological, and chemical processes to remove pollutants from incoming stormwater runoff. The primary treatment mechanism is gravitational settling of particulates and their associated pollutants as stormwater runoff resides in the pond. Another mechanism for the removal of pollutants (particularly nutrients) is uptake by algae and aquatic vegetation. Volatilization and chemical activity can also occur, breaking down and assimilating a number of other stormwater contaminants such as hydrocarbons.

The longer the runoff remains in the pond, the more settling (and associated pollutant removal) and other treatment can occur, and after the particulates reach the bottom of the pond, the permanent pool protects them from resuspension when additional runoff enters the basin. For these reasons, because they lack the crucial permanent pool, dry extended detention ponds are not considered an acceptable option for meeting water quality treatment goals; however, they may be appropriate to meet water quantity criteria (Vcp, Vp10, Vp100; see Unified sizing criteria). It should again be noted that the only type of pond complying with the MPCA CGP is the wet extended detention pond (or wet sedimentation basin) constructed according to the minimum standards outlined in the permit.

The long detention or retention time associated with stormwater ponds can be problematic in coldwater fisheries due to the potential increase in water temperature. In these situations, detention times should be limited to a maximum of 12 hours or other treatment alternatives (e.g., infiltration) should be explored.

Removal efficiencies and typical stormwater pond effluent concentrations for key pollutants for wet extended detention ponds are provided in the following two tables.


Pollutant removal percentages for stormwater pond BMPs. Values for TP and TSS include a range of values, from lowest to highest percent removal, observed in the literature.
Link to this table

Practice TSS (Low-Med-High) TP (Low-Med-High) TN Metals (average of Zn and Cu) Bacteria Hydrocarbons
Stormwater Ponds 60-84-90 34-50-73 30 60 70 80


Typical pollutant concentrations leaving stormwater pond BMPs. Concentrations are in milligrams per liter (ppm). Note that a range of values, from low to high, is provided for TSS and TP
Link to this table

Practice TSS Low-Med-High TP Low-Med-High TN Cu Zn
Stormwater Ponds 10-19-30 0.10-0.17-0.25 1.3 0.005 0.030


Limitations

The following general limitations should be recognized when considering installation of stormwater ponds. Ponds generally:

  • Consume a large amount of space;
  • Tend to increase water temperature and may cause downstream thermal impact;
  • Have the potential for nuisance insects or odor;
  • Are problematic for areas of low relief, high water table, or near-surface bedrock; and
  • Pose safety concerns


Related pages