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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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[[File:Pdf image.png|100px|thumb|alt=pdf image|<font size=3>[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=File:Overview_for_stormwater_ponds_-_Minnesota_Stormwater_Manual_June_2022.pdf Download pdf]</font size>]]
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<noinclude>[[File:General information page image.png|right|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===
+
This section provides an overview of stormwater <span title="A stormwater retention basin that includes a combination of permanent pool storage and extended detention storage above the permanent pool to provide additional water quality or rate control"> [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_ponds '''wet ponds''']</span>. 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 <span title="Multiple BMPs that work together to remove pollutants utilizing combinations of hydraulic, physical, biological, and chemical methods"> [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Using_the_treatment_train_approach_to_BMP_selection '''treatment train''']</span>. 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 [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Construction_stormwater_program 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.
<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>
 
  
===Special receiving waters suitability===
+
For regulatory purposes, stormwater ponds fall under the category ''Wet Sedimentation Basin'' described in the CGP. If used in combination with other practices, <span title="The stormwater runoff volume or pollutant reduction achieved toward meeting a runoff volume or water quality goal."> [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Overview_of_stormwater_credits '''credit (stormwater credit)''']</span> 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.
  
Table 12.8.1 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.
+
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.
  
[[Special receiving waters suitability for ponds]]
+
==Retrofit suitability==
 +
Ponds are widely used for stormwater retrofits and have two primary applications as a retrofit design. In communities where dry detention ponds (see [[Types of stormwater ponds]]) were designed for flood control in the past, these facilities can be modified by adding a <span title="a constant or permanent pool of water maintained in a constructed pond or wetland, designed to allow suspended particles to settle by gravitation"> '''permanent pool'''</span> 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.
  
<br>
+
==Special receiving waters suitability==
  
===Cold climate suitability===
+
The table below provides guidance regarding the use of stormwater ponds in areas upstream of special <span title="Waters with qualities that warrant extra protection"> [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Construction_stormwater_program#Special_Waters_and_Impaired_Waters '''special receiving waters''']</span>.
[[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:
+
 
 +
{{:Design restrictions for special waters - constructed ponds and wetlands}}
 +
 
 +
==Cold climate suitability==
 +
[[File:Plan and profile view of a wet pond.png|thumb|400 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. Click on image to enlarge.]]</font size>
 +
 
 +
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] ([https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=References_for_stormwater_ponds 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.
 
*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]]).
*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.
+
*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”. In addition, the pipe should have a minimum 8” diameter.  
+
*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", especially when the slot is tall.  
+
*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.  
+
*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" below the typical ice layer.  
+
*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.  
+
*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===
+
==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 [[Uniform 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.
 +
 
 +
Ponds are primarily detention practices and therefore do not retain significant amounts of water. There is some loss to <span title="Loss of water to the atmosphere as a result of the joint processes of evaporation and transpiration through vegetation"> '''evapotranspiration'''</span> and seepage through the bottom of the pond.
 +
 
 +
==Water quality==
 +
{{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}}
 +
 
 +
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. <span title="Volatilization is the process whereby a dissolved sample is vaporised"> '''Volatilization'''</span> and chemical activity can also occur, breaking down and assimilating a number of other stormwater contaminants such as <span title="A compound of hydrogen and carbon, such as any of those which are the chief components of petroleum and natural gas."> '''hydrocarbons'''</span>.
  
===Water quality===
+
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 CGP is the wet extended detention pond (or wet sedimentation basin) constructed according to the minimum standards outlined in the permit.
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.
 
<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 (Vcp, Vp10, Vp100; see [[Uniform 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>
 
<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>
 
<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>
 
  
<br>
+
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 (<span title="Infiltration Best Management Practices (BMPs) treat urban stormwater runoff as it flows through a filtering medium and into underlying soil, where it may eventually percolate into groundwater. The filtering media is typically coarse-textured and may contain organic material, as in the case of bioinfiltration BMPs."> [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_Best_Management_Practices '''infiltration''']</span>) should be explored.
  
Table 12.8.2: Removal efficiencies for key pollutants for wet extended detention ponds. Data in the table are from Winer (2000) and have been rounded.
+
Removal efficiencies and typical stormwater pond effluent concentrations for key pollutants for wet extended detention ponds are provided in the following two tables.
<table border="1">
 
<tr>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Practice'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''TSS (%)'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Total phosphorus (%)'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Total nitrogen (%)'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Metals<sup>1</sup> (%)</center'''></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Bacteria (%)'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Hydrocarbons (%)'''</center></td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td><center>Wet Extended detention pond</center></td>
 
<td><center>80</center></td>
 
<td><center>40</center></td>
 
<td><center>30</center></td>
 
<td><center>60</center></td>
 
<td><center>70</center></td>
 
<td><center>80<sup>2</sup></center></td>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
<sup>1</sup> average of zinc and copper; <sup>2</sup> based on fewer than five data points (i.e. independent monitoring studies)
 
  
<br>
+
{{:Median pollutant removal percentages for BMPs}}
  
Table 12.8.3: Typical effluent concentrations for selected water quality parameters. Values are from the [http://www.bmpdatabase.org/ ASCE BMP database] and from Winer (2000).
+
{{:Pollutant concentrations for stormwater pond BMPs}}
<table border="1">
 
<tr>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Practice'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''TSS (mg/L)'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Total phosphorus (mg/L)'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Total nitrogen (mg/L)'''</center></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Metals (ug/L)</center'''></td>
 
<td width="13%"><center>'''Bacteria (ug/L)'''</center></td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td><center>Wet Extended detention pond</center></td>
 
<td><center>10</center></td>
 
<td><center>0.2</center></td>
 
<td><center>1.3</center></td>
 
<td><center>5.0</center></td>
 
<td><center>30</center></td>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
  
<br>
+
==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
  
===Limitations===
+
<noinclude>
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
 
*Pose safety concerns
 
  
<br>
+
==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:Level 3 - Best management practices/Guidance and information/BMP overview]]
 +
[[Category:Level 3 - Best management practices/Structural practices/Wet pond]]
 +
</noinclude>

Latest revision as of 21:46, 7 February 2023

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

This section provides an overview of stormwater wet 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 the CGP. If used in combination with other practices, credit (stormwater 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 (see Types of stormwater ponds) were designed for flood control in the past, these facilities can be modified by adding a permanent 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 special receiving waters.

Design restrictions for special waters - constructed ponds and wetlands
Link to this table

BMP
Watershed Management Category
A
Lakes
B
Trout Waters
C
Drinking Water*
D
Wetlands
E
Impaired Waters
Constructed wetlands Some variations NOT RECOMMENDED due to poor P removal, combined with other treatments. NOT RECOMMENDED
except for wooded wetlands
RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED
but no use of natural wetlands
RECOMMENDED
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

*Applies to groundwater drinking 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. Click on image to enlarge.

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.
  • 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.

Ponds are primarily detention practices and therefore do not retain significant amounts of water. There is some loss to evapotranspiration and seepage through the bottom of the pond.

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 ( 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.

Median pollutant removal percentages for several stormwater BMPs. Sources. More detailed information and ranges of values can be found in other locations in this manual, as indicated in the table. NSD - not sufficient data. NOTE: Some filtration bmps, such as biofiltration, provide some infiltration. The values for filtration practices in this table are for filtered water.
Link to this table

Practice TSS TP PP DP TN Metals1 Bacteria Hydrocarbons
Infiltration2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Biofiltration and Tree trench/tree box with underdrain 80 link to table link to table link to table 50 35 95 80
Sand filter 85 50 85 0 35 80 50 80
Iron enhanced sand filter 85 65 or 746 85 40 or 606 35 80 50 80
Dry swale (no check dams) 68 link to table link to table link to table 35 80 0 80
Wet swale (no check dams) 35 0 0 0 15 35 35 NSD
Constructed wet ponds4, 5 84 50 or 685 84 8 or 485 30 60 70 80
Constructed wetlands 73 38 69 0 30 60 70 80
Permeable pavement (with underdrain) 74 41 74 0 NSD NSD NSD NSD
Green roofs 85 0 0 0 NSD NSD NSD NSD
Vegetated (grass) filter 68 0 0 0 NSD NSD NSD NSD
Harvest and reuse Removal is 100% for captured water that is infiltrated. For water captured and routed to another practice, use the removal values for that practice.

TSS=Total suspended solids, TP=Total phosphorus, PP=Particulate phosphorus, DP=Dissolved phosphorus, TN=Total nitrogen
1Data for metals is based on the average of data for zinc and copper
2BMPs designed to infiltrate stormwater runoff, such as infiltration basin/trench, bioinfiltration, permeable pavement with no underdrain, tree trenches with no underdrain, and BMPs with raised underdrains.
3Pollutant removal is 100 percent for the volume infiltrated, 0 for water bypassing the BMP. For filtered water, see values for other BMPs in the table.
4Dry ponds do not receive credit for volume or pollutant removal
5Removal is for Design Level 2. If an iron-enhanced pond bench is included, an additional 40 percent credit is given for dissolved phosphorus. Use the lower values if no iron bench exists and the higher value if an iron bench exists.
6Lower values are for Tier 1 design. Higher values are for Tier 2 design.


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

This page was last edited on 7 February 2023, at 21:46.