What’s stormwater? Well, stormwater is the runoff from rainfall, melting snow/ice. Although stormwater doesn’t look harmless, you need to know that it can cause a big disaster when not checked. You need to know that stormwater can cause costly flooding and pollution that can be dangerous to our communities. Now that it’s impossible to control the weather, making sure that you have implemented stormwater best management practices is the most crucial decision that you can think of. You need to know that these practices are efficient and help you avoid the effects of excessive runoff. When you consider stormwater management practices, you will be assured of reducing stormwater runoff by ensuring that you have utilized the right ramifications that include backed-up sewers and basements on your property. What’s more, these practices will help you meet the permit requirements. Further, these practices will help you supplement your stormwater pollution prevention plan. Would you like to learn more about stormwater management practices that you can utilize to control stormwater runoff? Well, make sure that you have continued to read this guide for more insights.
One of the key stormwater management practices that you can utilize is dry detention basins. These are also called dry ponds. You need to know that dry detention basins are quality stormwater management practices that are mainly used in controlling the quantity of water versus quality since they confine stormwater for a short time. How do dry detention stormwater management practices work? Well, you need to know that these practices work best during and after storm events. In this event, the basin fills with stormwater runoff. Usually, pollutants and particles settle at the bottom, but water doesn’t remain in dry detention basins for more than 24hrs. When the water reaches a specific level, it’s driven out by outlets to close streams or storm sewer systems to leave the dry pond empty. You need to know that dry ponds are quite effective in employing emergency spillways that direct water away from the basin in an event where there are major storm events. It’s important to make sure that the outlet and the emergency spillway are properly designed and maintained to avoid the risk of erosion.
The other stormwater management practice that you can utilize is retention basins. You need to know that retention basins are artificial ponds or lakes that help in treating stormwater runoff by utilizing the water treatment abilities of natural watersheds. The water that collects in the basin usually undergoes natural treatment procedures that include sedimentation and biological uptake that removes pollutants. Sedimentation helps in removing metals, organic matter, and particles. It’s important to know that retention basins help in maintaining a constant level of water after substantial storm events. This is one of the differences between the dry ponds and retention basins.
In wrapping up, other stormwater management practices include vegetable swale and coverings. It’s important to make sure that you have picked the best stormwater management practices that will help you deal with stormwater. Ensure that you have considered your options to choose the best stormwater management practices that will suit your needs.