Stormwater Retention Ponds Research Articles

Retrofitting a stormwater retention pond using a deflector island

Stormwater retention ponds are one of the principal methods to treat stormwater runoff. Analysis of residence time distribution (RTD) curves can be used to evaluate the capability of these ponds for sediment removal. Deflector islands have been suggested as a means of improving the performance of retention ponds, due to their diffusing the inlet jet. In this study, the effect of an island on retention pond performance was investigated using a physical model of an existing stormwater retention pond. The physical model is a trapezoidal pond having top dimensions 4.1 x 1.5 x 0.23 m and side slopes of 2:1 (h:v). Three different arrangements were studied. The results show that placing an island to deflect the influent to a stormwater retention pond does not improve pond performance, rather it stimulates short-circuiting. This unexpected behaviour, in relation to previous studies, is considered to be a consequence of the model pond incorporating sloping walls; which is a novel aspect of this paper.

Modelling the fate of organic micropollutants in stormwater ponds

Urban water managers need to estimate the potential removal of organic micropollutants (MP) in stormwater treatment systems to support MP pollution control strategies. This study documents how the potential removal of organic MP in stormwater treatment systems can be quantified by using multimedia models. The fate of four different MP in a stormwater retention pond was simulated by applying two steady-state multimedia fate models (EPI Suite and SimpleBox) commonly applied in chemical risk assessment and a dynamic multimedia fate model (Stormwater Treatment Unit Model for Micro Pollutants — STUMP). The four simulated organic stormwater MP (iodopropynyl butylcarbamate — IPBC, benzene, glyphosate and pyrene) were selected according to their different urban sources and environmental fate. This ensures that the results can be extended to other relevant stormwater pollutants. All three models use substance inherent properties to calculate MP fate but differ in their ability to represent the small physical scale and high temporal variability of stormwater treatment systems. Therefore the three models generate different results. A Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) highlighted that settling/resuspension of particulate matter was the most sensitive process for the dynamic model. The uncertainty of the estimated MP fluxes can be reduced by calibrating the dynamic model against total suspended solids data. This reduction in uncertainty was more significant for the substances with strong tendency to sorb, i.e. glyphosate and pyrene and less significant for substances with a smaller tendency to sorb, i.e. IPBC and benzene. The results provide support to the elaboration of MP pollution control strategies by limiting the need for extensive and complex monitoring campaigns targeting the wide range of specific organic MP found in stormwater runoff.

Phenoxyacid Herbicides in Stormwater Retention Ponds: Urban Inputs

Surface water runoff from urban centers is a major source of environmental pollution which impacts water quality in downstream aquatic habitats. Phenoxyacid herbicides are some of the most widely globally used herbicides in agriculture and urban environments for weed control. Their transformation products which in- clude chlorophenols can be more toxic than the active ingredients. We used LC/MS/MS to analyzed simul- taneously these acid herbicides and their transformation products in stormwater retention ponds taken from an urban environment to examine the occurrence and potential release of these herbicides from urban inputs into downstream waters. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and mecoprop were detected in all samples col- lected from the ponds and at the highest concentrations, while 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid was de- tected only in spring and summer. Two transformation products, 4-chloro-2-methylphenol and 2,4-di- chlorophenol were detected in samples primarily at inlet locations on the ponds indicating that degradation had occurred in surface soils prior to surface water runoff.

Irrigation Pond Characterization and Analysis: Impact of Weather and Management

Abstract Weather and management practices were monitored to assess the impact on water quality at four stormwater retention ponds used for irrigation. Two retention ponds were located at Bayville Golf Club (BGC) in Virginia Beach, VA, and two were located at Knotts Creek Nursery (KCN) in Suffolk, VA. Total dissolved N concentrations were examined at increasing depths and over time at the pond inflows and middles. Multiple fertilizer products with variable analyses were applied more frequently at BGC, but N concentrations were consistently higher at KCN. In 2002, a drought year, water temperatures fluctuated little over the season or with depth, regardless of location. N concentration ranges were 1.0—3.5 mg·liter−1 (ppm) at BGC and 2.5—6.0 at KCN. Nitrogen concentrations fluctuated as water depth increased. In 2003 rainfall was above average. Water temperatures fluctuated more over the season than in 2002 and with increasing depth. N concentration ranges were 0.75—4.2 mg·liter−1 (ppm) at BGC and 0.5—6.0 at KCN; and were consistent as water depth increased. Both water temperatures and N concentrations fluctuated dramatically at the inflow locations compared to the middles of the ponds.

Managing Pestiferous Freshwater Aquatic Midge Emergences From Storm Water Retention Ponds

ENY-856, a 3-page fact sheet by Kenneth T. Gioeli, Philip G. Koehler, R. Leroy Creswell, Jeffrey P. Gellermann, and Edward A. Skvarch, describes a recently developed integrated pest management plan for these tiny mosquito-like pests that can adversely impact the quality of life of residents living near storm water retention ponds. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2009. ENY-856/IN825: Managing Pestiferous Freshwater Aquatic Midge Emergences from Storm Water Retention Ponds (ufl.edu)

The contribution of motorway stormwater retention ponds to the biodiversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates

Biodiversity conservation does predominantly focus on protected natural areas, but has to consider also the usually Human-dominated matrix in which these natural areas are embedded. Here we study highway stormwater retention ponds, which may act as refuges for native flora and fauna and contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity in Human-dominated landscapes. However, the biodiversity supported by such artificial ponds has received little attention so far. Using standardised methods, we addressed the potential role of highway stormwater ponds as refuges by comparing aquatic macroinvertebrate communities (Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Odonata and Gastropoda) in highway stormwater ponds with ponds in the wider landscape. As expected from their pollutant retention function, highway ponds differed in abiotic conditions from surrounding ponds. However, they supported aquatic macroinvertebrate communities at least as rich and diverse at the family level as surrounding ponds and exhibited similar variability in family community composition and structure. The main difference we observed was a higher abundance of small and/or short-lived invertebrates in the highway ponds. These similar community compositions and structures suggest that highway ponds contribute to the biodiversity of the pond network at a regional scale. Thus, road practitioners should consider highway ponds not only for their hydrological and pollutant retaining purposes but also as a possibility to increase the role of highway verges as a refuge and, consequently, landscape connectivity. The management of these water bodies should recognise their potential for biodiversity especially in Human-dominated landscapes.

Nutrient Reduction in Stormwater Pond Discharge Using a Chamber Upflow Filter and Skimmer (CUFS)

Stormwater runoff is a known pollutant source capable of causing surface water degradation, especially in highly populated areas such as Central Florida. Wet detention ponds manage this stormwater, but most of the ponds do not remove enough nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, to meet total maximum daily load regulations. This paper presents the use of a chamber upflow filter and skimmer (CUFS) filled with a specific green sorption medium as process modification of stormwater retention ponds, which can increase the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus in the stormwater runoff. Green sorption medium consists of recycled and natural materials that provide a favorable environment for pollutant removal. Water enters the system through the skimmer, which floats on the surface of the detention pond. It travels from the skimmer to the bottom of the chamber where heavier particles settle out before entering the upflow filter. The upflow filter contains 61 cm (24 in.) of green sorption medium providing physicochemical and microbiological processes to remove nitrogen and phosphorus under anoxic/anaerobic conditions. After this treatment, water flows up through the filter and out of the system and eventually travels to Lake Jesup, a eutrophic lake in Central Florida. A total of 28 storm events and seven baseflows were sampled from the site in Seminole County, and ten storm events were sampled from a pilot study of CUFS for statistical analysis and performance evaluation. Significant reductions by the CUFS were confirmed in terms of turbidity, orthophosphorus, total phosphorus, and total suspended solids when the mean values were compared at a 95% confidence level. Reductions also occurred for total nitrogen (TN), but could not be proved by the mean comparison in the field test, whereas the pilot-scale application of the CUFS proved effective for reducing TN at a 95% confidence level. Hydraulic retention time should be increased so as to improve the design for TN removal in future applications.

A Survey of Metal and Pesticide Levels in Stormwater Retention Pond Sediments in Coastal South Carolina

During the summer of 2007, sediment samples were collected from 16 stormwater detention ponds and 2 reference ponds located in coastal South Carolina. The sediments were analyzed for more than 30 pesticides with current and historical uses, six polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and seven metals. The results are compared with established screening assessment parameters, with copper found to be the contaminant of highest concern. Lead levels were found to correlate well with pond drainage area, while copper and zinc levels correlated with both pond drainage area and pond surface area. Chlorpyrifos levels were found to correlate with pond surface area. Our results also show that ponds draining commercial areas were likely to have higher levels of zinc and lead in the sediments compared to other pond classes.

Culex Mosquitoes, West Nile Virus, and the Application of Innovative Management in the Design and Management of Stormwater Retention Ponds in Canada

Abstract Stormwater best management practices have helped to address environmental concerns regarding peak water flows and accumulation of sediment and contamination by pollutants, but often overlook potential public health repercussions such as creating habitat for virus-carrying mosquitoes. Retention ponds frequently hold standing water for more than two weeks during the mosquito breeding season, creating development habitat for the aquatic stages of West Nile virus vectors. To avoid this problem, knowledge of vector ecology should be incorporated in the design of best management practices and integrated stormwater management plans. An integrated approach that incorporates hydrological management of water depth, flow, and surface agitation combined with manipulation of native biota and habitats based on the unique ecology and behaviour of the vector species can deter egg-laying mosquitoes by mimicking natural processes. Such an approach could help prevent disease transmission and alleviate the need for widespread application of pesticides.

Sediment Assessment of Stormwater Retention Ponds within the Urban Environment of Calgary, Canada

Abstract The treatment of urban stormwater by retention ponds is known to be effective for water quality improvement as well as storm flow management and, in the past two decades, has become widely implemented. However, limited research has been conducted on the quality of sediment deposited in ponds. Therefore this study focuses on contaminant concentrations within the sediment from stormwater ponds built in Calgary, Canada. Electrical conductivity and the sodium adsorption ratio consistently exceeded the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) agricultural soil quality guidelines, indicating a city-wide salt contamination issue. F3 hydrocarbon fractions, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, and zinc were also identified as parameters of concern. In particular, the 61 Avenue SE duck pond displayed the greatest diversity and severity of contaminants due to the industrial catchment area. Removal and disposal options were limited due to the characteristics of the sediment. The examination of the solids content illustrated that all retention ponds will require the sediment to be dewatered prior to disposal. Disposal options were subsequently restricted to landfill disposal due to salt, metal, and/or hydrocarbon parameters exceeding CCME soil guidelines. One exception was the Deerfoot Trail and Highway 22X pond which could be directly disposed of in areas designated as commercial and industrial land use.

Biodiversity in southern Wisconsin storm-water retention ponds: Correlations with watershed cover and productivity

This research is based on the management principle that watershed land cover is a better predictor of pond biodiversity than primary productivity. Ponds in watersheds with more than 30% lawn cover have few zooplankton species, no macrophytes, no snails, and no amphibians. A recent meta-analysis generated the hypothesis that watershed (catchment basin) land cover is a better predictor of lake biodiversity than traditional predictors (such as in-lake primary productivity) if the watershed includes human development (agriculture, residential, or urban). This hypothesis was tested via a field survey of 23 similar-sized artificial ponds in southern Wisconsin. The ponds had similar climate and geology, but differed in the relative proportions of land cover in the watershed. Twelve environmental variables (including pond area, depth, and primary productivity surrogates) and seven watershed land cover variables were correlated with biodiversity measures of seven major aquatic communities. Percent lawn cover was negatively correlated with zooplankton richness (r2 = 0.41), macrophyte abundance (r2 = 61), molluscan presence (r2 = 0.48), and amphibian presence (r2 = 0.55 for spring species and r2 = 0.78 for summer species). Fish presence was negatively correlated with percent watershed covered by meadow (r2 = 0.16). Chlorophyll a (a primary productivity surrogate) was negatively correlated with three groups: zooplankton richness (r2 = 0.18), macrophyte abundance (r2 = 0.23), and molluscan presence/absence (r2 = 0.31). Total phosphorus and nitrogen (surrogates of in-lake primary productivity) were weakly correlated with biodiversity.

Aquatic Hemiptera community structure in stormwater retention ponds: a watershed land cover approach

Stormwater ponds are increasingly common aquatic habitats whose biotic communities are largely unexplored. As anthropogenic development continues to alter the landscape, watershed land use is gaining recognition for its potential to predict species compositions in aquatic systems. This study reports species composition of five aquatic hemipteran families (Notonectidae, Corixidae, Belostomatidae, Nepidae, Pleidae) in 28 permanent, artificial stormwater ponds in watersheds with different land covers and associated contaminant input. We hypothesized that land cover variables would be significant drivers of aquatic hemipteran community structure in ponds, and that ponds with a high percentage of agricultural and lawn cover in the watershed would be characterized by the absence of species intolerant of the chemical, physical, and ultimately biotic changes associated with these watersheds. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (NMS) was used to identify dominant gradients of species composition and environmental variables. Pond morphology variables, watershed lawn, watershed agriculture, and predatory fish abundance were each found to have statistically significant correlations with hemipteran community structure. The abundance of Notonecta undulata, the species responsible for creating the largest (ranked) distance in species structure among ponds, was positively correlated with shallow, fishless ponds and independent of land use variables. The abundances of four species of corixids were negatively correlated with watershed agriculture, and hemipteran richness was positively correlated with watershed lawn and negatively correlated with pond surface area. Heirarchical cluster analysis revealed non-random hemipteran species assemblages in which congeneric corixid species tended to co-occur, contradicting traditional niche theory. Since artificial stormwater ponds are chemically different from natural-pond habitat and rapidly increasing in number, knowledge of which insect species are capable of thriving in this environment and their relationship to land use in the watershed is of both environmental and evolutionary interest.

Impacts of weathered tire debris on the development of Rana sylvatica larvae

Highway runoff has the potential to negatively impact receiving systems including stormwater retention ponds where highway particulate matter can accumulate following runoff events. Tire wear particles, which contain about 1% Zn by mass, make up approximately one-third of the vehicle derived particulates in highway runoff and therefore may serve as a stressor to organisms utilizing retention ponds as habitat. In this study, we focused on the potential contribution of tire debris to Zn accumulation by Rana sylvatica larvae and possible lethal or sublethal impacts resulting from exposure to weathered tire debris during development. Eggs and larvae were exposed to aged sediments (containing either ZnCl 2 or tire particulate matter, both providing nominal concentrations of 1000 mg Zn kg −1) through metamorphosis. Water column Zn was elevated in both the ZnCl 2 and tire treatments relative to the control treatment, indicating that aging allowed Zn leaching from tire debris to occur. Tissue Zn was also elevated for the ZnCl 2 and tire treatments indicating that Zn in the treatments was available for uptake by the amphibians. Exposure to both ZnCl 2 and tire treatments increased the time for larvae to complete metamorphosis in comparison with controls. We also observed that the longer the organisms took to complete metamorphosis, the smaller their mass at metamorphosis. Our results indicate that Zn leached from aged tire debris is bioavailable to developing R. sylvatica larvae and that exposure to tire debris amended sediments can result in measurable physiological outcomes to wood frogs that may influence population dynamics.

Sediment Discharge from a Storm-Water Retention Pond

A small storm-water retention pond is primarily designed to reduce the peak rate of surface runoff. From a water quality standpoint, that same pond may be irregular in shape and trap suspended sediment carried by the surface runoff generated upstream of the site. Considering different pond inlet locations, the writer’s numerical model is used to investigate the change in peak concentration of sediment discharge at the pond outlet. It has been found that the various hydraulic conditions can have a significant impact on sediment discharge. Three different cases are presented to show the flexibility of modeling changes in boundary conditions. The results may help designers evaluate sediment discharge to determine the most effective pond inlet locations.

Survey of PAH in low density residential stormwater ponds in coastal South Carolina: False dark mussels ( Mytilopsis leucophaeata) as potential biomonitors

The distribution of PAHs was studied in sediment and false dark mussels, Mytilopsis leucophaeata, of three brackish stormwater retention ponds on Kiawah Island, a gated residential community and golf resort. Impervious surface in pond watersheds ranged from 5 to 30%. Sediment concentrations were lower than those found in other studies of suburban residential areas, and there were no significant differences among ponds or seasons. Mean ∑PAH 16 values for sediments in Ponds 67, 100, and 37 were 184.7 ± 101.3 ng g −1, 67.5 ± 26.0 ng g −1, and 84.3 ± 75.5 ng g −1, respectively. Mussel ∑PAH 16 concentrations from Pond 67 in August (mean 734.5 ± 148.1 ng g −1), and from Pond 37 in December (mean 1115.1 ± 87.7 ng g −1), were significantly higher than other ponds. Mean ∑PAH 16 values for mussels in Ponds 67, 100, and, 37 were 555.9 ± 219.7 ng g −1, 312.5 ± 99.1 ng g −1 and 737.8 ± 419.8 ng g −1, respectively. The mean biota-to-sediment ratio was 7.6 ± 8.1. Isomer ratios generally suggested pyrogenic sources. False dark mussels are a promising indicator species for PAH contamination because they are abundant, easy to sample, bioaccumulate PAH profiles representative of the time-integrated sediment profiles, and their PAH levels are less variable than either stormwater or sediment samples.

Water Quality Assessment in the Application of Stormwater Reuse for Irrigating Public Lands

Abstract Stormwater reuse for irrigating public lands presents a viable option for reducing potable water demand in urban settings. However, stormwater generally contains high pollutant levels, which may cause adverse effects on public health and the environment. Water quality in a stormwater retention pond in the City of Calgary, Alberta, was examined in order to assess the feasibility of reusing stormwater for irrigation purposes. Field campaigns were conducted in the 2004, 2005, and 2006 irrigation seasons. The water quality data indicated that the pond water quality generally satisfies the requirements for stormwater recycled as irrigation water. Relationships between stormwater quality and climatological variables were investigated using correlation and regression analysis. Their correlations suggest that intermittent rain events contribute to elevated microbial levels and total suspended solids (TSS). Other climatological variables—air temperature, cloud cover, wind speed, and relative humidity—are also correlated with certain water quality parameters including fecal coliform (FC), TSS, nutrients, and conductivity. Formulated regression equations demonstrate good predictions of observed FC and TSS using climatological variables. Results showing stormwater quality as a function of climatological variables imply that climate change might have potential influence on stormwater quality.

Laboratory study highlights the key influences of stormwater sediment thickness and bioturbation by tubificid worms on dynamics of nutrients and pollutants in stormwater retention systems

In urban area, the accumulation of polluted stormwater sediments (SWS) in retention ponds may be a source of dissolved pollutants and nutrients for the aquatic ecosystems. Our objective was to quantify the influence of the thickness of SWS layer and the occurrence of tubificid worms on organic matter processing (O 2 uptake and fluxes of NH 4 + , NO 3 - , PO 4 3 - , and dissolved organic carbon between sediment and water), releases of 17 PAHs and 4 heavy metals, and microbial characteristics. Results showed that oxidation of SWS organic matter (O 2 and NO 3 - uptakes) and releases of nutrients were significantly increased by the quantity of accumulated SWS and the worm bioturbation. Releases of acenaphtene and naphthalene from sediments were significantly increased by the thickness of the SWS layer. In contrast, tubificid worms did not promote the mobilization of pollutants. In conclusion, biological activities and stormwater sediment characteristics need to be assessed to quantify the fate of pollutants and nutrients in stormwater retention ponds.

Evaluating Edaphic Conditions Favoring Reed Canary Grass Invasion in a Restored Native Prairie

Curtis Prairie, renowned as the world’s earliest ecological restoration site, was invaded by reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) after urban stormwater inflows cut a creek and inundated a 2000-m2 floodplain. We evaluated the edaphic conditions directly downstream from a stormwater retention pond to determine if sedimentation, nutrients, or elevated groundwater might have favored growth of this wetland weed. A definite signature of urban stormwater influence on reed canary grass expansion is strongly indicated by enriched nutrients (bioavailable phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen), salt (sodium), and metals (copper and zinc), each of which was significantly elevated in the invasion area and downstream in a sedge meadow. Sodium could have dispersed clays and reduced the soil’s infiltration capacity, thereby impounding water. We evaluated soil and hydrologic conditions in order to develop a conceptual model of the invasion process in Curtis Prairie. We suggest that 1) stormwater outflow from the retention pond initiated erosion; 2) reed canary grass established alongside the eroded creek and expanded vegetatively into the prairie as native plants succumbed to flooding; 3) contaminants were continuously delivered onto the floodplain, degrading soil structure and promoting aggressive growth of reed canary grass; and 4) fine-grained sediments and organic matter were transported downstream to the sedge meadow, possibly contributing to future reed canary grass expansion into this area.

Anatomy of an Extreme Event: The July 14–15, 2004 Peterborough Rainstorm

The July 14−15, 2004 rainstorm in Peterborough, Ontario, produced the largest 24 hour total rainfall depth (>220 mm) on record for southern Ontario. The storm was localized over the city for much of this period and rainfall depths and peak rainfall intensities dropped markedly with distance from the city. Peak intensity for 0.5 hour duration at the Trent Weather Station (TWS) in the north end of the city was 93 mm h−1, while peak intensity for one hour duration was 87 mm h−1. Even greater intensities may have occurred in other parts of the city. These intensities exceeded the corresponding 100−year return period values (81 and 53 mm h−1, respectively) estimated from the 1971 to 2002 record at the Peterborough Airport (PA) station, southwest of the city. Another critical characteristic of the July 14−15, 2004 storm was the distinctive shape of its intensity−duration−frequency curve relative to that for the PA. The TWS intensities for the July 14−15, 2004 storm showed a more protracted decline with increasing duration compared to the PA 100−year return period values. The storm produced the largest instantaneous peak flow on record for Jackson Creek, which flows through Peterborough's downtown area. Peak rainfall intensities exceeded the infiltration capacities of artificial surfaces as well as many nominally−pervious surfaces in Peterborough and the ensuing surface runoff contributed to widespread flooding in the city. These results strongly suggest that such storm properties, and their influence on surface runoff generation in urban areas, need to be considered when planning engineering structures such as storm sewer networks and storm water retention ponds in the Peterborough region.

Odonata, Amphibia and Environmental Characteristics in Motorway Stormwater Retention Ponds (Southern France)

Water and its protection against pollution is an urgent priority for all countries around the world. In that context, France, through its Water Law in 1992 obliged the motorway companies to build stormwater retention ponds along roads in order to protect the water resource from transport pollution and to control water flow during rainstorms. We propose to evaluate how much these ponds can be attractive for aquatic species and then evaluate their role in regional biodiversity. Six retention ponds, localized in the Mediterranean region, were investigated during one year (March 2002–March 2003) for their chemical and biological characteristics such as bottom type, trace metal composition, water quality and phytocenose composition. These variables were recorded and correlated with species richness of amphibian and dragonfly communities. Stormwater retention ponds showed a high concentration of copper and zinc in top sediment layer and herbicides in water column. Dragonfly richness was higher in ponds with a natural bottom than ones with an artificial bottom (PEHD membrane) while amphibian richness was more sensitive to the structure of the surrounding landscape. These habitats appeared to be very attractive for Odonata species and tend to favorize uncommon species present in the survey region such as Ischnura pumilio and Erythromma viridulum. Amphibian were found to be representative of anthropophilous guild.