“How long is a piece of string?” That’s my frequent clever response whenever an impossible question is asked. (Thank you, Tom Mortensen, for that one!) At the start of a design project, a common question that is impossible to answer is: “How big of a stormwater pond will we need?” Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all response. Stormwater management is complex, and the correct solution depends on a number of factors.
Fifteen key questions that need to be explored to start formulating a game plan for stormwater management are listed below.
What is the area of disturbance for the project?- Who is regulating the stormwater requirements? Local, regional, state, or all three?
- Is the project located in a watershed that has higher treatment requirements due to frequent flooding or known water quality issues?
- Does the project need to provide peak attenuation, unit rate control, water quality, infiltration, oil control, and/or thermal mitigation requirements?
- Is there a green infrastructure requirement?
- How much impervious area is being added?
- Is the site a new development or a redevelopment?
- Is there an offsite area draining through the property that needs to be accommodated or re-directed?
- Are there wetland or floodplain restraints near the property?
- Is there open space available for a typical pond, infiltration basin, or bioretention basins? Do we need to consider an underground tank or permeable pavers?
- What is the soil classification? Are there high groundwater or shallow bedrock concerns?
- Does the long-term owner of the project have a maintenance plan for the selected stormwater treatment device?
- Are there other elements of the project that the owner wants to incorporate into the stormwater treatment area like a walking trail around a pond? Does the owner want to add a fountain to the pond?
- Are there safety concerns such as proximity to schools or playgrounds?
- Are there any future expansion plans for the property?
The good news is you don’t have to solve this puzzle alone. Our site design services team is here to help. We are prepared to help you navigate all aspects of the stormwater planning process. Contact us to get started.
