in attempt to revive the aesthetics of a stormwater pond. Other times, dredging occurs as a result of municipal enforcement. In general, dredging is recommended every 20 years to help ensure a stormwater pond is functioning properly. But with proper proactive pond management techniques, it is possible to prolong the need for dredging to every 30 years or more, providing an extra decade or more to budget and prepare for the eventual expense.
Tere are several things a community can do to take control of its stormwater pond and budget, starting with data collection. Inspecting and collecting data about a pond is the best way to anticipate potential problems that can shorten the lifespan of the waterbody. A stormwater inspection will look at the engineered structures within the watershed to check for failures or damages that can cause erosion and accelerated sedimentation in a pond. Likewise, a bathymetric study can be completed to provide a detailed internal map of the pond.
During the bathymetry process, GPS lake mapping technology is used to plot the surface of a lake or pond. After thousands of surface points with corresponding depth information are collected, the data is compiled to create a three-dimensional map of the pond bottom. Tis map can be used to identify the amount of accumulated sediment and can help pinpoint problem areas where accumulated sediment has been deposited. Tese areas are great candidates for “spot-treatments” using a mechanical hydro-rake, which are more cost-effective and far less invasive than dredging.
From the moment a stormwater pond is created it begins to die, but a highly trained lake and pond professional can help identify proactive and individualized management strategies to reduce the waterbody’s rate of aging, including nutrient remediation, aeration, erosion control management, biological augmentation and water quality monitoring. Just as a car requires regular maintenance to ensure it operates
effectively, proactive management will go a long way in ensuring a stormwater pond performs as intended. By understanding the functions of a stormwater pond and using data and technology to fix problems when they are small, a community can cut costs, utilize the full potential of its stormwater pond, and spend more time budgeting for the next decade.
SOLitude Lake Management is an environmental firm specializing in superior lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management solutions. Learn more about this topic at
www.solitudelakemanagement.com/ knowledge.
KYLE FINERFROCK is an Environ- mental Scientist who manages lakes, ponds and wetlands throughout
Southeastern Virginia. Kyle helps property owners and communities identify aquatic plant and algae species found in their areas and creates custom solutions that encourage healthy, balanced ecosystems.
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