Stormwater Retention Ponds

To avoid flooding small streams, stormwater retention ponds have been incorporated into many new developments. These are designed to hold peak flows and slowly release water into the watershed. The wild life value of these ponds is improved if any of the following are incorporated in the original design: varying the depth and slope of shorelines where aquatic vegetation grows; different types of substrate (gravel,rock,sand); islands to increase the shoreline area and to provide safe nesting refuges; submerged stumps and floating logs; and shoreline shrub/meadow habitats. These may be enhanced to hold water for longer periods without affecting the original design, or impairing the function of stormwater retention ponds. Planting trees and shrubs will link the surrounding terrestrial habitat with nearby parks and woodlots.

Management is most often compromised by failure to incorporate natural features into the design so that water levels and vegetation communities can be manipulated. It is also necessary to plan for periodic dredging or sediment removal in stormwater ponds.