RETENTION PONDS

Storm water runoff is the main contributor of non-point source pollution entering the Vermilion River.  During a heavy rain, pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, oil, and trash are rinsed from parking lots and yards into storm drains, ditches and coulees, eventually making their way into the Vermilion River.

Detention ponds are one way to mitigate the amount of storm water runoff generated by many sources on or around your property.  However, without regular maintenance they can fill with sediment and detritus from rotting vegetation and become dysfunctional.  If properly maintained, though, a detention pond can be a beautiful addition to a landscape.  Planting native plants along the edge will not only beautify the area further, they’ll also add valuable habitat for wetland creatures and other wildlife!

Detention ponds will collect storm water runoff from adjacent lands and prevent pollutants from reaching our streams and rivers.  They can be designed to filter off water over time or to retain water at all times.

SIMPLE PLANNING TO PREVENT COMMON PROBLEMS