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What are Storm Water Management Ponds?

One of the first things you notice when a development is beginning, is that there is a big hole in the ground. That "hole in the ground" serves as a Storm Water Management Pond. 

Whenever a developer wants to open a subdivision, we calculate the total square meters of hard surfaces, such a driveways, streets, sidewalks and roofs and calculate the cubic meters of water that would run off these surfaces in a major rainstorm.  We then have a pond created along the route of a natural stream that will accommodate the run off.  It does several things.  

Most important, it acts as a holding pond so that there is not a great flush of water that will create downstream flooding and tremendous erosion.  It also acts as a filter for the system by holding the water and letting all the sediment sink instead of polluting the stream. 

The exciting part is done by nature with a little push from the Town.  We plant natural species of plants in and around the pond, and in a year or two, nature takes over.  By the end of 5 years, there is a natural ecosystem that will act as a home for small animals and in some of the ponds, fish have arrived. 

Many of our trails and bike paths take advantage of these ponds so that people can enjoy the flora and fauna, yet not damage the area.