Detention Basin Maintenance

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Detention Basin Maintenance Tasks and Schedule Detention Basin Maintenance Homeowners' Associations and Businesses Why be concerned? Why be concerned? Are There Different Types

Homeowners’ Associations and business owners are entirely responsible of Detention Basins? Tasks ComponentsDetention BasinDetention Side-Slopes DetentionBasin Bottom DetentionBasin Inlets BasinCatch Outlet Basin orCatch Inlets BasinStorm Sumps Sewer System Schedule Outflow Control Structures for maintaining their detention ba- Yes, in general there are three types of detention basins: Inspect for sediment accumulation ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Annually sins. Detention basins require maintenance to ensure that they function • Dry Detention Basins Remove sediment accumulation ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Every 5-10 years as needed properly. Poorly maintained basins, • Wet Detention Basins regardless of their design, lose their • Stormwater Marsh Basins Inspect for debris (dead vegetation ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Early spring, fall and after ability both to control flooding on and trash) major storms private property and prevent pollut- Dry detention basins are typically dry ants like sediments, fertilizers and depressions except after a major rain Clean debris ● ● ● ● ● ● ● As needed pesticides from entering the creeks storm when they temporarily fill with and streams near homes and busi- stormwater. These basins slow the rate Inspect for erosion on banks and ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Early spring, fall and after nesses. at which stormwater from new develop- bottom major storms Detention basins are typically lo- ments enters streams and rivers and thus cated where new residential, com- help prevent flooding; however, dry de- Reestablish permanent vegetation on ● ● ● ● ● ● ●As needed mercial, and industrial centers are tention basins are not very effective at eroded slopes developed. New development re- removing pollutants because the places open land and forest with im- Dry Detention Basin stormwater from smaller storms passes Rake out dead vegetation ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Annually - early spring pervious surfaces such as parking through more quickly. Smaller storms lots, roads and roof tops. As (with less rain) contain higher amounts of pollutants than larger storms. The side Inspect for and remove purple ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Annually - July stormwater runs off these impervi- slopes of these basins are generally vegetated with short, turf grass. loosestrife ous surfaces it enters streams and riv- Like dry detention basins, wet detention ers at a much faster rate, causing basins also help control flooding, but Replace stone rip-rap ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Every 3-5 years as needed streambank erosion and possible they are more effective at removing pol- flooding downstream. Detention ba- lutants from stormwater. Wet detention Mowing ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 0 to 2 times per year sins help to control potential flood- basins typically have a permanent pool ing and improve water quality. of water and more wetland plant life. The Inspect structural elements during wet ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Annually permanent pool of water allows pollut- weather and compare to as-built plans ants such as sediments to settle to the (by a professional engineer reporting bottom of the basin. In addition, the to Homeowners’ Association) wetland vegetation helps filter out pol- GETTING HELP lutants and uses others up such as fertil- Make adjustments or replacements ● ● ● ● ● ● ● As needed Wet Detention Basin izers as the stormwater passes through as determined by annual wet Canton Township the basin. weather inspection Engineering Services (313) 397-5405 Stormwater marsh basins are similar to wet detention basins, but contain more wet- Plymouth Township Keep records of all inspections and ● ● ● ● ● ● ● land plants such as cattails, bulrush, and sedges. The wetland vegetation absorbs Annually Public Works...... (313) 453-8131 maintenance activities and report to fertilizers that run off neighboring lawns and filters out other pollutants, which other- Homeowners’ Association wise might enter nearby creeks and streams. They also provide fish and wildlife habitat. Sources and Funding Keep records of all costs for ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Annually The ideal detention basin provides the inspections, maintenance and • Brochure prepared by Canton greatest number of benefits including flood repairs. Report to Homeowners’ Township Engineering Services control and water quality improvements. Association • Preparation and distribution funded, This typically consists of a wet detention in part, through a grant from the basin combined with a stormwater marsh Homeowners’ Association to have a ● ● ● ● ● ● ● As needed Rouge River National Wet Weather basin. professional engineer carry out Demonstration Project (#995743-02). emergency inspections upon identification of severe problems Stormwater Marsh • Structural integrity - Check the pipe Examine the Side Slopes for Adding Vegetation to the to ensure that it isn't crumbling or Erosion Banks What Type of Maintenance is broken. • Obstructions - Inspect the pipe end to Twice each year (spring and fall) and after a You can add more color and visual Required? determine if sediment, dirt, or debris is major storm, check for gullies or sloughing of interest, as well as improve bird habitat obstructing the flow of water into the the banks and other disturbances from animals by planting a variety of shrubs and Detention basins require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that they are func- pipe and preventing water from or vehicles. Any damage observed should be wildflowers along the banks of detention tioning properly to protect private property and improve water quality. At a minimum, leaving the basin. Stone around the repaired immediately by filling any eroded ar- basins. Shrubs such as red-osier the Homeowners' Association or business owner should conduct an annual inspection outlet pipe may need to be replaced if eas with topsoil and seeding with turf grass. It dogwood, silky dogwood, meadowsweet, and an inspection after major storms. it becomes clogged with sediment. is also important to place mulch or straw over common elder, buttonbush and highbush- Obtain a Copy of Your Detention Basin Plan Erosion the seed to prevent it from being washed into cranberry typically grow well where the the basin. If problems continue, contact your ground is often damp. Wildflowers like Obtain a copy of the detention basin plan from Canton Township Engineering Services township for additional guidance. swamp milkweed, joe-pye-weed, or Plymouth Township Municipal Services to determine what type of detention basin is cardinal flower, beggertick, marsh in your development. Inspect Vegetation blazing star, aster, and goldenrod are good choices for damp areas. Inspect Inlet and Outlet Pipes In the spring and fall, inspect the vegetation on the banks and in the basin. Maintenance activities will vary depending on the type of basin. If you have a stormwater marsh basin, Inlet Pipes direct stormwater from developments dead cattails and other decomposing vegetation in the basin should be removed if they are into detention basins, including stormwater from Pump Station clogging pipe openings. Living vegetation greatly improves the water quality by filtering residential yards, driveways and roads. Typically, out pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, oils and grease, etc. from the stormwater. there are two to three inlet pipes in a detention Pump stations are very common methods basin. Check the following: Late fall is a good time to cut down cattails. This will mini- of removing stormwater from detention ba- mize clogging in the spring by dead vegetation. Cut cattails • Structural integrity - Inspect the pipe to make sins; however, they also require routine should be disposed of with other compost materials. sure it isn't crumbling or broken. maintenance. Essentially, an outlet pipe • Rip rap - Rip rap (typically pieces of stone) is directs the water from the detention basin Remove invasive non-native plants like purple loosestrife. Vegetation Planting placed around the pipe where it enters the basin to the wetwell of the pump station. Once Although its bright purple flowers are pretty, purple loos- As an alternative to cattails, wetland to prevent erosion. Check for erosion around the depth of water in the wetwell reaches a estrife forms dense colonies which crowd out native wet- plants such as softstem and hardstem the pipe or missing rip rap. specific level, a submersible pump turns land plants that are important sources of nutrients for birds Typical Inlet Pipe on and pumps the water to the nearby creek and other wildlife. The plant is such a problem that it is bulrush, blue flag iris, woolgrass, water • Obstructions - Inspect the pipe end to or larger storm sewer system. illegal to sell it in the State of Michigan. plantain, pickerelweed and arrowhead determine if sediment, dirt, or debris is obstructing the flow of water from the pipe can be planted in year-round ponded Vegetation Removal into the basin. Minor amounts of sediment around pipe openings can be removed Only a licensed electrician or company that Removal of purple loosestrife should be done before the plant areas. with a shovel and wheelbarrow, spread evenly on upland areas and seeded with turf provided the pump system should conduct sets seeds in August. Remove by pulling the entire plant grass. any maintenance work. Regular mainte- out of the ground, including the roots. Dispose properly with other yard waste that is nance should include the following: composted. When increasing vegetation around your If any of these problems are occurring, or if you have questions, contact the Canton detention basin, remember that it’s best Township Engineering Services or Plymouth Township Municipal Services for assis- • Remove debris and sediment from the Repair bare spots along banks with turf grass seed, meadow grass or wildflowers. Most of to add plants in a 15 to 20-foot zone next tance. These offices can provide you with a list of contractors capable of correcting wetwell and valves the pre-mixed wildflower seed packages at local nurseries contain a mix of short-lived, to the water’s edge. In addition, detention basin problems. • Test the alarm horn and light brightly colored annuals and long-lived, less showy perennials. Meadow grasses and remember that pesticides and fertilizers wildflowers grown along the banks of the detention basin will reduce long-term land- • Inspect for loose fittings or missing usually applied to grass and planting beds scape maintenance. Consult with professional landscape architects and nurseries to learn hardware should not be applied within this “edge” more about meadow plantings. zone. Nurseries which specialize in • Inspect for pump damage wetland plants are increasing in number. Inspect for Mowing For more information contact the MSU Extension Office for Wayne County at Litter and The amount of mowing required depends on the type (313) 833-3412. Debris of detention basin and the desired appearance. Typically, basins with turf grass only need to be Record Keeping Twice each year mowed two or three times a year. Basins with native (spring and fall) grasses and wildflower plantings should be mowed Keep records of all inspections including and after a major only once a year in the late fall or early spring. More the date, name of inspector, what was storm, check for frequent mowing will prevent the wildflowers from observed, and maintenance activities debris near the Typical Outlet Pipe blooming and producing seed. Pathways through performed. Keep records of all costs for Riser Outlet Pipe inlets and in the wildflower plantings can be mowed more frequently. inspections, such as consulting with basin. Remove professional engineers, and repair costs. and dispose of Mowing Good records will help you make Outlet Pipes direct stormwater from a detention basin to a nearby creek or stream. Typically, debris or litter Litter and Debris adjustments to the maintenance program there is only one outlet associated with a basin. The outlet may consist of a single pipe, a riser with your house- Removal as needed. pipe, or it may be connected to a pump station. Check the following: hold trash. • Structural integrity - Check the pipe Examine the Side Slopes for Adding Vegetation to the to ensure that it isn't crumbling or Erosion Banks What Type of Maintenance is broken. • Obstructions - Inspect the pipe end to Twice each year (spring and fall) and after a You can add more color and visual Required? determine if sediment, dirt, or debris is major storm, check for gullies or sloughing of interest, as well as improve bird habitat obstructing the flow of water into the the banks and other disturbances from animals by planting a variety of shrubs and Detention basins require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that they are func- pipe and preventing water from or vehicles. Any damage observed should be wildflowers along the banks of detention tioning properly to protect private property and improve water quality. At a minimum, leaving the basin. Stone around the repaired immediately by filling any eroded ar- basins. Shrubs such as red-osier the Homeowners' Association or business owner should conduct an annual inspection outlet pipe may need to be replaced if eas with topsoil and seeding with turf grass. It dogwood, silky dogwood, meadowsweet, and an inspection after major storms. it becomes clogged with sediment. is also important to place mulch or straw over common elder, buttonbush and highbush- Obtain a Copy of Your Detention Basin Plan Erosion the seed to prevent it from being washed into cranberry typically grow well where the the basin. If problems continue, contact your ground is often damp. Wildflowers like Obtain a copy of the detention basin plan from Canton Township Engineering Services township for additional guidance. swamp milkweed, joe-pye-weed, or Plymouth Township Municipal Services to determine what type of detention basin is cardinal flower, beggertick, marsh in your development. Inspect Vegetation blazing star, aster, and goldenrod are good choices for damp areas. Inspect Inlet and Outlet Pipes In the spring and fall, inspect the vegetation on the banks and in the basin. Maintenance activities will vary depending on the type of basin. If you have a stormwater marsh basin, Inlet Pipes direct stormwater from developments dead cattails and other decomposing vegetation in the basin should be removed if they are into detention basins, including stormwater from Pump Station clogging pipe openings. Living vegetation greatly improves the water quality by filtering residential yards, driveways and roads. Typically, out pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, oils and grease, etc. from the stormwater. there are two to three inlet pipes in a detention Pump stations are very common methods basin. Check the following: Late fall is a good time to cut down cattails. This will mini- of removing stormwater from detention ba- mize clogging in the spring by dead vegetation. Cut cattails • Structural integrity - Inspect the pipe to make sins; however, they also require routine should be disposed of with other compost materials. sure it isn't crumbling or broken. maintenance. Essentially, an outlet pipe • Rip rap - Rip rap (typically pieces of stone) is directs the water from the detention basin Remove invasive non-native plants like purple loosestrife. Vegetation Planting placed around the pipe where it enters the basin to the wetwell of the pump station. Once Although its bright purple flowers are pretty, purple loos- As an alternative to cattails, wetland to prevent erosion. Check for erosion around the depth of water in the wetwell reaches a estrife forms dense colonies which crowd out native wet- plants such as softstem and hardstem the pipe or missing rip rap. specific level, a submersible pump turns land plants that are important sources of nutrients for birds Typical Inlet Pipe on and pumps the water to the nearby creek and other wildlife. The plant is such a problem that it is bulrush, blue flag iris, woolgrass, water • Obstructions - Inspect the pipe end to or larger storm sewer system. illegal to sell it in the State of Michigan. plantain, pickerelweed and arrowhead determine if sediment, dirt, or debris is obstructing the flow of water from the pipe can be planted in year-round ponded Vegetation Removal into the basin. Minor amounts of sediment around pipe openings can be removed Only a licensed electrician or company that Removal of purple loosestrife should be done before the plant areas. with a shovel and wheelbarrow, spread evenly on upland areas and seeded with turf provided the pump system should conduct sets seeds in August. Remove by pulling the entire plant grass. any maintenance work. Regular mainte- out of the ground, including the roots. Dispose properly with other yard waste that is nance should include the following: composted. When increasing vegetation around your If any of these problems are occurring, or if you have questions, contact the Canton detention basin, remember that it’s best Township Engineering Services or Plymouth Township Municipal Services for assis- • Remove debris and sediment from the Repair bare spots along banks with turf grass seed, meadow grass or wildflowers. Most of to add plants in a 15 to 20-foot zone next tance. These offices can provide you with a list of contractors capable of correcting wetwell and valves the pre-mixed wildflower seed packages at local nurseries contain a mix of short-lived, to the water’s edge. In addition, detention basin problems. • Test the alarm horn and light brightly colored annuals and long-lived, less showy perennials. Meadow grasses and remember that pesticides and fertilizers wildflowers grown along the banks of the detention basin will reduce long-term land- • Inspect for loose fittings or missing usually applied to grass and planting beds scape maintenance. Consult with professional landscape architects and nurseries to learn hardware should not be applied within this “edge” more about meadow plantings. zone. Nurseries which specialize in • Inspect for pump damage wetland plants are increasing in number. Inspect for Mowing For more information contact the MSU Extension Office for Wayne County at Litter and The amount of mowing required depends on the type (313) 833-3412. Debris of detention basin and the desired appearance. Typically, basins with turf grass only need to be Record Keeping Twice each year mowed two or three times a year. Basins with native (spring and fall) grasses and wildflower plantings should be mowed Keep records of all inspections including and after a major only once a year in the late fall or early spring. More the date, name of inspector, what was storm, check for frequent mowing will prevent the wildflowers from observed, and maintenance activities debris near the Typical Outlet Pipe blooming and producing seed. Pathways through performed. Keep records of all costs for Riser Outlet Pipe inlets and in the wildflower plantings can be mowed more frequently. inspections, such as consulting with basin. Remove professional engineers, and repair costs. and dispose of Mowing Good records will help you make Outlet Pipes direct stormwater from a detention basin to a nearby creek or stream. Typically, debris or litter Litter and Debris adjustments to the maintenance program there is only one outlet associated with a basin. The outlet may consist of a single pipe, a riser with your house- Removal as needed. pipe, or it may be connected to a pump station. Check the following: hold trash.