What are Stormwater Detention Ponds?
As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.
The following article discusses stormwater detention ponds, their components and the purpose they serve for residents and businesses.
Have you ever noticed large dry ponds near subdivisions or shopping centers? These are called detention basins and are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM).
These basins are specifically designed to hold rainwater for up to three days and thereby prevent the flooding of the surrounding area.
Most detention basins have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:
- Inlets – ditches or pipes that convey drainage into the ponds from the surrounding area during a rain.
- Outlet Structure – allows water to exit the basin at a specific flow rate.
- Emergency Spillway – in case the basin should fill up from an unusually large rain event.
The main basin area is covered by grass or other vegetation to stabilize the soil, while the sides of the pond are called embankments and are also vegetated to prevent erosion.
Detention basins may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.
In order for the detention basin to work efficiently, vegetation should be mowed at least twice a year, and the vegetation should be thick and healthy and not include shrubs or trees. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the pond at regular intervals and any areas of erosion should be repaired.
The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlet pipes should be checked for clogs and inlet ditches should be checked for erosion. The basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you have a concern about a specific detention basin in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov. You can also report any possible issues with detention basins by using the ConnectKingsport app.