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Retention Ponds

Retention ponds are man-made ponds designed to hold water permanently to manage stormwater through flood control and improving water quality by settling sediment. In Port Louis, retention ponds could drastically reduce flooding risk from heavy rainfall including cyclones by storing excess rainwater. Feasibility depends on factors like available space, hydraulic head, and soil type while benefits include pollutant removal and habitat creation with costs including land, construction, and maintenance.

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Jashan Matadeen
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17 views

Retention Ponds

Retention ponds are man-made ponds designed to hold water permanently to manage stormwater through flood control and improving water quality by settling sediment. In Port Louis, retention ponds could drastically reduce flooding risk from heavy rainfall including cyclones by storing excess rainwater. Feasibility depends on factors like available space, hydraulic head, and soil type while benefits include pollutant removal and habitat creation with costs including land, construction, and maintenance.

Uploaded by

Jashan Matadeen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Retention ponds

A retention pond, also known as a retention basin, wet detention basin, or stormwater management
pond (SWMP), is a man-made pond designed to hold water permanently. They play a vital role in
managing stormwater:

1. Flood Control: Retention ponds are used to store the excess rainwater that comes out of rain
and snow. This helps to avoid flooding downstream.
2. Water Quality Improvement: With retention ponds, sediment settles at the bottom of the
pond, preventing it from seeping into downstream waters and improving water quality.

Significance of retention ponds within study area

While Port Louis experiences moderate annual


rainfall, the intensity and distribution can
contribute to flooding. In our catchment area, short
periods of heavy rainfall can cause drainage
systems to become overwhelmed, resulting in
flash floods in low-lying areas. Mauritius is located in an area prone to tropical cyclones and these
bring heavy rainfall. Recently on January 15, 125 mm rain were recorded in Port Louis region due to
Cyclone Belal which led to severe flooding and drastic casualties. By implementing retention ponds
with a comprehensive stormwater plan, Port Louis can drastically reduce the risk of flooding.

Feasibility
 Drainage Area: A contributing drainage area
of 10 to 25 acres is typically recommended for
ponds to maintain constant water elevations.
 Space Requirements: The surface area of a
pond will normally be at least 1% to 3% of its
contributing drainage area, depending on the
pond’s depth.
 Available Hydraulic Head: Typically, a minimum of 6 to 8 feet of head are needed to hold
the wet pool and any additional large storm storage or overflow for a pond to function.
 Minimum Setbacks: Generally, storage practices should be set back at least 10 feet from
property lines, and 20 feet down-gradient from building foundations.
 Soils: Underlying soils of Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG) C or D should be adequate to
maintain a permanent pool.
Benefits:The benefits and co- benefits of a retention pond are shown in the table below.

Environmental Benefits Economic benefits


Pollutant Removal: Retention ponds act as Cost Savings: Retention ponds reduce the risk of
natural filters, trapping sediments and pollutants flooding downstream thus reduces the risk of
carried by stormwater runoff. damage to property and infrastructure.
Habitat Creation: Retention ponds with Groundwater Recharge: Retention ponds
appropriate landscaping and natural features facilitate groundwater recharge, contributing to
create habitats for diverse plant and animal the sustainable management of water resources.
species
Limitations:

 Land Availability: Building a retention pond requires allocating land, which might
be limited in urban areas.
 Cost: Construction and maintenance of retention ponds can be costly, including
factors like land acquisition, excavation, construction materials, and ongoing
maintenance.
 Design and Location: Improper design or placement of a pond can lead to
unintended consequences, such as mosquito breeding or negative impacts on
surrounding ecosystems.

Maintenance Measures:

 Regular Sediment Removal: Regular dredging or removal is necessary to maintain


proper functionality.
 Water Quality Monitoring: Monitoring the pond’s water quality on a regular basis can
help you spot potential problems such as pollution or algae growth and help you take action
as soon as possible.
 Community Education: Providing residents with information on how to properly dispose
of waste and how to maintain the pond can help reduce the amount of pollution entering the
system.

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