Detention Basin Inspections

Earthen Embankment Pond

Earthen Pond with Structural Wall

Structural Detention Pond

Overview
New development and redevelopment projects generally increase the amount of impervious areas on a site, which in turn generate an increase in the stormwater flows from the site. To mitigate the potential adverse impacts to downstream properties, the drainage ordinance requires that the stormwater runoff peak flows from the affected areas be reduced by 10% from the historical pre-development conditions.

The excess runoff volume generated by the new construction must be stored on-site in detention ponds, vaults, and underground pipes. The excess volume must be released at a controlled rate that cannot exceed 90% of the historical pre-development flows from the site.

Employees in the Stormwater Utility perform annual inspections of detention basins, vaults and other underground detention facilities to verify the facilities are receiving adequate maintenance and continue to comply with the City's Drainage Ordinance requirements.

Although most of these detention facilities are on private property, they are subject to periodic inspections to verify compliance with the ordinance.