The Effectiveness of a Stormwater Detention Pond in Enhancing Water Quality

Abstract

This paper is an introductory study on the ability of a detention pond to reduce pollutant loading to a receiving water body. Three forms of water pollution are analysed in this study, trace metal (V, Ti and Mn in the water and on suspended solids and bottom sediments), organic and bacterial (bacterial indicators of fecal coliform and fecal streptococci are utilized) pollutants. Each pollutant type requires a different form of analysis to obtain concentrations for targeted pollutants. V, Ti and Mn concentrations were obtained from Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), organic concentrations were acquired by Electron Capture Gas Chromatography (ECGC) and bacterial concentrations were obtained from various laboratory techniques performed by technicians in the Microbiology Lab at McMaster University and in the Provincial Health Laboratories in Hamilton, Ontario. Suspended solid concentration are also analysed to determine the pond's effectiveness in reducing suspended solids load and thus the pollutants they carry. The Storm Water Management Model was used to estimate total pollutant loading into the pond via a combined sewer overflow (CSO). The pollutant concentrations obtained were analysed spatially through the sampling network and temporally between sampled dry and wet weather periods. The result of this study has led to the disturbing conclusion that the detention pond appears to have little or no effect on enhancing water quality.