Water Quality Performance of Dry Detention Ponds with Underdrains

Project summary:

This research project evaluated the performance of three dry detention ponds designed, owned, and maintained by MnDOT. The evaluation was performed in terms of pollutant retention by measuring concentrations in the inflow and outflow from the pond. The results will be of use in the design of MnDOT storm water facilities.

This study confirmed that dry detention ponds with under-drains are an option for water quality control. The results of this study indicate that various storm water pollutants can be removed by dry detention ponds with under-drains.

A comprehensive comparison of pollutant retention efficiencies of various dry detention ponds throughout the nation is also carried out in this study. Comparison of these values with the retention efficiencies of this study indicated that the under-drains do provide improved pollutant retention when used with a dry detention pond.