The Department of Public Works is in the process of redesigning a dry pond located on City Property at latitude 39.130961 N, and longitude 77.241414 W. The project will involve completing a feasibility study regarding removal of the concrete weir at the downstream side of the project area and replacing 190 ft of linear concrete channel with a wetland complex mimicking nature. The dry pond was originally installed in 1989 and designed to allow for temporary retention of water. Since that time, advanced studies recommend installing wetland complexes to use less concrete. The updated practice will allow the water time to infiltrate into soils and the vegetation will absorb nutrients and pollutants to reduce downstream impacts to water quality. This will help the city reduce its impacts to the larger pollution problems in the Chesapeake Bay.

DESIGN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

• Remove concrete channel and create a more natural stream/wetland complex
• Conduct feasibility study to remove concrete weir downstream without increasing floodplain on downstream side of current weir
• Improve water quality by encouraging water infiltration rather than runoff.
• Improve aesthetics by removing concrete and planting trees
• Remove invasive species including bamboo on city property
• Plant trees to lower stream water temperature (an anticipated new pollutant for the MS4 permit), and simultaneously increase tree canopy coverage, which is another city goal to meet 40% tree canopy coverage. 
• Decrease area that the city has to mow and maintain

STATUS

We are evaluating 3 alternative concepts and will then proceed with a 30% design once one has been selected.