Implementing Dual‐Purpose Stormwater Detention Programs

Abstract

Stormwater management has been mainly directed to requiring developers to take steps to reduce flood damages due to increased runoff caused by their developments. The principal means employed has been conventional detention basins. More recently it has been recognized that runoff pollution from development is detrimental to environmental quality downstream. A dual‐purpose detention basin can settle out pollutants in particulate form with little increase in cost and an additional flood control benefit downstream. For best results, a basinwide planning approach is needed, which usually results in including master detention basins in the plan. Various institutional considerations are important, including coordination with the non‐point source pollution control program expected to be authorized under the Clean Water Act.