Charlotte Overgrown Dry Pond Repair

Dry ponds, or dry detention basins, require maintenance to function as designed. Learn more about these effective stormwater systems and our repair of a Charlotte vegetation-filled BMP.

Nate Smith- Regional Sales Manager, Charlotte

Example of a maintained dry pond, or dry detention basin.

A dry detention basin is a type of stormwater control measure (SCM) that temporarily stores stormwater runoff. The system is designed to slowly release runoff downstream to reduce flooding and help filter out pollutants from the runoff. A dry pond should only hold water during and immediately after rain events. 

Key Features of a Dry Detention Basin:

• The BMP basin and side slopes are covered in terrestrial grasses

• The basin gradually slopes downward towards the orifice

• The riser orifice is positioned at the lowest point of the detention basin so that water does not remain in the system between rain events

• A sediment forebay contains riprap, or rocks, to help slow incoming runoff and settle out pollutants and sediment

Like all BMP’s, we recommend that dry detention basins be routinely maintained by specialized stormwater technicians in order to function as designed. Non-specialized crews, like landscapers, are not specifically trained for this kind of maintenance. Dry ponds that are not maintained properly may lead to flooding, damaged system components, poor water quality, erosion, mosquitoes due to standing water, compliance violations, and fines.

Dragonfly’s stormwater management team recently assessed three Charlotte dry detention basins that had received a compliance notice from the city. The apartment community’s landscape crew were mowing the top of the dam, but overall, the basins were not being maintained and had been forgotten over the years. Communication is always key, so as part of our assessment and proposal process, we walked through the site with the property management team and discussed all details of the restoration. We also outlined the cleanup process, maintenance needs, and what residents may need to know. Resident access and parking are always at a premium in a busy apartment community, so we worked closely with the management team regarding planning, communication, and timing.

Dry Pond Restoration:

First, our stormwater management crew removed all of the woody vegetation and trees from the entire dry detention basin, side slopes, and the back of the dam. The crew hauled the material off-site for proper disposal.

Following the clearing of the dry pond, we regraded the basin of the BMP to promote positive drainage.

The outlet of the dry detention basin was clogged with woody vegetation as well. The area was cleared and a dissipator pad was built with woven fabric and riprap. The dissipator pad reduces the speed of stormwater flow to help prevent erosion and increase pollutant filtration.

The dry pond inlet was also cleared of vegetation and the crew installed a dissipator pad at the inlet as well. Stormwater runoff flows into the dry basin, as opposed to into a wet pond, so this feature is necessary for health and function.

Lastly, our stormwater experts spread grass seed and stabilized the dry detention basin, side slopes, and the back of the dam with matting and straw. The matting and straw will prevent washout and erosion while the grass is taking root in the BMP.

Dragonfly’s Charlotte stormwater contracting crew has restored this dry detention basin. Routine, specialized maintenance will keep the system functioning as designed and ultimately save money over the life of the system. At Dragonfly, our stormwater maintenance teams are trained in stormwater system maintenance and specialized mowing. From maintenance and small repairs to complete restorations, our specialists have the solution for your unique needs. Contact us for the peace of mind that comes from working with the experts.

Overgrown Dry Pond Repair and More!

Dragonfly’s low-impact dredging services are ideal for HOA’s, municipalities, golf courses, and any area where access is difficult and/or impact needs to be minimal.

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Dragonfly Pond Works is a lake, pond, and stormwater management company. We provide stormwater maintenance, stormwater control measure/BMP repair, and more throughout North Carolina, in Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Cary, and Wilmington. Our pond and lake maintenance services can be found throughout Florida, in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Orlando. We also provide lake and pond maintenance in Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Rock Hill, and Columbia, South Carolina, Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah, Georgia. We strive to develop long-term relationships based on quality work, timely service, cost-efficiency, and of course, trust. Please contact us to learn more.