Detention pond
pond draining slowly after a rain
storm.
Detention ponds are dry between storms.
A stormwater detention pond is an open basin built by excavating below ground or constructing above-ground berms or embankments. The detention pond temporarily stores stormwater runoff and slowly releases it through a specially designed outlet or control structure. Detention ponds typically are designed to drain completely within a few hours or days. Styles vary greatly, from well manicured to natural appearing. Generally, more natural-appearing vegetation is preferred for reduced maintenance and enhanced wildlife habitat. Some facilities are designed to appear as natural water bodies or park-like areas.
Maintenance sheets
Detention pond
Field inlet
Flow control structure / flow restrictor
Debris and access barrier
sedimentation problem.
Maintenance is needed if you see these signs
Bare, exposed soil
Slopes that are deteriorating
Sediment that restricts flow or clogs inlet and outlet pipes
Sediment buildup; the facility is not draining or conveying runoff
Unhealthy or dead vegetation
Blackberries or other problem weeds
Overgrown vegetation
overgrown with vegetation.
Holes in berms or slopes
Leaves, trash and other debris
Water surface is discolored or has a sheen
Water stands in infiltration basin or detention ponds longer than 72 hours after rain stops
Bottom of slopes show signs of seepage and leaking
Trees, often alders, growing on the slopes
Tips for fixing problems and general maintenance
Remove weeds such as blackberries and English ivy, then check for them on a regular basis and remove new vines. Contact Clark County Vegetation Management for questions about controlling weeds at (360) 397-6140 or email vegetation.management@clark.wa.gov
Remove cattails before they start to dominate a facility.
Remove all unplanned trees or saplings that block parts of the facility or hinder maintenance.
Make sure banks, slopes and areas designed for vegetation are planted with native or easy-to maintain species. Avoid trees near the pond and on berms.
Plant at appropriate times during the year so vegetation can get established.
Replace vegetation damaged or removed during maintenance.
Check access roads and fencing, if the facility has them. They should be free of overgrown vegetation and other materials so that the facility is easily accessible for maintenance.
Control erosion by reseeding areas where soil is exposed, especially on slopes around a facility.
Fill in eroded areas and cover them with sod, mulch or other erosion control materials.
Removing sediment is best done in July and August before winter rains set in.
Pick up leaves before rains begin.
Inspect and remove debris regularly, particularly after storms.
Remove any material clogging drains, outfalls and channels.
Avoid using fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides in or near the facility. Chemicals pollute the water and can cause unwanted plant growth.
Identify sources of leaks or spills and contain them as quickly as possible.
Check inlets and any open or confined standing water for mosquito larvae (see photos below). If mosquitoes are a concern, contact Clark County Mosquito Control District for information. The 24-hour service request line is (360) 397-8430.
Check roads and fencing in the facility. They should be maintained to allow easy access.
Additional detention ponds elements
Field inlet
A field inlet is a concrete structure that collects stormwater and routes it through underground pipes. Fitted with a slanted, slotted grate, it often traps sediment and debris. Regular maintenance is important. Keep the opening clear of obstructions. A field inlet is usually cleaned by a truck with a vacuum hose but sometimes can be cleaned with hand tools.
Flow control structure / flow restrictor
Underground flow control structures and flow restrictors direct or restrict flow in or out of facilities. They slowly release stormwater at a specific rate. It is important to make sure they do not become plugged or damaged because the facility could release water too quickly or too slowly and overflow. They are usually found in manholes.
Debris and access barrier
A debris or access barrier is a bar grate over the open end of a pipe larger than 
18 inches in diameter that prevents large material, people or animals from entering. They typically are located on the outlet pipe from a detention pond to the control structure.
For safety purposes, only qualified personnel should remove debris from the barrier when water is flowing through the pipe.