Sterling Ponds Development

The Water Quality Monitor at the outfall from a storm water detention pond

The Sterling Ponds development, just north of Hwy 35 and Hwy 65, was designed under the requirements of the River Falls Storm Water Management Ordinance. The purpose of this study is to attempt to quantitatively determine (with sound engineering and science practices) if the River Falls Storm Water Ordinance provides for development with no, or very minimal, impacts on the Kinnickinnic River.

Location:  The temperature logger at Site 5P was deployed in the wet detention pond serving the southeast quadrant of the Sterling Ponds subdivision.  The logger was suspended approximately 3-4 feet below the water surface in the southeast corner of the pond, near the wet detention pond outlet to the infiltration basin (Site 5IB) and the wet detention pond outfall to Sumner Creek (Site 5MH).  The pond depth at Site 5P is approximately 9 feet at normal water level. 

The temperature logger at Site 5MH was deployed in the wet detention pond outfall structure.  The logger was secured on the downstream side of the outfall weir, on the bottom of the outlet pipe.  Similarly, the temperature logger at Site 5IB was deployed in the wet detention pond outlet to the infiltration basin.  At these locations, the loggers measured storm water temperatures when the wet pond was discharging to Sumner Creek and/or the infiltration basin.  When no storm water discharges were occurring, these loggers were simply measuring ambient air temperatures.

Monitoring Data:

Temperature

Water Quality

Wetlands are an excellent storm water best management practice. They slow storm water, allowing it to infiltrate. During warm weather the vegetation utilizes the storm water.

Not only do wetlands assist in storm water management, but they provide valuable habitat for birds like red winged blackbirds. The lots backing to these natural areas command a higher price for the developer and are often the first to be purchased

Examples of Storm Water Best Management Practices (BMPs) at work at Sterling Ponds.