Case Study: Pond Slopes Vegetation
A common issue with pond slopes in the greater Houston area is loss of adequate vegetation. Quality vegetation is vital to maintaining a functioning slope as a quality root structure is what keeps all dirt in place. Langham Creek YMCA was approaching their deadline for their annual Stormwater Quality permit renewal. Being their stormwater consultants for the property, we advised them of the challenges they were experiencing. The issues were lack of adequate vegetation in various areas of their SWQ pond as well as excessive rilling and erosion on the slopes. These conditions would prevent the Engineer from certifying that the pond was in compliance with Harris County regulations and would prevent them from renewing their annual Stormwater Quality permit.
YMCA ownership, wanting to be in compliance Harris County Guidelines, commissioned us to correct the erosion issues and revegetate the slopes. We quickly went to work grading and filling in the eroded areas and implementing a hydraulically applied erosion control blanket called ProMatrix. This product contains seed and fertilizer as well as soil bonding elements all in one mixture. This product is highly effective at retaining the soil and moisture on slopes while the seed germinates as opposed to Hydromulch alone. The work was completed in one day.
The pond is now in the correct condition and the engineer was able to certify the pond is in compliance allowing us to proceed with processing their annual permit renewal with Harris County.
We also advised the owner going forward to keep the grass height at around 6 to 8 inches. Any higher, and unwanted weeds and vegetation will take over the good grass and ruin the good turf. Any lower, and it will expose and weaken the roots which reduces their effectiveness at retaining the soil. Both scenarios promote erosion issues that they will want to avoid in the future.
If you have questions about your stormwater quality permit renewal or are experiencing erosion control issues, contact us and one of our stormwater quality specialists will be happy to assist you.
