Effectiveness of dry ponds for stormwater total suspended solids removal

This paper reviews the factors and criteria for the design of new and the retrofitting of existing dry detention ponds to enhance removal of total suspended solids (TSS) from stormwater. Detention time is discussed as the most important factor affecting TSS removal. Two-stage facilities and multi-level outlet design are important means of enhancing TSS removal in dry ponds. Two dry ponds within the city of Edmonton were selected to evaluate their TSS removal. The level of expected TSS removal is low owing to the relatively short detention times for both ponds. Methods for retrofitting the dry ponds to enhance TSS removal are discussed.