Storm Water Management Assistance

What is the Focus?

Towns have a number of storm water detention basins designed to reduce the peak flow from an area of developed land back to predevelopment condition. At the time they were installed, only the peak flows of water running off development sites were regulated although, recently, EPA instituted regulations for the quality of runoff. NRCS can assist with projects to retrofit existing basins for quality renovation.

What Does NRCS Offer?

Planning, design, construction assistance.

What is an Example of a Storm Water Management Assistance?

FAIRFIELD, CT – The Quarter Horse Lane detention basin captured runoff from an 11-acre residential subdivision within the Sasco Brook Watershed. The basin did not retain water from small storms. The inlet was near the basin outlet, so minimal water quality renovation could take place. To trap sediment, a forbay was constructed at the entrance. Berm was installed to direct flow throughout the basin. Along the flow path, material was excavated to produce a less than 12” channel and a wetland bench area at the water table line. Water passed through an open area before entering the basin outlet structure. These measures combine to improve the water quality before the water enters Sasco Brook.

Who are the Partners?

• Town of Fairfield
• Southwest Conservation District
• Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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