This is the first EarthCache that I have "hidden", and I'm hoping that you will find this topic of Stormwater Management to be as interesting as I have. Remember, you can only log this as a find after you have messaged me the answers to the questions below. Feel free to post pictures. Now, the interesting part...
Stormwater lakes, along with dry ponds and wetlands, are part of the stormwater management system in Sherwood Park and are technically called stormwater management facilities.
Here is the link to the map of Sherwood Park's Stormwater Facilities:Sherwood Park Stormwater Management Map
Stormwater Management Facilities:
They gather rainfall and surface water runoff, they reduce the possibility of flooding, erosion and property damage, they provide a habitat for birds, animals and other wildlife, and they can be surrounded by natural vegetation
How the stormwater management system works
When it rains, the water enters manholes and catch basins on the street and flows through the storm sewer. Water then collects in one of the stormwater management facilities. The water can also go directly to an outlet that empties into a natural drainage area.
The water that accumulates in stormwater lakes, dry ponds and wetlands is released gradually back into the natural drainage system, avoiding erosion and flooding downstream.
It's important to remember that any type of surface water runoff, not just rainfall, can run into the storm sewer and collect in the stormwater management system. For example, when you wash your car on the driveway, that water ends up in the system. That is why you need to be careful with what you put into the storm sewers because it can end up in the stormwater system.
Types of stormwater management facilities
Stormwater lakes and wetlands
They are man-made and function as part of the stormwater management system, they are surrounded by natural vegetation such as cattails, shrubs and grasses. There may also be underwater vegetation, and algae may form on the water surface. They collect runoff from streets, the ground surface and storm sewers. That runoff may contain residue from lawn fertilizers and chemicals, various organisms, animal wastes and similar substances.
Stormwater dry ponds
Stormwater dry ponds are man-made and still function as part of the stormwater management system. They look like dish-shaped grassed fields and may be used as informal play areas. They also may temporarily fill with surface water runoff during heavy rainfall, but are generally dry.
How does Stormwater Management Benefit us?
Soil acts as an absorbent for water. Soil also acts as a source of cover/nutrient and protection for seeds plants and growing foliage. Soil also harbors creatures, such as insects that bury in the earth creating seepage sources. When it rains, the water has a means (entry points) to penetrate the sub strata in the ground. With the erosion of soil, these creatures will look for other places to conduct their natural burrowing and tunneling activities. When this layer is eroded,the area where localized flooding occurs does not have a source of material to absorb the water,utilize the water and spread the water over a wide surface area. As a consequence, the water pools (flooding). However, with the system Sherwood Park uses, instead of water going directly in to the soil immediately, it is transferred through underground pipes and canals that distribute the water equally to different ponds, lakes, neighborhoods, etc. That way there is no over filled ponds and water sources, because they all connect together, creating much less amounts of flooding and soil erosion.
Please message me the answers to these questions...
1. From the view of the pond, would you say it looks naturally shaped, or artificially shaped?
2. Describe the shape of the land surrounding the pond. Do you think that over time the soil has gradually eroded away, leaving slanted land?