CLEAN WATER TIPS

Here are some actions you can take to protect our waterways!​​​​​​​

Is it a detention pond or just a dry basin?  Do you know the difference?  

As communities grow, the need for diverting water increases. Stormwater runoff overwhelms city sewers and can damage nearby streams and rivers through erosion. Handling the stormwater near its source can save millions in costly repairs that would otherwise be directed at correcting erosion or controlling flooding. A common method for managing stormwater is to build a basin. Basins are meant to collect the water, and release it at a rate the prevents flooding or erosion.​​​​​​​

There are two main types of basins--detention and retention--and we will take a look at each of those today. 

The Difference Between Detention and Retention Ponds

The main difference between a detention basin or retention basin, is the presence or absence of a permanent pool of water, or pond. The water level is controlled by a low flow orifice. In most cases, the orifice is part of a metal or concrete structure called a riser. A detention, or dry, pond has an orifice level at the bottom of the basin and does not have a permanent pool of water. All the water runs out between storms and it usually remains dry. A retention basin or pond has a riser and orifice at a higher point and therefore retains a permanent pool of water. A retention pond looks like a regular pond, but plays an important role in controlling stormwater runoff. 

The basins are important for storing and slowing stormwater runoff from nearby areas, especially areas with asphalt or concrete development. Stormwater runoff flows much faster from these surfaces than naturally occurring areas and needs to be diverted to ensure the runoff occurs at the desired rate. The amount of cleaning and treatment of the water is limited. Dry basins, or detention basins, only control flood flows. A retention pond can also provide some water quality benefits by reducing pollutants and sediments. 

Dry Detention Basins

Dry detention ponds are best used in areas where there is ten or more acres of land. On smaller sites, it is difficult to control water quality and other options may be more appropriate. 

Dry detention ponds generally use a very small slope to divert water. The inlet needs to be not more than 15% higher than the outlet to ensure the correct amount of water flow through the system. The system works by allowing a large collection area, or basin, for the water. The water then slowly drains out through the outlet at the bottom of the structure. Sometimes concrete blocks and other structures act as a deterrent to slow the water flow and collect extra debris. 

Advantages

• Surrounding areas have vegetative buffer that can withstand dry or wet conditions.

• May cost less to implement than a wet retention pond because the size is generally smaller.

Disadvantages​

• Requires a large amount of space.

• Does not improve water quality.

• Can become a mosquito breeding ground.

• Can detract from property value, whereas retention ponds may add value.

Wet Retention Ponds

Wet retention ponds are a stormwater control structure that provides retention and treatment of contaminated stormwater runoff. By capturing and retaining stormwater runoff, wet retention ponds control stormwater quantity and quality. The ponds natural processes then work to remove pollutants. Retention ponds should be surrounded by natural vegetation to improve bank stability and improve aesthetic benefits. 

Water is diverted to a wet retention pond by a network of underground pipes connecting storm drains to the pond. The system allows for large amounts of water to enter the pond, and the outlet lets out small amounts of water as needed to maintain the desired water level.

From a health standpoint, there is always a concern with standing water. This can be a drowning hazard, particularly with children. Ponds can also draw mosquitoes, which may contribute to the transmission of some diseases. 

Advantages

• Retention ponds are simple if space is provided.

• Collects and improves water quality.

• Naturally processes water without additional equipment.

• Improved stormwater collection and flood control.

• New habitats are created.

• Can be used for recreational purposes.

Disadvantages

• Can be a drowning hazard.

• Large areas of land  are needed.

• Negative water quality impacts if not properly designed.

Maintenance Considerations

One of the most important maintenance needed for either of these basins is to ensure that the orifice does not become blocked or clogged. Keeping the pipes clear of debris will ensure the ponds and basins are functioning properly. Keeping up with maintenance can reduce costly repairs in the future.

Other maintenance includes:

• Identifying and repairing areas of erosion - A few times a year and after major storms, check for gullies and other disturbances on the bank.

  removing sediment and debris - Keeping pipes clear of debris and removing sediment ensures proper function. Remove debris around  and in ponds before it reaches the outlets to prevent problems.

• Maintaining vegetation - The amount of maintenance depends on the type of vegetation surrounding the basin. Some grasses need weekly mowing, and others can be maintained a couple of times a year.​​​​​​​​​​​

Link: Stormwater Basins: How Detention and Retention Ponds Work​

​

 

TENNESSEE LITTER LAWS

Section 39-14-503. (a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume. 

• criminal littering is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00)

Section 39-14-504. (a) Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 Ibs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume.

• littering is a Class B misdemeanor, up to a $500 fine

• In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this part to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than eighty (80) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours.

Section 39-14-505. (a) Aggravated criminal littering is littering:

• In an amount exceeding ten pounds (10 lbs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume; or

• In any amount for any commercial purpose

•  Aggravated criminal littering is a Class A misdemeanor, except in the following circumstances, in which case it is a Class E felony, up to a $1,500 fine.

 

Tennessee Toll-Free Litter Hotline
1-877-8-LITTER PROVIDES MOTORISTS A WAY TO REPORT LITTER BUGS

Tennesseans who are tired of trash along state roadways now have a new tool to report litter bugs. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced today a new toll-free litter hotline, 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). The litter hotline is part of the statewide anti-litter campaign. The hotline provides a way for Tennesseans to report people they witness littering along the state’s roadways, such as a person throwing a paper cup or cigarette butt out of a window, or an item falling from an unsecured load.

“The new toll-free litter hotline gives citizens the ability to Stop It,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Now anyone who witnesses a person littering can report it and trigger action to improve the quality of the environment and the cleanliness of our roadways. Tennessee has some of the best roads in the nation. With everyone’s help, we can have some of the cleanest, too.”

Citizens who witness a litter bug in action can call 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). Callers will reach a recording that asks them to provide information about the vehicle. The information that will be requested includes:

• license plate number (Tennessee plates only)

• type and make of the vehicle

• day and time the incident occurred

• location where the incident occurred

• the type of item tossed or blown from the vehicle

TDOT will mail a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle along with a car trash bag or portable ashtray and other anti-litter information. The letter is a gentle reprimand reminding the recipient that littering is against the law and punishable by a fine of up to $1500.

 

Click here for more information.

https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/the-top-roadside-litter-laws-you-should-know-in-tennessee/