The Combination of a Flood-Retarding Basin and a Wetland to Manage the Impact of Urban Runoff

Abstract

Both agricultural development and urbanization of natural catchments have had a marked effect on the quantity and quality of runoff. Runoff quantity generally increases whereas quality usually decreases. Development in general also has a detrimental impact on the natural values of a catchment for both wildlife habitat and human recreation. This paper describes the design for a combination flood-retarding basin and wetland to manage both the quantity and quality of urban runoff. The combined system also has the potential to be managed for wildlife habitat and open space for passive human recreation.