Corporate America: Wake Up and Smell the Water
Look almost anywhere in a populated area and you can spot one. They're everywhere. Retention ponds have spread across North America unchecked in just a few decades. There are tens of thousands of these ponds in the United States alone. Maybe more. Some heavily populated areas have as many as four hundred in a single county. No one really knows the total number. Google
retention ponds and you'll find over 1 million search results. Government agencies, studies, pond equipment and contractors are just a few of the results from which you may choose. From designing and constructing to maintenance, there are now companies that specialize in the recent phenomenon of retention ponds.
The reason for these retention ponds, also called retention basins, is simple to understand. The surface of any developed area ( asphalt, roofs, concrete etc ) sheds water faster than natural undeveloped land. As this water flows unchecked from developed areas serious environmental damage can occur. This damage can include soil erosion, the leaching of minerals from the soil and sedimentation. Retention ponds are designed to hold runoff water during heavy rains, then release it back to a natural surface at a slower controlled rate thereby eliminating any negative impact on the environment.
The variety of these man made ponds is as diverse as the areas you'll find them in. From the 100ft diameter shallow pond located out of sight at a small business to the multi acre small lake used as a landscape centerpiece at a condominium complex, the diversity of retention ponds is almost endless. In some areas these ponds are so numerous some studies show a change in wildlife habits. Canadian geese now make their home in many developed locations and as their numbers rise become a nuisance.
I have always had an interest in small bodies of water. Maybe this fascination dates from my childhood when I couldn't walk past a mud puddle without getting my feet wet. As a child I spent many hours in and around the pond in our back yard. When not at our pond I could always be found near the small creek that ran across the farm behind our house. Possibly this causes me to pay extra attention to streams and ponds when I travel. Whether near to home or several states away the results of my ongoing survey are usually the same.
From these observations I have come to a general conclusion regarding retention ponds. As unscientific as it is, from my limited experience there seems to be a direct correlation between the physical appearance of these ponds and the extent they can be seen by the general public. Travel around to the rear of a business or development and chances are if the retention pond can't be easily seen you will find a algae covered, weedy, mosquito infested detriment to the environment. On the other hand if the pond is in front and in full view to the general public this pond is usually well maintained and benefit's the landscape, environment and wildlife. In these cases the business owner or public's opinion may be the deciding factors. What's being overlooked is the negative effects on the environment. Poorly maintained, algae and weed covered ponds are also a breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the threat of West Nile virus.
I applaud the many responsible business owners who maintain their ponds whether they be retention or decorative, in full view or out of sight of the public. Maintenance regulations often absent in older zoning laws are now being written and enforced in the larger metropolitan areas. However, in rural locations where poor water quality impacts wildlife the greatest, maintenance regulations for small bodies of water are often lax or nonexistent.
The single most cost effective way to keep small bodies of water healthy is aeration. Aeration rids water of excess nutrients that cause algae and weeds to grow unchecked. Chemicals and residues contained in runoff from parking lots are greatly reduced. Stagnation and stratification are eliminated as well. In short, a body of water that is aerated is healthier and more attractive in every way.
Two companies,
Superior Windmill and
Koenders Windmills are the world leaders in wind powered aeration. Both companies offer a wide selection of time tested products, technical support and excellent warranties. These windmill aerators are perfect choices for retention ponds, whether existing or still in the planning stage. Their products are quiet, reliable, low maintenance and require no electricity to operate. They also look great in any setting. Koender's does however offer electric powered alternatives for those who wish to use them.
With great products like these on the market there is no excuse not to maintain your retention pond. The wildlife and your neighbors will thank you.
© 2006
Windmill Aeration
