Lake Edge Plants, Enhancement Treatments

If you are interested in implementing a Lake Edge Enhancement System please download our AIA-USA construction document formatted specifications.

This system was devised as an alternative to rip-rap or mowing to the waters edge. It involves establishment of native plant communities on the slopes, as well as in the shallow water of constructed ponds and retention basins. Seeds and plants, in conjunction with appropriate bioengineering products are utilized to stabilize and beautify the shoreline. This system may be utilized to vegetate a designed storm water treatment basin.

Establishment of native plant communities along the water’s edge provides the following important benefits:

Long-lived native vegetation provides a permanent solution to shoreline problems
Prevents erosion and sedimentation to keep water clear
Absorbs wave energy to eliminate shoreline erosion
Alleviates algae problems by absorbing available nutrients
Creates a natural barrier to control the movement of waterfowl
Beautifies the area with season-long bloom
Provides an attractive, environmentally friendly solution for problem shoreline areas

Stormwater Treatment Ponds

Stormwater treatment ponds are a variation of the traditional retention pond. The pond has been modified to have at least a 3 to 1 length to width ratio and a broad shelf to support a wetland plant community. Although typically not as effective at pollutant removal as stormwater treatment wetlands, they still have good removal of many pollutants, particularly Total Suspended Solids.

Stormwater treatment ponds typically consist of several features designed to retain and filter water. First, the water flows into a forebay that removes the coarse sediments. This forebay is checked and cleaned as needed. It prevents sediment from filling the main pond, particularly during construction. The water then flows into the main pond, which is constructed with broad shelves under 18″ in depth that are vegetated with a variety of emergent plants. Finally, the water level and rate of discharge are controlled by an outfall structure. An assortment of shallow and deepwater emergent vegetation is then utilized throughout the main treatment basin to create the effective filtration environment.