Green Meadows Park Bioretention Project

FAQ
Introduction

Across the state, communities are conducting studies and making plans to protect one of our most precious natural resources water. During the past several years, the City of Johnston has been working with engineering professionals to evaluate the many ways rainwater and snowmelt affect the citys drinking water supply. The purpose of the study was to identify problem areas and related solutions for addressing standing water, erosion, runoff, chemical contamination, and other water quality issues.
What is the Green Meadows Park Bioretention Project?
The goal of the project is to collect rainwater, snowmelt and other stormwater runoff and filter debris and pollutants through infiltration before being released into Beaver Creek. engineered soils that include a high percentage of sand, and lining the system with permeable fabric, the system remains viable.

Should we be worried about higher water table and flooded basements with more retention?
No. This project is designed to address water quality and water quantity and will not impact current water levels already experienced.

Why was this project selected?

This project was selected for many reasons: it is located in a public park providing for high visibility and opportunity for public education; addresses water quality issues within the Beaver Creek watershed; will significantly reduce the volume of runoff from the Green Meadows area; and will provide measurable removal of debris and pollutants found in the watershed runoff.

Why are native plants proposed instead of turf grass?

Native prairie plants are being used because they are deep rooted and drought tolerant. Their deep roots also work to maintain and aerate the soil. Turf grass is shallow rooted and not tolerant of heat and drought, so it does not filter runoff. Proposed project change: in response to citizen concerns about aesthetics and access across the park, some mowed turf grass will remain where possible between bioretention areas.

How will the system work?

A system of water infiltration areas and retention areas (sediment forebays) will be installed where the concrete flumes are currently located. A collection pipe will be buried under layers of soils that are engineered to filter the water. In addition, retention areas will be placed along the flume. These areas, designed to collect sediment, will be constructed of concrete pavers, similar to a residential patio.

How long will it take for the water to drain?

The bioretention areas are designed to drain standing water from a storm event within 24-48 hours.

Are bioretention areas best management practices that could be used anywhere?
They are appropriate here. They would not be used in hot spots for example: a truck stop.

Can this project fail?

As with any improvement, a specific plan of installation and maintenance must be followed. The City is committed to the success of this project and will provide ongoing monitoring.

Will less water drain through the area?

No. The same amount of water will move through the Green Meadows area. The change is that more water will be infiltrated, and less water and pollutants will reach Beaver Creek. More water will infiltrate because it will be absorbed by the native plants, the engineered soil, and collection pipe.

Will trees be removed with this project?

Yes. The willow tree near the playground has already been removed. It was damaged by insects and wind and was a hazard. A total of 13 other trees will be removed and replaced, tree for tree. These trees show signs of disease and damage.

Do the engineered soils wear out over time?

The system is designed so that the sediment forebays catch as much sediment as possible and protect the bioretention areas from large amounts of debris, which could eventually impair the system. By using Green Meadows Park Bioretention Project FAQ - 1

How will the work be completed?

Two contracts will be awarded for this project. A construction contract will be awarded to a firm to remove the flumes, complete the grading, and construct the sediment traps. A second, 2-year contract will be awarded to a qualified landscaping firm. They will be responsible for planting the areas. It is anticipated that the plantings will be completed in two stages some in the fall and others the following spring.

Why cant Terra Pond be part of this project so it will look better?
Terra Pond was originally constructed as the sewage lagoon for the Green Meadows neighborhood. Now that sanitary sewer pipes are connected to the neighborhood, it is no longer needed for that purpose. Sewage lagoons are not designed to receive stormwater so it would not be functional, and the runoff from the park does not drain to Terra Pond.

How will the city address concerns regarding maintenance?

As two contracts are proposed, the installation of plants will be done by a qualified contractor solely responsible for the work, which will include a 2-year maintenance contract. It is suggested that this work will include up to 4 trips/year for weeding, spot-spraying and replanting. During this time, the contractor will provide on-the-jobtraining for city staff so that they can learn how to care for the area.

What are the pollutants the city is worried about?

During a precipitation event, water washes across parking lots, rooftops, and other impervious surfaces collecting pollutants along the way. In our current system, these pollutants are then carried into rivers, creeks and streams. Water sampling conducted this spring in Green Meadows Park showed elevated levels of heavy metals, as well as phosphorus and E. coli bacteria. Sediment levels have also been high, which is also considered a pollutant. The Green Meadows neighborhood drains directly to Beaver Creek, which then flows to the Des Moines River where it serves as a drinking water source for Des Moines Water Works, serving the metro area.

Will the area be all torn up, all at once?

No. Construction of the project is proposed in five phases, starting with the north end the project.

Does the city have a horticulturist on staff to help with this maintenance?
The city does not have a staff horticulturist, but does have access to knowledgeable resources who can assist with these issues.

Glossary
Bioretention: Utilizes soil and plants to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. This best management practice (BMP) was originally developed in the early 1990s and provides for a natural way of filtering the stormwater runoff. Infiltration: Downward movement of water through soil Impervious: Hard surfaces that do not allow water to filter through concrete, rooftops, parking lots. Sediment forebay: Sediment collection areas located at various points within the plantings. As runoff flows through the system, sediment and other material will be collected to be removed by staff, as needed. Permeable surfaces that allow water to flow through grass, gravel, pavers.

Resources
www.jcswcd.org Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District rain gauge tool. www.rainscapingiowa.org Rainscaping Iowa. www.polk-swcd.org - Polk Soil & Water Conservation District. www.iowastormwater.org - Iowa Storm Water Education Program www.agriculture.state.ia.us Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Article authored by Wayne Petersen - A Watershed Year, Anatomy of the Iowa Floods of 2008, page 244

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