Power's Pond Storm Water Quality Management Feasibility Study

The City of Mount Pearl will conduct a study to evaluate the financial and technical options for managing stormwater quality upstream of Power's Pond. This wetland area is one of the City's most visited and vital greenspaces. It is home to a playground, aquatic sports facilities, and a dog park. In June of 2018, traces of oil and grease were reported near the area's south-west boundary which was determined to have come from a neighbouring business park via an existing storm sewer outfall. Through this study the City will aim to; select a system that can alleviate contaminants and total suspended solids (TSS) from entering the wetland and surrounding area; develop best practices with business park companies in an effort to reduce oils/grease from entering storm systems; improve public safety; and maintain the green spaces for safe and effective use by the City's residents. The City will investigate several technologies including permeable pavement, bioswales, raingardens, and traditional filters. Design options will take into account stormwater flow rates under various rainfall events. Based on a defined scoring system the City will compare each option using a triple-bottom-line approach. The City will perform a life-cycle analysis, conceptual design, business case, and detailed cost estimate for the preferred option. Public consultation will be arranged as the project progresses. This initiative is linked to key City policy documents whose overreaching goals include; protecting the environment, rivers and open spaces; and ensuring there is appropriate natural open spaces for residents to recreate. This type of initiative is innovative for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador where low-impact development and net-zero runoff practices are not widespread. The City intends to use this project as a starting point for creating a larger framework for stormwater quality and quantity management. Although site specific, this project will present technologies, practices, and methodologies that could be replicated province-wide and throughout Canada. (Project description from original funding application)