Storm Water Basin Improvements (C&O Basin and Cedarsprings Basin), City of Novi, Michigan (MI)

Storm Water Basin Improvements (C&O Basin and Cedarsprings Basin)

2010 Basins Location Map

Improvements to the C&O and Cedarsprings regional storm water detention basins were recommended by the 2007 Storm Water Master Plan Update Phase II. The City of Novi owns and operates 12 regional detention basins providing storm water detention during storms to prevent downstream flooding. As land is developed, more land area becomes paved or otherwise impervious which causes rain water to runoff into the storm sewer system at a faster rate than over a grassy undeveloped surface. Paved areas also impede infiltration of rain fall into the ground and direct more water to storm sewers, streams and rivers. The detention basins have been designed to store water from rain fall events and to release at a slower rate, similar to the pre-developed condition, to prevent downstream flooding.

While the original design focused on large storms that occur less frequently (i.e. once every 10 years or 100 years), smaller storms that occur more frequently (i.e. once every 2 years) also need to be addressed. This project will retrofit the outlet structures at each basin to better control these more frequent smaller storms. Providing additional storage for the smaller and more frequent storms will reduce the variability of the flow downstream of the basin which will in turn reduce erosion of the stream banks. Stream bank erosion is problematic because it cuts away the banks of the river or stream, causing sediment to enter the stream which is then deposited at the next lake or pond downstream. Decreasing stream bank erosion will also protect and mitigate the loss of natural features such as trees and vegetation along the stream.

Stream Bank Erosion at C&O Basin

The project will work to reduce nutrient loading, caused in part by lawn fertilizer, which can negatively impact downstream habitat by promoting thick growth of aquatic plants that reduce the dissolved oxygen in the water available for organisms in the stream. The project will improve the overall operation of the basin to prevent erosion downstream, improve the habitat at each basin, and will include native plantings in a “no mow zone” around each basin to deter geese and filter polluted runoff that may enter the basin.

The City of Novi has applied for a grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide funding for this project. Click here for more information about storm water and how you can make a difference in preserving and restoring our rivers and streams.