Evaluation of Sirnaraga Retention Ponds

Abstract

Urbanization leads to increased impervious surfaces, which in turn accelerates stormwater runoff, increases peak flows, and exacerbates flood risk in downstream areas. Retention ponds are a critical component of modern urban drainage systems designed to mitigate these impacts. The Sirnaraga Retention Pond was constructed as a strategic flood control measure to manage stormwater in its catchment area. This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of the pond's operational performance and effectiveness. The methodology involves a hydrological and hydraulic analysis, comparing the pond's "as-built" design capacity against its current operational performance. This is achieved by simulating design storm scenarios and analyzing inflow/outflow hydrographs to quantify the pond's success in peak flow attenuation and delaying time to peak. Furthermore, the study includes a physical assessment of the pond's condition, specifically evaluating the rate of sedimentation and its impact on available storage volume. The results of the evaluation indicate the pond's current level of service and its effectiveness in reducing inundation in the downstream area. This study concludes with recommendations for routine maintenance and operational adjustments to ensure the pond's long-term sustainability and optimal performance as a flood control structure.