Naturalized Storm Water Detention Basins

Retrofitting existing storm water basins offers a relatively low cost opportunity to slow down and clean the water before it reaches streams, thereby reducing flooding, erosion and water pollution. Storm water causes flooding, erosion, loss of stream habitat and water pollution. Hundreds of storm water basins have been constructed in Southeastern Pennsylvania to manage runoff from development. Most basins were designed to convey smaller storms quickly through the basin, detaining only larger storm events. In order to improve water quality and reduce volume, the smaller storms must be managed by the basins as well. The runoff from the very beginning of any storm picks up all of the surface contamination and contains more pollution than runoff from later in the storm. This is called the first flush. In traditional basins, this initial water passes through the basin very quickly.  Interested in more information, view the pamphlet "Basin Retrofits - How to retrofit storm water basins to reduce water volume and pollution" 

June 2010, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basins at the Township Building and at the corner of Warwick Road and Guinea Lane. This work was completed with the help of the Public Works department and Central Bucks South student volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from Growing Greener from the PA Department of Environmental Protection. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 140 native trees and 40 native shrubs. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1,374 from storm water runoff savings by intercepting 1million gallons of rainfall and $3,200 of savings by reducing 139,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

 Spring 2012, the WEAC naturalizes the Green Ridge Drive detention basin.  An Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers’ plant over 50 trees and shrubs. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $647 from storm water runoff savings by intercepting 72,400 gallons of rainfall and $1,300 of savings by reducing 56,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

 May 2013, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin on the corner of Evening Walk Lane and Morning Walk Drive. This work was completed with the help of an Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 140 native trees and 40 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the projects ecosystem service total benefits will be worth $30,773: $26,835 of storm water runoff savings by intercepting 2,710,687 gallons of rainfall $845 of air quality improvement savings by absorbing and intercepting pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter; reducing energy production needs; and lowering air temperature $3,092 of savings by reducing 318,530 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

October 2013, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin on the corner of Billingsley Drive and Stump Road on October 5, 2013. This work was completed with the help of the Central Bucks High School South’s National Honor Society students.  The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 100 native trees and 20 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over the next 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the total ecosystem service benefits will be worth approximately $19,855:  $15,133 of storm water runoff savings by intercepting 1,891,361 gallons of rainfall $1,733 of air quality improvement savings by absorbing and intercepting pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter; reducing energy production needs; and lowering air temperature $2,989 of savings by reducing 307,895 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2015, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin adjacent to the cul-de-sac at Hidden Court. This work was completed with the help of the Central Bucks High School South’s National Honor Society students.  The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 230 native trees and 50 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, total ecosystem service benefits will be worth $28,375: $25,302 of storm water runoff savings by intercepting 2,555,841 gallons of rainfall $893 of air quality improvement savings by absorbing and intercepting pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter; reducing energy production needs; and lowering air temperature $2,180 of savings by reducing 224,641 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

 April 2017, The WEAC planted 17 bare root trees at the beginning of the trail in Lower Nike Park. The Township purchased the trees at a very reduced price from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Over 35 National Honor Society (NHS) students from Central Bucks South High School assisted with the planting. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $181 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 132,000 gallons of rainfall and $172 of savings by reducing 7400 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2018, May 2019, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin located Warwick Road near Sarah’s Lane. This work was completed with the help of an Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 121 native trees and 36 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $694 from storm water runoff savings by intercepting 507,000 gallons of rainfall and $1,300 of savings by reducing 58,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

April 2019, the WEAC coordinated planting of 275 Red Maple trees and 25 Katsura Trees from Bucks Beautiful. Buck Beautiful contractors, Bucks County Gardens and Gale Nurseries planted 225 of the trees and Warrington Township Public Works staff planted the remaining trees. The trees are part of Bucks Beautiful RePlant Bucks Initiative. The trees were planted at Lions Pride, Barness and Nike Parks and the storm water detention basin on Buttercup Boulevard. The retail value of this effort would have cost taxpayers over $45,000. The Return on Environmental Investment will exceed over $83,000 over 25 years. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $4,900 from storm water runoff savings by intercepting 3.6 million gallons of rainfall and $9000 of savings by reducing 408,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2019, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin located on Buttercup Lane. This work was completed with the help of an Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 100 native trees and 40 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1,200 from storm water runoff savings by intercepting 863,000 gallons of rainfall and $1,900 of savings by reducing 83,400 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2020, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin located at the intersection of Folly and Pickertown Roads. Approximately 150 native trees and shrubs and a small meadow, were planted.  It is estimated that this project will accrue over $25,000 of storm water runoff savings by intercepting over 2.5 million gallons of rainfall, over the next 25 years. Annual pollutant loadings to the Little Neshaminy Creek will be reduced by 332 pounds of sediment, 7 pounds of nitrogen and 1 pound of phosphorus. Over 25 years, based on foretasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1,600 from storm water runoff savings by intercepting 147,000 gallons of rainfall and $900 of savings by reducing 126,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

September 2024  Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 52 Doylestown completed the naturalization of the storm water basin on Statesman Road.  The Bucks County Conservation District supplied their Conservation trailer which contained all the tools necessary to complete the planting. The WEAC acquired a grant from the “Trees for Watersheds” grant program, administered by the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society. This funding provided for the purchase of 100 native trees and 15 native shrubs and staking materials. The scout raised approximately $1,200 to purchase protective caging, flags and topsoil, as well as food for all 30+ volunteers. He also received a donation of five yards of mulch. The Warrington Township Public Works department supplied a water tank, to give the plants a good start and have the ability to continue to water throughout the summer and fall. It is estimated that this project will accrue over $25,000 of storm water runoff savings by intercepting over 2.5 million gallons of rainfall over the next 25 years.  Annual Loading's to the Little Neshaminy Creek will be reduced by 332 lbs of sediment, 7 pounds of nitrogen and 1 pound of phosphorus. Interested in more information view the following presentation.