Enhancing Efficiency of Storm Pond through Restoration Efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Russell, June 29, 2023 – The Municipality of Russell, in its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and public safety, is sharing required steps to maintain the stormwater pond located between Forced Road and Olde Towne Avenue in Russell. The initiative will optimize the efficiency and functionality of the stormwater pond while ensuring it performs at its intended capacity and reduce potential impacts to downstream watercourses (water quality and erosion).

Stormwater comes from various forms of precipitation running off hard surfaces like roads and rooftops. Development increases stormwater runoff as vegetated areas, which allow infiltration, are converted to hard asphalt and buildings and require the design of stormwater facilities to manage water in communities.

Managing stormwater management facilities is a municipal responsibility and is critical to avoid long term impacts to neighbouring properties, watercourses, wildlife habitat, and municipal infrastructure and must be maintained in accordance with the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Environmental Protection Act.

The Municipality of Russell has retained South Nation Conservation to inspect water management facilities, implement best management practices, and provide environmentally appropriate recommendations to help the municipality restore and improve the functionality in existing stormwater management ponds.

Vegetation control is an essential part of pond maintenance to ensure the facility works as designed. Trees that have grown along the slopes of stormwater ponds will be cut and treated while leaving the root systems in place to ensure that the integrity of the structure can be maintained and to prevent further obstruction and damage to the facilities.

South Nation Conservation will be coordinating the direct application of safe and controlled herbicide treatments to stumps of identified plants to minimize any potential risks to the surrounding environment.

This method is a normal and safe procedure used to stop trees from growing in areas that pose a risk to the infrastructure’s functionality. No chemicals will be able to interact with other vegetation or water within the stormwater pond and informational signage and fencing will be installed during the work.

To further ensure the long-term integrity and security of the storm pond, the municipality has made the decision to install a permanent security fence, restricting access to the unofficial path created near the pond, ensuring the safety of both residents as well as the surrounding environment.

The Municipality of Russell remains committed to the preservation and maintenance of its natural resources. By undertaking this comprehensive cleaning effort, the municipality is proactively addressing concerns and taking necessary steps to optimize the storm pond's functionality, allowing it to effectively manage stormwater runoff and protect the local ecosystem.

If you have any further questions or concerns, about the storm pond restauration efforts, please feel free to contact Russell Township Infrastructure Department.