Date of Award

Fall 2004

Document Type

Legacy Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Marine Science

College

College of Science

First Advisor

Susan M. Libes

Abstract/Description

A retention pond located within a small housing division has been retrofitted clean stormwater runoff from the housing development. It has been transformed into a multiple pond system (MPS). It consists of an upper pond and a lower pond. The upper pond is a four-foot deep pool that allows for the settling of sediments and solids and the removal of oxygen-demanding organic compounds (BOD) from entering storm water. Riprap will be placed around the inlet inside the upper pond and will slow incoming water flow, thus helping in settling solids out of the storm water, and will provide aeration. The lower pond is a shallow, wide pool that is designed for maximum surface area. The shallow pool will allow for the destruction of bacteria by ultraviolet rays. Mosquito fish have also been added to keep the mosquito larva population down. Many wetland plants have been planted so to take up nutrients and produce soils that harbor microorganisms that will consume bacteria. The microorganisms will also help to decrease the oxygen-demanding organic compounds. Measurements that were taken prior to retrofit showed that the waters had high levels of nutrients and bacteria. This leads to contaminated water exiting the pond system ultimately to the Waccamaw River. The pond is located within the Waccamaw watershed in Horry County, SC. Samples taken after retrofitting have shown that bacteria levels and nutrient levels decrease within 10 days of entering the pond system. The system should be more efficient within 1 to 2 years.

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