February 7, 2006
Terra Technologies scientists are pleased to announce that the design report and alternatives analysis for the Harmony Branch Detention Project was delivered to the City of Columbia, Missouri on January 27, 2006. This report written by the Larkin Group evaluates flooding conditions for two sites on Harmony Creek along I-70 Drive SW along Interstate 70 in western Columbia, Missouri. A dry detention facility is planned to solve the flooding problems and would include a wetland forebay designed by Terra Technologies scientists to improve water quality in the Harmony Creek drainage area. When built, this project will be the first detention basin with a wetland forebay in the Central Missouri area and will showcase the latest technology in stormwater management.
A dry detention basin works by temporarily slowing stormwater peaks downstream, and detaining it for a period of time, but ordinarily remaining dry. The one-acre wetland forebay will be constructed in conjunction with the dry detention basin and will be planted with grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs. During a rain event, stormwater enters the forebay before proceeding to the detention basin. The forebay slows the stormwater as it passes through the wetland plants. Fertilizers from yards and pollutants washed off pavement are captured within the forebay to be utilized by plants or microorganisms. Trash and sediment are deposited in the forebay before they can enter the detention basin, which will minimize maintenance requirements.
