November 17, 2005
Scientists at the Overland Park office of Terra Technologies announce the successful environmental permitting of the Kensington Farms development in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The development, designed by Archer Engineers, provides for 320+ acres of residential, park, and public school improvements in the Raintree Lake area. The project incorporates the use of Low Impact Development concepts (LID) for the construction of a 2+ acre rain garden. In conjunction with consultation from an Urban Watershed Conservationist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the rain garden incorporates utilization of the bioswale method of design. In this method, improvements in soil percolation and water quality are achieved through the use of deep rooted native prairie plant species including grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. A series of 12+ pools capture storm water from downspouts, streets, and yards en route over several hundred feet prior to collection and release in a local detention basin. Within three to five years, the rain gardens will likely capture and treat the majority of rainfall from the 1-year storm event.
The rain garden park also incorporates bird houses, bat houses, and owl houses as conservation amenities. The project represents the first of its kind in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, attaining dual benefit of open green space for local regulations and mitigation for federal regulations. Construction of the rain garden will proceed in 2006.
