FEATURE ARTICLEGeorge Milner V3 Consultants) Ltd.

The Advantages ofNaturalized Detention Basins:A Cost-Benefit

Analysis

Editor's Note: This previously published examination ofnaturalized versus conventional detention basins appearswith permission of V3 Consultants, Ltd.

Image 1:A conventional detention basinManagement of stormwater is essential for successful lined with riprap and turfgrass.

development to minimize flooding and maintain water quality. Stormwater management is typicallyaccomplished by construction of a detention basin to accommodate onsite surface runoff following stormevents. Howeve1S significant benefits and long-term cost savings can be realized through the utilizationof a ((naturalized)) detention basin. This article provides an environmental and economic cost/benefitanalysis of a conventional basin versus a basin naturalized with native vegetation.

The distinction between a conventional basin and a natu-ralized basin is the utilization of native plants to provideshoreline and side-slope stabilization (Image 2). Wetlandvegetation is used instead of rip rap to stabilize the shorelineand prairie vegetation replaces turf grass on the side slopes. Notonly are native wetland and prairie vegetation more reliable soilstabilizers than rip rap and turf, additional environmentalbenefits such as improved water quality, creation of wildlifehabitat, and beautification are provided.

The environmental benefits of using prame vegetationinstead of turf grass have been well-documented. Turfgrass provides minimalwater-quality benefits due to its shallow roots. As a result of the deep roots thatprairie species possess, significant water-quality benefits are provided throughincreased infiltration and attenuation of runoff, and increased soil stabilization.

Image 2: In naturalized basins,native plants provide shoreline

and side-slope stabilization.

The conventional detention basin design (Image 1) consists of a riprap-lined deep-water basin surrounded by turfgrass side slopes. The conventionalbasin is generally void of wetland vegetation due to the deep- bottom

construction. Although the conventional basin provides stormwa-ter storage and some water-quality benefits, additional benefits arelost due to the lack of native vegetation.

Interception of pollutants occurs above ground within the dense prairievegetation as well as subsurface as a result of the increased soil permeability

(continued on page 12)

www.magcs.org 11

vegetation. One environmental bene-fit of using wetland vegetation is itsability to improve water quality. Themicroorganisms that live on emergentand submerged wetland vegetation

wave action and water-level fluctua-tion that can destabilize the shoreline.Riprap also protects the shoreline, butriprap does not offer the environmen-tal benefits provided by wetland

Image 3: One advantage of naturalized basins:they are more aesthetically pleasing.

Installation of wetland vegeta-tion around the perimeter of a basinminimizes the erosive pressures of

There are many additional ben-efits from using prairie vegetationinstead of turf, and these benefitshave also been well-documented.However, the use of wetland vegeta-tion in a detention basin has onlybeen briefly discussed in the litera-ture. Wetland vegetation plays a keyrole in the function of a naturalizedbasin in the treatment of water andcompletes the stormwater manage-ment "prairie-wetland complex."

The Advantages of Naturalized Detention Basins ...

that the network of roots provides.Not only is water quality improved asa result of increased soil permeability,a reduction in flooding can result dueto the subsurface infiltration ofstormwater. As a result of the prairie-vegetated side slopes, the functions ofthe detention basin are improved, andthe viability of the wet-bottom por-tion is increased as a result of thisprimary treatment that the prairievegetation provides.

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break down many pollutants, therebycleaning water. Some studies showthat submerged aquatic vegetation canretain as much as 80% of phosphorusthat enters a basin. This natural watercleansing reduces nutrients, which is asignificant water-quality benefit notprovided by riprap.

The use of chemicals, such ascopper sulfate or Aquashade-whichare commonly used to control algae ina conventional basin-is not normallyrequired in a naturalized basin. Algalblooms are caused by high phosphorusconcentrations in the water. As previ-ously discussed, wetland vegetationretains high amounts of phosphorus,which reduces its availability for algaeand minimizes the need for chemicalcontrol. Less use of chemicals alsoresults from installation of prairieinstead of turf on the side slopes. Thus,the use of wetland and prairie vegeta-tion not only provides additionalwater-quality benefits but also elimi-nates the usage of the chemicalpollutants that degrade water quality.As a result, the water-quality benefitsfrom native vegetation are two-fold.

An additional benefit associatedwith a naturalized basin is creationof wildlife habitat. Many species ofbirds, reptiles, amphibians and fishare attracted to wetland vegetation,whereas only a few species utilizeunvegetated, conventional basins.Installation of wetland vegetation indetention basins can replace wildlifehabitat lost as a result of the extensivedevelopment in the Chicago region.Many wildlife species, includingthe state-endangered black-crownednight heron, great egret, green heronand great blue heron are attracted tothese types of naturalized areas. Thewetland vegetation in naturalizedbasins can provide attractive nestingand feeding grounds for a variety ofwildlife species, and these are lackingin conventional basins.

Additionally, naturalized basinsare not as attractive to Canada geese,which have become a nuisance speciesin the Chicago region. Canada geeseprefer unvegetated shorelines andmowed turf side slopes, which allowquick access to the water's edge andprovide an unlimited food source.

Many species ofbirds, reptiles,amphibians andfish are attractedto wetland vegeta-tion, whereasonly a few speciesutilize unvegetated,conventional basins.

This unlimited food source results ingeneration of large amounts of drop-pings that degrade water quality andpresent a potential health risk. Instal-lation of wetland vegetation on theshoreline creates a permanent, effec-

(continued on page 14)

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use of native vegetation, beautificationof the landscape occurs through theadditional water-quality benefits andthe unique features of native plants.

together amidst the water. Addition-ally, native vegetation can reduce algalblooms, which is probably the num-ber-one complaint residents haveconcerning detention basins. With the

Other benefits of a naturalizedbasin are the attractive features thatprovide an aesthetic amenity to thelandscape (Image 3). A conventionalbasin has minimal attractive featuresand often the rip rap becomes over-grown with weeds (Image 4) or theslopes erode (Image 5), which furtherdegrades the appearance and canadd significant future remediationcosts. Native vegetation provides anabundance of colors and texturesthroughout the growing season.Prairie plants offer a variety of flowercolors throughout the season thatattract interesting birds and butterflies,which enhances the aesthetics of thearea. Various species of wetland plantsprovide many shades of green, anassortment of plant heights and a mix-ture of leaf shapes that contrast well

The Advantages of Naturalized Detention Basins ... (continuedfi'om page 13)

tive barrier, which makes it difficultfor geese to move from water to land.Also, installation of prairie vegetationon the slopes eliminates the unlimitedfood source provided by turf and pro-vides cover for potential predators,which discourages Canada geese.

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almost identical with only minor differ­ences in the proposed contours to accommodate wetiand planting. Based on these design similarities, differences in excavating and grading costs are negligible, and thus, should not affect the cost comparison. The specifications for the basins are provided below.

• The size of both basins at normal water level (NWL) is one (1) acre with 800 linear feet of shoreline.

• The side slopes of both basins are 4:1 and are 27 feet wide, which results in 0.5 acres, or 2,400 square yards of side-slope area.

(continued on page 16)

Table 1: Cost Estimate for a 1.5-acre Conventional Detention Basin

1.0 Slope Treatment 1. 01 Stone Rip Rap & Geo Fabric - IDOT Gradation 3 1.02 Turf Grass Sod

TOTAL SLOPE TREATMENT 2.0 Maintenance (Year 1-5)

2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05

*Mowing Fertilization Herbicide Application "Irrigation ***Algae Treatment (Aquashade) SUBTOTAL MAINTENANCE YEAR 1 - 5

3.0 Maintenance (Year 6-10) 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04

*Mowing Fertilization Herbicide Application ***Algae Treatment (Aquashade)

TOTAL MAINTENANCE

QUANTITY 533

1,866

QUANTITY 130 10 5 8 10

QUANTITY 130 10 5 10

\\GRAND TOTAL

UNITS sq. yd. sq. yd.

UNITS each each each each each

UNITS each each each each

PRICE $15.00 $2.50

PRICE $100.00 $100.00 $50.00

$200.00 $250.00

PRICE $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $250.00

COST $7,995.00 $4,665.00

$12,660.00 COST

$13,000.00 $1,000.00

$250.00 $1,600.00 $2,500.00

COST $13,000.00 $1,000.00

$250.00 $2,500.00

$16,750.00 $35,100.00 $47,760.00

* Mowing occurs weekly from mid-April to the end of October "Estimate 8 events during establishment period during first growing season '"Aquashade applied twice annually

Table 2: Cost Estimate for a 1.5 acre Naturalized Detention Basin

1.0 Slope Treatment 1.01 *Emergent Planting (0.18 acres) 1.02 Floating & Submerged Planting (0.1 acres) 1.03 Wetland Seeding 1.04 Prairie Seeding & Erosion Blanket

TOTAL SLOPE TREATMENT 2.0 Maintenance (Year 1-5)

2.01 First Year Buffer Mowing 2.02 Prescribed Burning 2.03 Chemical & Mechanical Weed Control

SUBTOTAL MAINTENANCE YEAR 1- 5 3.0 Maintenance (Year 6-10)

3.01 Prescribed Burning 3.02 Chemical & Mechanical Weed Control

SUBTOTAL MAINTENANCE YEAR 6 - 10 TOTAL MAINTENANCE

QUANTITY 900 0.1 0.18 0.50

QUANTITY 2 4 5

QUANTITY 2 5

GRAND TOTAL

UNITS plugs acre acre acre

UNITS each each year

UNITS each year

PRICE $3.50

$1,500.00 $2,000.00 $7,000.00

PRICE $100.00

$3,500.00 $1,500.00

PRICE $3,500.00 $1,000.00

COST $3,150.00 $150.00 $360.00

$3,500.00 S7,160.00

COST $200.00

$14,000.00 $7,500.00 $21,700.00

COST $7,000.00 $5,000.00 $12,000.00 $33,700.00 $40,860.00

*5,000 plants per acre planting rate

Using native vegetation instead of turf and stone provides other envi­ronmental benefits, such as reduced air and noise pollution, and a reduc­tion in the greenhouse effect. Prairie results in the reduction of standard lawn-care equipment usage, which reduces air and noise pollution. The lawnmower emits 11 times die air pollution of a new car for each hour of operation. Natural vegetation can reduce the need for the lawnmower and other fossil-fueled equipment, thereby improving air quality. Addi­tionally, plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which can reduce the greenhouse effect.

Naturalized basins provide sig­nificantly more benefits to the environment than conventional ones. These environmental benefits include improved water quality, flood reduc­tion, wildlife habitat creation and aesthetic amenities. The remainder of this article analyzes the economic benefits of a naturalized basin versus a conventional basin. Factors ana­lyzed include costs of implementing the different slope treatments and maintenance for a 10-year period.

In order to conduct an adequate cost comparison of the two types of basins, the design of the basins will be

www.magcs.org 15

The Advantages of Naturalized Detention Basins . . . (continued from page 15) • The conventional basin has a

6-foot-wide band of grade 3 riprap along the bottom of the side slope, which totals 533 square yards. The remainder of the conventional basin's side slopes, or 1,866 square yards, is turfgrass.

• The naturalized basin has a 15-foot-wide perimeter planting shelf between 0.25 to 2 feet below NWL for emergent, floating and sub­merged aquatic vegetation. The remainder of the naturalized basin bottom is up to 10 feet deep, which will match the conventional basin.

• The entire side slope of the natural­ized basin is prairie (0.5 acres).

• The entire bottom of the conven­tional basin is 10 feet deep.

• Maintenance of both basins includes management activities for a 10-year period to promote successful results.

Tables 1 and 2 provide costs for a conventional basin and a naturalized basin according to the specifications given above. Costs were provided by qualified engineering, ecological and landscape firms in the Chicago area.

As illustrated by Tables 1 and 2, conventional slope treatment costs a great deal more ($5,500) to install than native vegetation, which is primarily the result of the high riprap expense. The cost of the riprap alone exceeds the total cost of the entire slope treatment for the naturalized basin. Additionally, the cost to install turfgrass was slightly more than the cost for prairie vegetation, which is the result of lower costs associated with seeding ver­sus planting. Section 1.0 of the tables

shows that a considerable amount of cost savings can result from installation of wetland and prairie vegetation instead of riprap. The installation cost savings of a natural slope treatment are magnified as a result of the additional environmental benefits provided.

The other factor illustrated by the tables is maintenance cost for a 10-year period. According to the tables, the five-year maintenance costs of the naturalized slope treatment were $3,350 more than for the con­ventional basin, but $1,400 less at the end of Year 10. These results show that a long-term maintenance-cost savings results from installation of native vegetation. This maintenance-cost savings is due to the adaptations native vegetation have to the extreme weather conditions of our region. Maintenance of native vegetation decreases as the community estab­lishes and only minimal maintenance is required upon maturity. On the contrary, turfgrass requires continu­ous management using chemicals and fertilizers for it to remain healthy, because it is not adapted to the local conditions. Furthermore, additional maintenance costs may be required in a conventional basin due to failure of the riprap and turf to provide long-term stabilization. Activities including riprap replacement and slope regrad-ing and planting are frequent activities conducted to improve fail­ing detention basins.

Summary This article demonstrates that

a naturalized basin provides signifi­cant environmental and economic benefits in comparison to the conven­tional basin. Installation of native vegetation instead of riprap and turf

Maintenance of native vegetation decreases as the community establishes and only minimal maintenance is required upon maturity. On the contrary, turfgrass requires continuous management using chemicals and fertilizers for it to remain healthy . . .

provides water-quality benefits, valu­able wildlife habitat and beautifies the landscape. Furthermore, installation costs are less and savings are realized in long-term maintenance cost. Addi­tionally, construction of a naturalized basin also eliminates the potential future remedial activities typically required for a conventional basin. Utilization of native vegetation in a detention basin can significantly improve stormwater management.

Questions or comments regarding this article? Please contact George Milner at 630-724-9200 or e-mail gmilner@v3consultants.com.

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Bull Sheet:

On February 25, Midwest GolfHouse will be the site of anothercan't-miss educational opportunity."Couch Talk" (not a sequel to theRock Hudson/Doris Day classicPillow Talk-okay, that was probablya stretch) is a seminar featuringkeynote speaker Dr. Houston Couchof Virginia Tech, who visits courtesyof Lesco and BASF. This day-longseminar will include presentationsfrom several nationally-knownexperts who will share researchand best practices on turf grass dis-ease prevention and control. Anapplication is in for GCSAA educa-tion points, and a mailing regardingregistration details is forthcoming.Don't miss this one!

Mid-Am '04 is right around thecorner-January 14-16-and thisyear's version will be bigger andbetter than ever. The Mid-AmericaHorticultural Trade Show, sponsoredby the Illinois Landscape ContractorsAssociation, Illinois Nurserymen'sAssociation, and the WisconsinLandscape Federation, has a newlocation to boot: the Lakeside Cen-ter at McCormick Place in Chicago.A plethora of renowned experts invarious areas of the horticultureindustry will present seminars, andthe three-day event promises tofeature something for everyone inour business. For information andregistration, go to www.midam.org.

MAGCS offers its condolences toRoger Johnson of Johnson &Associates on the passing of his wife,Georgia. Mrs. Johnson lost her bat-

(continued on page 20)

Fred Behnke has graciously offeredup the Mount Prospect Golf Club'sfacility for that event. As for thisrendition, a vast array of educationwill be on tap, including Phil Nixon,who will enlighten us on "Are YouBeing Bugged by Invasive InsectPests," Joel Cheek from Yamahawho will speak on winter/periodicmaintenance of golf car fleets, andTodd Lenard of GE Finances whowill talk about equipment leasingoptions. GCSAA has approved 0.30education points for this event, sosign up now (if you haven't already)and get your last look at the oldAGC clubhouse.

Our January monthly meeting willagain return to Arrowhead GolfCourse with Bob Breen serving asour host. This will be a special one,as it will be the last time we will seethe clubhouse facility in its currentstate. According to Bob, a majorrenovation/reconstruction projectis slated for this fall, and the nexttime we experience Arrowhead'shospitality we will be in a brand-new, multimillion-dollar facility.Of course, this means that we willbe conducting our January 2005meeting elsewhere, and President

As noted in Dates to Remember,several GCSAA seminars will bemaking their way into our area thismonth. These are all full-day classesworth 0.70 education points towardClass A and certification renewal,and all carry a $130 member fee($195 for nonmembers). "EmployeeSafety Training" takes place in EastPeoria on the 12th and is facilitatedby Sarah Bundschuh, a private con-sultant on golf course safety issues."Management Strategies for theTurfgrass System" will follow onthe 13th in East Peoria and againon the 21st at Midwest Golf House,and features Dr. Joe Vargas as itsfacilitator. "Developing Your HazardCommunication Program" takesplace on the 20th at Golf House,with Sarah Bundschuh once morefacilitating. To register for any ofthese seminars, contact GCSAAService Center at 800-472-7878,or fax them at 785-832-3643. Youmay also register online at gcsaa.org;go to the Learning Center page.

GCSAAandpresent "Developing Your

adi Communication Program"inar at Midwest Golf House.

John Gurke) CGCSContributing Editor

18 JANUARY 2004 On Course

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tie with ovarian cancer in November, and we keep Roger and the Johnson family in our thoughts and prayers.

Another big event on the local hor­ticulture scene—the North Central Turfgrass Exposition (NCTE)—took place last month at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. This year's conference and trade show featured a variety of seminars focusing on the many different aspects of our indus­try, including golf turf, sports turf, lawn care and landscape turf, and turf technician issues. A new and popular feature was the addition of pesticide-license testing, which gave attendees the opportunity to com­plete their Illinois Department of Agriculture required testing during the show. It wouldn't be the NCTE without the ITF Annual Awards Reception and Dinner and the annual membership meeting, replete

The 19th Annual Chicagoland Forum—the year-end educational highlight conducted by the Chicagoland Association of Golf Course Superintendents—was held on November 18 at Naperville Country Club, and attendees were treated to a day of timely educational topics. Amongst the highlights was a talk given by Chuck Price, a union expert, on the resurgence of union activity in Chicagoland. Mr. Price pointed out that new legislation recently passed with our governor's blessing that will make it much easier

Chuck Price.

with presentations of the scholarships and donations to research, as well as the coveted ITF Distinguished Service Award. The 2003 Awards Dinner, sponsored by Bayer Environ­mental Science, Chicagoland Turf, Lesco and Syngenta Professional Products, took place on the 2nd, and showcased the presentation of the 2003 ITF DSA to the Jemsek Family for their years of invaluable service to the turf industry. Frank Jemsek accepted the richly-deserved award on behalf of his family. The annual membership meeting was where the big bucks were passed around (in the form of donations and scholarships) to deserving students and organizations dedicated to the betterment of the turfgrass industry. Tim Egan from SIU won the Valley Crest Scholarship, and Tom Boniak, also of SIU, won the Bayer Scholar­ship. University of Illinois students

for unions to sign up new members. Lee Miller of CDGA followed with a fine update on and year-end review of the Interactive Turf program, which he administers out of Midwest Golf House. One big topic of discus­sion was whether or not to solicit sponsors for the Web site in an effort to cut or eliminate subscription costs. In keeping with the CAGCS tradition of open sharing of knowl­edge, several round-table discussions took place on a variety of subjects, from master plans to phosphite tech­nology to growth-regulator use and

Lee Miller.

awarded scholarships included Travis Williams, who won the Jackie Butler Outstanding Student Award sponsored by ITF and the U of I Turfgrass Alumni; Craig Shepard won the Ben Warren Scholarship sponsored by Summit Seed Com­pany; and Justin VanLanduit won the Bayer Scholarship sponsored by Kerry Anderson of Bayer Corp. Congratulations to these deserving students. The MAGCS was not remiss either in the holiday spirit of giving, as President Fred Behnke presented the ITF with a check for $13,000 for turfgrass research. Also congratulations to Jeff Gerdes of Bolingbrook Golf Club on winning Prime Turf's raffle on the trade show floor—Jeff walked (stooped) away with a 32" flat screen television.

strategies. The big bang to finish off the day was an all-encompassing talk on USGA green management given by Paul Vermeulen of USGA's Green Section. Most memorable of Paul's many quotables was, "Verti-draining a poorly-drained green is like putting lipstick on a pig—it's still a pig." I'm sure we all have our "pigs" that we constantly battle in an effort to grow quality turf. In all, the day was quite a success, and we thank the folks at Naperville Country Club for again hosting the forum.

Paul Vermeulen.

20 JANUARY 2004 On Course