By Doug Case, Ogden Highway Superintendent
During the spring and summer months, the Town of Ogden frequently receives questions from residents about stormwater ponds, particularly regarding their purpose and function. With several stormwater ponds located throughout residential subdivisions in the Town, it is helpful to understand how these features benefit both the community and the environment.
Stormwater ponds serve two primary purposes: they help remove pollutants carried by stormwater runoff and assist in managing flooding during heavy rain events. As stormwater flows through these systems, natural processes filter out contaminants before the water is released downstream, improving overall water quality. At the same time, ponds are designed to temporarily store excess water, reducing the risk of localized flooding during storms.
These facilities require relatively little maintenance; however, like any infrastructure within a neighborhood, they do require occasional upkeep to function as intended. On an as-needed basis, the Town may remove accumulated sediment or manage overgrown vegetation to maintain proper drainage and prevent flooding. These maintenance activities are not performed on a routine annual schedule but are completed only when necessary. Because stormwater ponds are natural systems, residents should expect them to have a natural, unmanicured appearance.
Stormwater ponds are also intentionally designed to discourage geese. This is accomplished by limiting large areas of open water and incorporating cattail buffers around the perimeter. Residents can support these design features by maintaining a natural vegetation buffer of at least five feet adjacent to the pond and by avoiding mowing directly to the edge of the facility. Geese are less likely to inhabit areas where there is no easy access to water from closely cut grass, helping reduce nuisance activity in surrounding neighborhoods.
Together, these design elements and maintenance practices ensure that stormwater ponds continue to function effectively while providing environmental and community benefits throughout the Town of Ogden. If you have any questions about stormwater ponds, please visit the Town website for more information or contact us at Stormwater@ogdenny.com or 585-617-6160.
