The Ecotarium

Description: The Ecotarium operates a wildlife education facility with outdoor exhibits and large areas of impervious parking lots. An existing detention (wet) pond was experiencing significant siltation due to uncontrolled sediment laden runoff from the parking lots. As a result, the pond lost both storage volume and water surface area. Furthermore, the siltation was creating prime conditions for growth of cattails and phragmites (water-born weeds) that were further choking the pond. GEI was retained to provide topographic survey, design and permitting services. The project included the following:

• Prepare design drawings and hydrology calculations for the construction of a sediment forebay to treat all parking lot runoff prior to entering the pond.

• Develop a site-wide stormwater operation and maintenance plan.

• Develop a sediment and vegetation removal program for the pond to restore its original volume and water surface area.

• Permit the project through the City of Worcester Conservation Commission with preparation of an amendment to an existing Order of Conditions.