CR 12/17 Wetland Restoration
The CR12/17 Wetland Restoration Project is an innovative stormwater treatment project intended to improve water quality in Spring Lake.
Project Location: Southeast corner of CR12/17 Intersection
Status Details:
Ongoing maintenance
The CR12/17 Wetland Restoration Project is an innovative stormwater treatment project intended to improve water quality in Spring Lake. The project enhances flood control and capture phosphorus and sediment before they reach Spring Lake and other downstream water bodies. It treats runoff from two highways, city roads as well as an upstream 60 acre agricultural area.
Restoration Plans
The project consists of one stormwater pond and three wetland basins of varying depths, each with its own role in removing phosphorus. These restored wetland basins provide additional storage capacity for runoff and slow travel of stormwater. Adjustable stop logs allow the water levels in each pond to be changed to increase or decrease holding time as needed.
The wetlands are surrounded by native prairie plants. Their deep roots help clean the water before it reaches the lake and the plants provide important habitat to wildlife and food for pollinators.
Iron Enhanced Sand Filters in Pond 2 use sand mixed with iron filings to remove dissolved phosphorus from the water, preventing it from eventually making its way into the lake.
Other features of this site include, a seasonally operational fish barrier, walking paths, and an interpretive sign.
Anticipated Outcomes
Three wetland and treatment basins and an iron sand filter system were installed in addition to a small trail system. The project stores approximately 62 acre feet of stormwater per year. In 2014, extensive rains in the Spring caused regional flooding and the wetlands provided much needed stormwater storage. In addition, the settling of particulates in the wetland as well as removal of phosphorus from the iron sand filters results in approximately 60 lb/year of TP reduction. The three Agri Drain Outlet structures are retrofitted with vertical bar grates to limit the access of common carp into the project area.
Benefits
- Stores Excess Water by Restoring Wetlands
- Slows the Stormwater Down
- Reduces Phosphorus Entering Spring Lake
Partners
We partnered with the City of Prior Lake, Public Facilities Authority, Scott County SWCD, Board of Water and Soil Resources and Clean Water, Land and Legacy
