Retention and Detention Ponds
Excavation and construction of retention and detention ponds for stormwater management across South Florida. We coordinate licensed contractors to excavate and construct stormwater ponds with proper depths, slopes, and overflow structures to meet SFWMD and county requirements.
Retention and detention ponds are essential for managing stormwater runoff in South Florida developments. Our network of licensed contractors has the equipment and expertise to excavate and construct stormwater ponds that comply with regulatory requirements and effectively manage stormwater.
Who This Service Is For
Retention and detention pond services are essential for developers, general contractors, subdivision developers, commercial property owners, and anyone developing properties that require stormwater management systems.
Whether you're developing a new subdivision, commercial complex, or any property requiring stormwater management, retention and detention ponds are often required by regulatory agencies. We coordinate contractors with heavy equipment to excavate and construct stormwater ponds that meet regulatory requirements.
Typical Project Sizes
Retention and detention pond projects typically range from $75,000 to $200,000 for smaller residential developments, and $200,000 to $500,000+ for large-scale commercial or subdivision projects depending on pond size, depth, overflow structures, and regulatory requirements.
What Retention and Detention Pond Construction Includes
Engineering Design Review
Review of engineering designs to understand pond dimensions, depths, and overflow structures. Design review ensures excavation meets exact requirements for stormwater management and regulatory compliance.
Pond Excavation
Excavation of retention and detention ponds to exact depths and dimensions specified in engineering drawings. Pond excavation creates proper storage volumes and depths for stormwater management.
Slope Construction
Construction of proper slopes for pond banks to ensure stability and prevent erosion. Slopes are typically 3:1 or 4:1 ratios, with proper grading to meet engineering specifications and regulatory requirements.
Overflow Structure Installation
Installation of overflow structures including weirs, risers, and outfall pipes to control water levels and discharge rates. Overflow structures ensure proper stormwater management and prevent pond overflow.
Inlet and Outlet Construction
Construction of inlets to receive stormwater runoff and outlets to discharge treated water. Inlet and outlet structures ensure proper water flow and treatment through retention and detention systems.
Erosion Control and Stabilization
Installation of erosion control measures including matting, vegetation, or riprap to protect pond banks from erosion. Erosion control ensures long-term pond stability and prevents sediment accumulation.
Retention vs. Detention Ponds
Understanding the difference between retention and detention ponds is important for stormwater management:
- Retention Ponds: Retention ponds maintain a permanent pool of water and provide both water quality treatment and flood control. Water is stored permanently and released slowly, allowing for natural treatment processes. Retention ponds are often used for water quality improvement.
- Detention Ponds: Detention ponds are designed to temporarily store stormwater runoff and release it slowly to prevent flooding downstream. Detention ponds are typically dry between storm events and fill during heavy rain, then discharge slowly over time.
- Design Differences: Retention ponds require deeper excavation to maintain permanent water levels, while detention ponds may be shallower with more storage volume. Both require proper overflow structures and inlet/outlet systems.
- Regulatory Requirements: Both retention and detention ponds must meet SFWMD and county requirements for stormwater management. Design requirements vary based on watershed size, impervious surface area, and local regulations.
South Florida Pond Construction Considerations
Retention and detention pond construction in South Florida requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:
- SFWMD Permits: Pond construction typically requires SFWMD environmental resource permits for land disturbance and stormwater management. Permits ensure compliance with water management district requirements and may require specific design features.
- High Water Table: South Florida's high water table affects pond excavation depth and may require dewatering systems. Water table conditions determine pond design and may affect retention pond water levels.
- Stormwater Management Requirements: Ponds must meet county and SFWMD requirements for stormwater treatment and flood control. Design requirements include storage volumes, treatment capabilities, and discharge rates based on watershed characteristics.
- Overflow Structure Design: Overflow structures must be designed to handle design storm events and prevent pond overflow. Structures include weirs, risers, and outfall pipes sized for proper discharge rates.
- Erosion Control: Pond banks require proper erosion control to prevent sediment accumulation and maintain pond function. Erosion control measures include matting, vegetation, or riprap based on design requirements.
- Maintenance Access: Ponds require maintenance access for sediment removal, vegetation management, and structure maintenance. Access roads and maintenance areas must be included in pond design.
The Pond Construction Process
Our coordinated approach ensures your retention or detention pond is constructed properly and meets all regulatory requirements:
- Engineering Design Review: We review engineering designs to understand pond dimensions, depths, and overflow structures. Design review ensures excavation meets exact requirements for stormwater management.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required SFWMD and county permits for pond construction and coordinate with regulatory agencies. Permits ensure compliance with stormwater management requirements.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (excavators, bulldozers, compactors) and experience for pond excavation and construction.
- Pond Excavation: Contractors perform excavation to exact depths and dimensions, creating proper storage volumes. Excavation establishes pond shape and prepares areas for overflow structure installation.
- Slope Construction: Pond banks are graded to proper slopes (typically 3:1 or 4:1) to ensure stability and prevent erosion. Slope construction meets engineering specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Overflow Structure Installation: Overflow structures including weirs, risers, and outfall pipes are installed to control water levels and discharge rates. Structures ensure proper stormwater management and prevent pond overflow.
- Erosion Control and Final Inspection: Erosion control measures are installed, and final inspections ensure ponds meet regulatory requirements. Ponds are ready for operation after final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between retention and detention ponds?
Retention ponds maintain a permanent pool of water and provide both water quality treatment and flood control, while detention ponds temporarily store stormwater and release it slowly. Retention ponds are typically deeper with permanent water, while detention ponds are designed to fill during storms and drain between events. Both serve important stormwater management functions.
Do I need SFWMD permits for pond construction?
Yes, retention and detention pond construction typically requires SFWMD environmental resource permits for land disturbance and stormwater management. Permits ensure compliance with water management district requirements and may require specific design features. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
How much does pond construction cost?
Pond construction costs vary based on pond size, depth, overflow structures, and regulatory requirements. Typical residential developments range from $75,000 to $200,000, while large-scale commercial or subdivision projects can range from $200,000 to $500,000+ depending on scope. Factors affecting cost include excavation volume, overflow structure complexity, and erosion control requirements.
How deep do retention and detention ponds need to be?
Pond depths vary based on design requirements for storage volume and stormwater management. Retention ponds typically require deeper excavation to maintain permanent water levels, while detention ponds may be shallower with more storage volume. Depths are specified in engineering designs based on watershed characteristics and regulatory requirements.
How long does pond construction take?
Pond construction timelines vary based on pond size, depth, and regulatory requirements. Typical projects take 4-8 weeks depending on scope, with additional time for permit processing. Weather conditions, especially during South Florida's rainy season, can affect timelines. We coordinate with contractors to complete projects efficiently.
Service Locations
We coordinate retention and detention pond construction across all of South Florida. Select your location to learn more about stormwater management services in your area: