Intelligent by Nature
Imagine if technology could automatically check the weather and activate water management structures that protect neighborhoods from flooding. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) and the City of Falcon Heights did precisely that at Curtiss Field Pond, a small landlocked stormwater pond at Curtiss Field Park. The pond collects runoff from approximately 22 acres of a residential neighborhood, commercial property, and parts of Snelling Avenue.
For years, Curtiss Field Pond had been prone to flooding that limited park use, damaged infrastructure, and created public safety concerns. In 2011, the City of Falcon Heights asked CRWD for help with a feasibility study to determine how to limit flooding in the park. The District completed the study and investigated the costs and benefits of various improvements. Goals included maximizing the volume of water infiltrated by Curtiss Pond, reducing the risk of flooding and damage to the park and adjacent homes, and reducing the number of days flooding inundates the park.
Before the pond improvement project, Curtiss Field Park and surrounding homes would often flood.
“CRWD and its partners in Falcon Heights needed a creative and technology-driven solution to address flooding in Curtiss Field Pond. After analyzing the challenges involved, we decided to design and implement a custom solution.” – Bob Fossum, Research and Monitoring Division Manager
After three years of study, planning, and design, a 390-foot network of 10-foot diameter perforated pipe was installed beneath Curtiss Field. The pipes are fed by overflow from the pond, and stormwater is delivered there to percolate into the ground. The system reduces flooding in the park and the risk of damage to surrounding properties. CRWD and the City of Falcon Heights also installed a forecast-based control system – called OptiRTC (Real Time Controller) – in Curtiss Pond.
The system monitors National Weather Service data through an internet connection. When the system detects a large amount of rain approaching, it opens a valve that drains the pond of previously collected water, lowering it as much as two feet to create space for more stormwater. At any time, staff can monitor the system and remotely modify water levels in the pond. The OptiRTC controller works with an underground stormwater infiltration system designed and installed by CRWD and the City of Falcon Heights.
A weather forecasting system lowers the pond level before storms to allow more space for new rainwater.
10-foot diameter perforated pipes were installed under the field to allow water to slowly seep into the ground.
Since deployment in July 2015, the Curtiss Pond Improvement Project with the OptiRTC system has successfully collected stormwater runoff from the watershed and prevented flooding in the surrounding playground and residential area. Several storms that would have flooded the park before the project was built were fully contained within the underground system. CRWD and its partner, the City of Falcon Heights, have achieved a critical stormwater management objective within the constraints of this highly developed area.
