Stormwater Management on CanadianPond.ca’s Property

Urban rainwater runoff has significant consequences on water environments. This runoff usually comes from places with asphalt– such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. – and flows into streams or ditches. In our article “Optimal Stormwater Management Practices”, we explain the best practices for treating stormwater. In this article, we would like to share with you how we applied these principles to the design and layout of our land at 570 Ch. Knowlton, in Lac-Brome.

In the wild, when it rains, water is absorbed by the soil and flows at a low rate into streams. On the other hand, in urban environments, the soil is mostly impermeable, meaning it is covered with concrete or asphalt which the water is not able to penetrate through. This water, containing sediments and chemical compounds (ex. road salts and gasoline), therefore flows directly towards the nearest body of water.

What Are We Doing to Reduce the Impact of Runoff from Our Land?

When applying for the construction permit for our current CanadianPond.ca Products offices, the municipal law stipulated that we had to reintroduce about 75% of rainwater back into the ground. However, since water preservation and the environment are part of our company’s values, we wanted to take the opportunity to demonstrate the best practices for stormwater management.

After careful consideration, the idea of having a pond behind the building proved to be the best option, as it became a collection basin for runoff.

After careful consideration, the idea of having a pond behind the building proved to be the best option, as it became a collection basin for runoff. Furthermore, it allows for product demonstrations and R&D projects.

The building’s plan was then produced by engineers and approved by the municipality. These facilities and recovery systems currently allow for the retrieval of about 80% of rainwater – from the roof, parking lots, etc. – and redirect it to a drainage system that carries it directly into the pond behind the building.

Installations for the recovery and treatments of rainwater

At CanadianPond.ca Products, the runoff from our parking lots is collected using valleys that are located on either side of the pond. The first, placed in front of the pond, collects rainwater from the employee and customer parking lot, then the second valley, placed behind the pond, captures water from the warehouse parking lot. These two valleys are equipped with separation and filtration systems, retaining sediments brought by runoff water.

The roofs of the building also collect rainwater. However, since this water does not need to be filtered, it flows through independent pipes. These pipes allow the water to flow directly into the pond.

Finally, the water is treated using our bacterial products and aeration systems that are set up in the pond.  This water is eventually used by an automated irrigation system to water the grass and plants that decorate our land. The pond is also equipped with a weir (too full) that discharges water into the wetland situated a little farther out on our grounds.

To conclude, with all the efforts put in place, CanadianPond.ca Products has managed to surpass the minimum standards requested by the municipality. Stormwater management, implemented by the company, is a good example for neighbouring businesses wishing to adopt excellent practices.