Section 4. Detention Pond Level Spreader

[Jim Namcles]

Hi everyone,

Where is the level spreader usually located? Is it before or after the forebay? 

Thanks for the help!

[S. K.]

After the forebay, before the pool. If you have the book you should look at Strom for pond diagrams, etc. A bit simpler to understand.

[Sarah Gronquist]

Look at the Sustainable Sites flow chart as well to understand what this component does. In that model, the level spreader is used to convert channel flow to sheet flow at the very end of a chain of treatment. It is the same name and the same principle but can be used in different places to accomplish the same function. In Strom they show it as a way of slowing and spreading flow between the forebay and the pond, but it is also one of the best measures to minimize stormwater impacts at the property line. 

[Kevin Pfeiffer]

Direct from TSS

[Jeongok Park]

If a question asks where to put level spreader on a site that does not have the retention basin.  

What places can be possible to locate level spreader? 

[ADMIN]

Assuming you have a copy of Site Engineering for Landscape Architects and Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, I'd recommend you look for the term in the index to read more about level spreaders. In short, they are used to collect runoff and disperse them over a wide area. This helps with both erosion and stormwater infiltration. So you could place on as is shown in the graphic with the detention pond, but you could also site one up-slope from a large vegetation area with a gentle grade (if you placed it above a steep grade, the entire purpose of the level spreader would be negated).

[Jim Namcles]

Thank you everyone!