Residents raise concerns over Wood Cove stormwater management plan
October 23, 2024 | Coventry, Kent County, Rhode Island
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The Coventry Planning Commission meeting held on October 23, 2024, focused on the proposed development plans for stormwater management in the northwest corner of the area. The discussion primarily revolved around the design and implications of storm retention ponds and their impact on neighboring properties, particularly those along Wood Cove Drive.
The meeting began with a detailed examination of the storm retention ponds, specifically BMP 2, which is designed to manage runoff from the development. Concerns were raised regarding the elevation of the proposed houses, which are set to be raised approximately four feet higher than the current ground level. This elevation change, along with the excavation of BMP 2 to a depth below the new house elevations, prompted questions about the effectiveness of the stormwater management system.
Commission members discussed how stormwater from the development and adjacent Wisteria Drive would be directed into the retention pond and subsequently overflow into a compensation area. It was noted that this compensation area would likely become saturated during rainy periods, potentially leading to flooding issues. The design appears to account for significant storm events but does not adequately address the cumulative effects of multiple smaller storms, which have historically caused water accumulation problems in the area.
Concerns were expressed that the current proposal may not sufficiently mitigate the risks associated with sequential rainstorms, which could overwhelm the system and exacerbate flooding in the Wood Cove and Wisteria properties. The discussion highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to stormwater management that considers both single large storms and the potential for multiple smaller storms occurring in succession.
The meeting concluded with a call for further evaluation of the stormwater management plan to ensure it effectively addresses the unique challenges posed by the local climate and geography. The commission plans to revisit the proposal in future sessions, emphasizing the importance of community input and thorough engineering assessments to safeguard neighboring properties from potential flooding.
The meeting began with a detailed examination of the storm retention ponds, specifically BMP 2, which is designed to manage runoff from the development. Concerns were raised regarding the elevation of the proposed houses, which are set to be raised approximately four feet higher than the current ground level. This elevation change, along with the excavation of BMP 2 to a depth below the new house elevations, prompted questions about the effectiveness of the stormwater management system.
Commission members discussed how stormwater from the development and adjacent Wisteria Drive would be directed into the retention pond and subsequently overflow into a compensation area. It was noted that this compensation area would likely become saturated during rainy periods, potentially leading to flooding issues. The design appears to account for significant storm events but does not adequately address the cumulative effects of multiple smaller storms, which have historically caused water accumulation problems in the area.
Concerns were expressed that the current proposal may not sufficiently mitigate the risks associated with sequential rainstorms, which could overwhelm the system and exacerbate flooding in the Wood Cove and Wisteria properties. The discussion highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to stormwater management that considers both single large storms and the potential for multiple smaller storms occurring in succession.
The meeting concluded with a call for further evaluation of the stormwater management plan to ensure it effectively addresses the unique challenges posed by the local climate and geography. The commission plans to revisit the proposal in future sessions, emphasizing the importance of community input and thorough engineering assessments to safeguard neighboring properties from potential flooding.
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