STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN A SMALL MICHIGAN WATERSHED

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Abstract
This study examines stormwater flooding problems on Arcadia Creek, a typical small watershed in Michigan, which is undergoing urbanization. Land-use change has increased the impervious area and, hence, surface runoff while decreasing the natural storage capacity along the channel by elimination of marshes and swamps. However, creation of flow constrictions at culverts, construction of retention ponds, and other results of human interference have led to hydrologic segmentation of the basin and less downstream discharge but a more peaked hydrograph than expected. Continued haphazard urbanization of the basin could increase runoff and decrease storage to a point where downstream flooding would become a far more serious problem. A cooperative approach is needed among the three governments who have jurisdiction over the basin to preserve upstream storage capacity through both structural and policy measures. This would not only greatly facilitate flood control but obviate the need for expensive channel reconstruction to increase conveyance capacity.

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