INFRASTRUCTURE INSIGHTS
Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. (R/M)
blends experience, vision and technology to
build lasting infrastructure strategies for local communities throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. 
February 28, 2017
Volume 4, Issue 4  
 
Village of Fox Point GIS & MS4/TMDL
 
The Village of Fox Point obtained an Urban Nonpoint Source Planning Grant from the Wisconsin DNR to update the Village's storm water management plan, emphasizing water quality modeling, updating ordinances, and evaluating Milwaukee River TMDL requirements. The Village selected Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. (R/M) in part due to their comprehensive storm water experience and capabilities in order to fully utilize the grant funding.

R/M recognized that the best way to keep accurate and easily accessible records for the Village's storm water management activities was to implement GIS tools that could better organize and streamline storm water practices and processes. R/M worked with the Village to create applicable permit mapping and TMDL study layers in the Village's existing GIS system, allowing the Village to access and update construction permits, illicit discharge monitoring, field inventory, storm water pollution protection plans (SWPPP), maintenance work, and many other Village storm water or asset management activities; having these tools and capabilities in place will help streamline future permit compliance requirements.

For more information on utilizing GIS for your MS4 or TMDL compliance requirements, contact Terry Tavera.
Green Sustainability:
    
Natural-Looking Storm Water Ponds

Storm water ponds can be designed and maintained as positive features in a neighborhood or business park. Consider these tips for maintaining these water quality features as natural ponds to enhance habitat and provide viewing opportunities for bicyclists, walkers, and residents.
  • Plant groups of a particular type of plant for bursts of color for a more manicured, landscaped look. For a more natural look, plant a wildflower mix to resemble a natural setting. Either way, native plants provide cover and food for butterflies, birds, dragonflies, and small animals.
  • Establish a vegetated buffer around the pond. A vegetated buffer provides long root systems that hold the banks in place better than rock or a mowed lawn up to the edge of the pond, can discourage large groups of geese from taking up residence in and around the pond, and captures some sediment and pollutants that would otherwise runoff directly into the pond, prolonging the life of the pond.
  • Add some bays and curves to the pond during design for aesthetics, habitat, and landscaping.
  • Install a walking path or benches near storm water ponds to relax and view wildlife. While the water quality of the pond is probably not something to encourage kids to swim or play in, there are a lot of frogs, turtles, and birds that can be observed near these features.
Click here for additional information on naturalizing existing storm water ponds.  
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