The
Sylvan Glen Golf Course, constructed in 1922, has experienced
negative impacts from storm water runoff generated by increased
development in upstream tributary areas. These impacts include
increased bank erosion, loss of vegetation within the drain
channel, exposed irrigation and drainage infrastructure,
loss of tee surfaces and increased downstream sedimentation.
Additionally, the increased storm water flow and sedimentation
has degraded aquatic habitat and diminished water quality
downstream.
The
City of Troy retained HRC to conduct a study of approximately
2,300 lineal feet of the Gibson-Renshaw Drain located within
the City-owned Sylvan Glen Golf Course. The purpose of the
study was to:
- Characterize the existing
conditions along the watercourse
- Evaluate hydrology
and hydraulics
- Develop stream bank
stabilization alternatives
- Summarize findings
and recommendations
The
hydrologic study and hydraulic modeling confirmed excessive
velocities during peak storm events. HRC developed recommendations
to reduce erosive velocities and stabilize stream slopes,
including:
- Provide in-line storage
via weirs within the drain channel;
- Provide storm water
storage within the golf course with constructed wetlands
adjacent to the drain;
- Channel restructuring;
- Bio-engineered slope
reinforcement;
- Increase aesthetics
with plant material that has attractive flowers, interesting
shapes and fall leaf color.
All
recommendations were designed to enhance the visual appearance
of the drain and achieve the necessary water velocity controls
while maintaining playability of the golf course. The areas
for wetland detention were selected after considering both
the existing golf course features and the City's planned
golf course improvements. Every effort was made to incorporate
areas that are “out of play” (both existing and proposed)
into detention areas and not impact the golf course operations.
Construction
was completed in 2006.
