Technology, the New BMP - Utilizing Real-Time Automated Controls to Minimize Costs and Maximize Performance of a Flood Control BMP

Curtiss Field Park in Falcon Heights, Minnesota has experienced periodic flooding when the pond within the park overflows. The pond has no outlet so all water draining to the pond must soak into the ground or evaporate. Over the past several years, the infiltration capacity of the pond has decreased and has resulted in flooding of the park and has threatened flooding to adjacent properties.City of Falcon Heights and CRWD completed design and construction of the Curtiss Pond Improvement Project in 2014. A large infiltration facility underneath the field adjacent to Curtiss Pond was installed. Additionally, the project includes an automated inlet device that manages water in an adjacent pond prior to rainfall events. This technology allows for increased flood protection through the use of digital infrastructure in lieu of additional and more costly conventional infrastructure.