The winter freeze is proving to be advantageous for Bloomington's stormwater engineering team as they embark on cleaning the city's stormwater ponds. The frozen terrain is proving to be a boon, making it more manageable for the workers to remove sediment that has accumulated in the ponds over time.
Sediment removal is not just a matter of keeping these bodies of water looking pretty. It's about efficiency and environmental health, too. According to a statement on the City of Bloomington's official website, "Cleaning out pond sediment improves pond functionality and improves habitat for a variety of wildlife." It's a critical task that the team carries out in the cold when the ground is firm enough to support their efforts.
This winter season, the focus is on several ponds around the city. The Glenroy Pond, positioned off of West 78th Street; Tarnhill Pond West, nestled in the northeast corner of West 102nd Street and Normandale Boulevard; and Bryant Park Upper Pond, situated at West 84th Street and Aldrich Avenue South, are all slated for a clean-up.
Residents can play their part in reducing the sediment levels in these stormwater bodies. The City encourages locals to pitch in by keeping streets free of debris. "You can help by cleaning up yard waste, pet waste, and garbage from the streets before it enters the stormwater system," cites the city's call to action. A community's collective effort, after all, can make a significant difference in maintaining the integrity of its natural resources.
