RETENTION POND | Roberts Ridge HOA

Information about the Roberts Ridge retention pond.

Most recent retention pond maintenance

Poly Benches added around retention pond!

2 benches added, one at northeast and one at the southwest corners

Drainage Work Update June 2024

Last Fall, work was done to improve drainage from homes that back up to the east drainage swale and easement (between Tripoli and Delmonico) and west drainage swale and easement (between Argyle and Regatta). While residents have noted a substantial improvement in drainage another issue has arisen.

The drainage pit located at the west end of the pond (now filled with rip rap) was insufficient in size and depth to hold the runoff and an overflow path formed. Without intervention, over time it would deepen and widen causing erosion. B&D Excavation corrected this issue. Sod was removed from the riprap filled drainage pit to the pond. The spillway was widened and dug out to create a path for the runoff. It was filled with riprap as well. The “no swimming” sign and rescue equipment pole were relocated. The HOA board hopes these additional steps will finally solve the problem. Thanks to the homeowners along the swales and around the large retention pond for dealing with this disruption.

From March 2021

Members of the neighborhood and board of directors met with a county extension agent on April 18 and again on May 12. On the 18th the agent determined that the early algae bloom was caused by excessive nitrogen from a very early grass treatment, coupled with lots of rain. The board has made changes to how the common areas around the pond will be treated by the lawn company. Other recommendations made by the extension agent who specializes in all types of ponds were:

1. A "no-mow" area has been created around some of the perimeter of the pond. He said the grass would not grow out of control because of the type of grass it is. This taller grass would help absorb fertilizer as it drains down the hill, allowing less into the pond where it can affect the algae growth. Mowing to the to edge of the pond in several places allows for fishing access.

2. There was an idea to plant bushes or shrubs in the areas of main drainage on the hillsides leading down to the pond to help eliminate the mud and to help prevent further erosion and to provide roots to help absorb some fertilizer chemicals before they get to the pond. After taking soil samples on May 12, the extension agent said the soil was mostly clay and gravel, and would not support the kind of plantings needed for this purpose.

3. Residents should not put grass clippings in the street where they end up in the storm sewer which leads directly to the retention pond.

The HOA board will continue researching these and other options.

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