Stormwater Thermal Mitigation

A simplified 3D cross section of a geothermal cooling system used in a SWM pond in Brampton, Ontario. The system contains a closed hydronic circuit where piping connected a surface water heat exchanger (SHX) to a ground heat exchanger (GHX). A pump continuously circulates a cool hydronic fluid around the circuit. The SHX (placed in the path of the pond outflow) has the water pass through it. The hydronic fluid circulating through the SHX is cooler than warm stormwater outflows. This temperature difference forces heat energy from the stormwater into the hydronic fluid, thus cooling the stormwater leaving the pond. Read more about the system Here. Photo Source: (Janssen and Van Seters,2022.)

Overview

Streams draining urban areas are often much warmer than those draining natural ones due to changes in surface cover and hydrology. Urbanization increases stream temperatures by decreasing riparian shading and replacing natural landscapes with hard, dark-coloured pavements and roofs that absorb and store heat from the sun. The added impervious cover increases the volume of heated runoff while at the same time reducing discharge of cool groundwater to streams. This heating effect is further exacerbated as runoff flows through stormwater management ponds or other impoundments, where detained water is exposed to solar warming for extended time periods between rain events. This page explores different techniques for mitigating the effects of urbanization on the stream thermal regime.

Thermal Load

Since stream warming is influenced by the runoff temperature and volume of runoff draining to streams, impacts are best assessed through an evaluation of thermal loads both in the stream and in runoff discharged to streams. The thermal load is a function of the flow rate, water temperature, water density and heat capacity of water (or the energy required to increase a kg of water by 1 degree Celsius).

Thermal Load = Q x ρ x T x C

Where:

• Q = flow rate (m³/s)
• ρ = water density (1000kg/m³)
• T = water temperature (°C)
• C = heat capacity of water (4187J/kg°C)

Since urban runoff volumes often increase by 2 to 5 times after development, and stormwater pond effluent temperatures are between 4 and 11°C warmer than pond influent temperatures in the summer, the overall thermal load increases to streams can be very significant (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019).

Selecting a Stream Temperature Target

Setting a stream temperature threshold for the protection of aquatic life can be based on:

1. Matching the water temperature regime of either a known pre-development thermal condition or the thermal condition of a nearby undisturbed stream with similar characteristics; or,
2. Meeting the upper tolerance of one or more target aquatic species.

Thermal Mitigation Techniques

Techniques for mitigating thermal impacts to streams can be implemented:

1. Within the catchment near the source of runoff,
2. Along the conveyance route to a treatment facility
3. Within the stormwater pond or other stormwater treatment facility; and/or,
4. Within the stream corridor.

Upstream of the Pond

Any measure that decreases runoff volumes or temperatures or both can help mitigate thermal loads to streams or downstream treatment facilities. Examples include bioretention, infiltration trenches or chambers, enhanced swales, permeable pavements, absorbent landscaping and increased canopy cover. The figures below show the temperature (event mean temperature) and thermal load reduction results from several LID practices monitored in the Greater Toronto Area (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019). The most effective practices were deeper systems such as trenches, some deep bioretention facilities, and practices that promote significant runoff volume reductions. Beyond reducing temperatures and runoff volumes, enhancing infiltration also helps re-establish the natural baseflow regime that existed prior to development.

Influent and effluent event mean temperatures (EMT) for common LID practices. Source: (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019).

Event mean temperature (EMT) reduction for common LID practices. Source: (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019).

Thermal load reductions for common LID practices. Source: (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019).

Example of TRCA/STEP staff conducting monitoring tasks associated with a bioretention cell at Kortright Centre in Vaughan, ON. Staff are downloading water level data from the feature using a data logger placed within a monitoring well.

Within the Pond Block

Schematic of a reverse sloped subsurface draw outlet to help ensure cooler outflows occur from stormwater ponds (MOE, 2003).

There are several opportunities to mitigate thermal impacts both within the pond itself and/or implemented within the upstream drainage area (and the lands surrounding) of the pond. Options shown in past studies to provide appreciable thermal mitigation benefits include (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019).

Subsurface Draw Outlets

A reverse sloped outlet pipe drains cooler water from below the pond surface to a control manhole that is accessible from the bank for ease of maintenance. Deeper outlet result in cooler outflows than shallow outlets because pond water temperatures decrease with depth. The figure below shows an example of thermal stratification during the summer in a deep pond using said subsurface outlets.

Design Considerations

• Subsurface outlet inverts should be a minimum 1.2 m below the permanent pool water level to avoid influence from solar induced diurnal fluctuations.
• Subsurface outlets need to elevated from the pond bottom by between 1 and 1.5 m to allow space for sediment to accumulate. Reducing the separation distance may mean that the pond will need to be cleaned prior to its normal life cycle maintenance schedule, as per MECP guidance (link to our stormwater inspection and maintenance guide).
• Meeting outlet to bottom separation requirements by over excavating around the reverse slope outlet pipe will not provide the same temperature reduction benefits as a uniformly deep pond because the scour pool promotes vertical mixing of warmer top water with bottom water and there will be less cool bottom water below the outlet invert.
• Deeper ponds may require larger footprints to meet the MECP side slope requirements of 5:1 above the permanent pool and 3:1 elsewhere.
• Reverse sloped pipes should not be solid (not perforated) to ensure water is drawn from the deeper part of the pond.

The figure above highlights the optimal subsurface outlet depth above the sediment accumulation zone and below the zone most influenced solar radiation.

Expected Performance

• Relative to a surface draw outlet, the expected 95th percentile temperature reduction provided by a 2 m deep draw outlet for years with similar air temperatures is between 3 and 5⁰C.
• Water drained from outlets 2m below the surface will typically be less than 24°C at least 95% of the time.
  

Night Time Release Outlets

Employs real time control on pond outlets to automatically close outlets during the day when surface outflow from ponds is warmer, and release water during the night when outflow temperatures are cooler. The outlets are configured and programmed to maintain release rates below threshold values for stream erosion prevention and match pre-development peak flow rates.

The graph depicts a depth profile of temperatures in a Southern Ontario pond during the two hottest months of the year (July and August, where temperature of the pond is heavily influenced by solar radiation during the summer months). Depths are in meters below the normal water level. Note strong diurnal fluctuations at the 0 m , 0.5 m and to a lesser extent at the 1.0 m depths.

Design Considerations

• Optimal 8 hour duration for night time release outlets was found to be between 3 AM and 10 AM inclusive based on data from 4 ponds
• Optimal 4 hour duration release times were found to be between 6 and 9 AM inclusive (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019).
• Robust automation technology is critical to avoid excessive repairs and down time.
• Electrical supply and back-up power are typically needed at the outlet to reduce operation and maintenance requirements

Expected Performance

• Based on modelling of four ponds, the 95th percentile temperature reduction for ponds with night time release outlets was calculated to be approximately 1.6⁰C for surface draw outlets, and 0.6⁰C for an outlet 1.4 m below the permanent pool level. For deeper outlets, the benefits of night time release are very small as temperatures from these outlets do not exhibit strong diurnal variations.
  

Cooling Trenches

Cooling trenches typically consist of one or more geotextile wrapped perforated pipes embedded in a clear stone filled trench that is buried underground. Water temperatures are reduced through heat transfer from the water passing through the trench to the stone and surrounding soils. Cooling trenches may be installed downstream of the primary pond outlet or draw from a secondary orifice controlled outlet draining water from the pond at or below the permanent pool water level (e.g Van Seters and Graham, 2013.; TRCA, 2020). Further information about these innovative cooling trench features installed as part of the stormwater pond operation design in two sites located in Markham, ON. visit the STEP project page. The permanent pool of stormwater management ponds acts as a heat sink during the summer, resulting in warmer summer discharges during both storm and baseflow conditions.

The technology, known as the Groundwater Emulation Management System (GEMS), was designed to maintain cool stream discharge from the SWM pond catchment at a level similar to that experienced prior to development. This is accomplished by draining water at a controlled rate from the permanent pool of a stormwater pond to a cooling/infiltration trench. The cooling trench lowers the temperature of pond water through below ground heat transfer and discharges to the receiving watercourse at a rate and volume mimicking the natural discharge of groundwater. Estimated reductions in groundwater recharge caused by the conversion of land from agriculture and open space to residential use provided the basis for setting continuous flow rates released into the system.

Close up view of a 'cooling trench'. These trenches work by outflows of warm pond water coming into contact with cooler stone media (along the top of the trench) and side walls, which in turn promotes heat transfer between the two, resulting in a reduction in outflow water temperatures beign discharged to a receiving waterbody (i.e., stream) (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019) . Photo Source: Azimuth Environmental​

Design Considerations

• Built-in overflows bypass high flows to help enhance thermal function and prevent excessive sediment build-up in the trench.
• Available research shows that the trench storage volume should be equal to or greater than 5% of the runoff volume discharged from the pond during the 25 mm event. Trenches with smaller storage volumes cannot be relied on to provide any cooling benefits, although under favourable conditions, these may still provide some cooling.
• Flush-out pipes, high flow bypasses and sediment pre-treatment mechanisms should be provided to reduce maintenance.
• Pre-treatment filters, energy dissipators or isolator rows are useful to improve overall functionality but will require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they are fulfilling their intended function.
• Secondary pond outlets that drain water from 0.5 m below the permanent pool elevation to cooling trenches can help to reduce or eliminate the long duration and very warm interevent flows.
• Trenches may incorporate an infiltration function to help further reduce thermal loads if native soils and groundwater levels are suitable.

Expected Performance

• Performance of primary outlet cooling trenches is highly variable due to differences in cooling trench sizing, design, initial water temperature and degree of groundwater interaction
• Based on case studies reviewed, primary outlet trenches without groundwater interaction may provide summer temperature cooling of the warmest flows by roughly 1 to 3⁰C if the trench storage volume is equal to or greater than 5% of the runoff volume discharged from the pond during the 25 mm event.

Another image of a cooling trench being built with two parallel trenches that contain pea gravel and two sets of 200 mm perforated pipes wrapped in filter fabric. (Van Seters and Graham, 2013. Photo Source: Doug McGill

Infiltration Systems

Infiltration systems may be used as an alternative to cooling trenches for mitigating the thermal effects of pond outflows in areas not constrained by water tables and space. As with cooling trenches, these may be installed on the main pond outlet or a secondary outlet. Since water tables at the pond outlet are often high, large void chambers may be more suitable than trenches as they provide greater storage per unit depth.

The volumes infiltrated may also be used to meet site water balance requirements. Proponents will need to consult with local approval agencies to determine whether the typical 1 meter separation depth to groundwater may be waived given that the infiltrated water has been treated through the pond.

Analysis of temperature and thermal load data from three monitored ponds showed that the bottom area of the infiltration area would need to be up to 7% that of the pond area depending on the infiltration capacity of the native soils. These areas could be reduced by 40% if the outlet draws water from 0.25 m below the surface, and further reduced for deeper outlets (Van Seters and Dougherty, 2019).

Native Soil Infiltration Rate

	3 mm/h	12mm/h	25mm/h
Pond A	4.0%	1.0%	0.5%
Pond B	4.7%	1.2%	0.6%
Pond C	6.6%	1.6%	0.8%
Note: Infiltration system footprint needed to provide pond outflow thermal load reduction benefits equivalent to a 2m bottom draw outlet (expressed as a percent of pond area).

Geothermal Cooling

This innovative approach uses one or more deep (180 m) geothermal boreholes connected in a closed loop with a pond heat exchanger to cool outflows from stormwater ponds. A metal or polyethylene heat exchanger is installed in an enclosure at the outlet of the pond. A heat transfer fluid is pumped through the closed loop to maximize transfer of heat energy from the warm water to the much colder ground. Warm outflows from the pond enter the enclosure and pass over the pond heat exchanger, which transfers energy from the water to the closed loop and into the ground. The approach was piloted by TRCA/STEP, in partnership with the City of Brampton, on a small pond in Brampton (Janssen and Van Seters, 2021 and 2022)

As part of the initiative an online sizing tool for geothermal systems was developed - you can view it by click the button below:

Borehole drilling for the City of Brampton thermal mitigation pilot project. (Photo: TRCA, 2020)

Design Considerations

• Heat exchangers come in different sizes and are made of different materials. Metal heat exchangers (typically stainless steel) are more efficient than polyethylene and take up much less space.
• Antifreeze solutions are needed in the hydronic circuit because a portion of the closed loop is above ground and would freeze over the winter. Non-toxic heat transfer fluids include propylene glycol/water and ethanol. The latter has better heat transfer properties and takes less energy to pump.
• The enclosure can be bottomless if the soils and groundwater table is suitable for rapid infiltration.
• Borehole field and heat exchanger sizing should be done based on the estimated (modelled) or, preferably, monitored thermal load, with a target of achieving 95% of the desired temperature threshold recognizing that it is not feasible to cool large flows. Elevated outflow temperatures occur most frequently during low flows (i.e. dry weather flows).
• The pump used to circulate the heat transfer fluid through the ground loop may be powered by an electrical connection or solar panels. Larger systems may need designated electrical connections.
• Initial investigations suggest that systems can be sized based on the average pond outflow rate over a given year to achieve defined temperature thresholds most of the time.

Expected Performance Geothermal Cooling works best with subsurface draw outlets (1.2 m or deeper) that provide cooling of the higher flows and would be less expensive than installing additional boreholes (at least in new builds). When sized appropriately, geothermal systems can shave a few degrees off of the average pond outflow temperature.

See above an example of a geothermal system configuration showing the surface heat exchanger (SHX) in the vault and the borehole ground heat exchanger (GHX). An inexpensive pump circulates heat transfer fluid through the closed loop continuously.

Other Options

Vegetated channels installed downstream of pond outlets can help to reduce temperatures through shading, although typically a long channel is needed to have an appreciable benefit on temperatures.

Underground detention chambers, have the potential to cool inflowing runoff and maintain temperatures suitable for discharge to cool water fisheries (Drake et al, 2015)

Surface cover also has the potential to provide cooling benefits. Options include floating islands, solar panels, shade balls, trellis infrastructure to support vines and south shading of east west oriented ponds with trees. The data from various studies shows that surface cover needs to cover more than 70% of the pond with an opaque surface material to promote appreciable temperature reduction benefits. Trees on the banks of ponds will not provide immediate thermal benefits as they will take time to grow, but are otherwise an excellent long term strategy.

Ponds with large length to width ratios, oriented east-west with shading on the south side can also provide shading, although it will take several years for the shade to become established.

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  An example of an alternative option for thermal mitigation - White shade balls. These specialized balls were used to cover this pond as part of a thermal mitigation pilot project in the City of Brampton. Photo Source: TRCA, 2020. To read more about this novel option for thermal mitigation, click here: Shade Balls study

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  An aerial view of the barrier system in place before shade balls were deployed in Esker Pond. To read more click here: Shade Balls study

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  A close up of white shade balls used in Esker Pond as part of a thermal mitigation pilot. An example of an alternative option for thermal mitigation. To read more click here: Shade Balls study

In the Stream Corridor

Riparian plantings are the primary means of preserving or reducing thermal enrichment of streams.

These strategies work best for small streams with high vegetation or trees that provide significant reductions in light intensity. Studies have shown that streams with extensive riparian shading have maximum summer temperatures between 1 or 2 degrees lower than unshaded streams (AECOM, 2009; Dugdale et al., 2018).

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  A stream with mature Riparian vegetation surrounding it to help reduce thermal enrichment. Photo Source: TRCA

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  Another example of a stream with mature riparian vegetation in Glen Haffy Conservation Area from July, 2012 Photo Source: TRCA

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  Greenwood stream restoration taking place by TRCA staff to improve habitat for native plants, fish and wildlife and maintain connectivity to other important ecoregions within the Duffins Creek watershed. Photo Source: TRCA

Stormwater Management

A body of water smaller than a lake, often artificially formed.

The changing of land cover and land uses from rural to urban; the growth of urban settlements.

A hard surface area (e.g., road, parking area or rooftop) that prevents or retards the infiltration of water into the soil.

The portion of water precipitated onto a catchment area, which then flows as surface discharge from the catchment area past a specified point.

Water from rain, snow melt, or irrigation that flows over the land surface.

The changing of land cover and land uses from rural to urban; the growth of urban settlements.

refers to the characteristics and functions of a system prior to urban development.

The land draining to a single reference point (usually a structural BMP); similar to a subwatershed, but on a smaller scale.

A body of water smaller than a lake, often artificially formed.

Low Impact Development. A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.

A shallow excavated surface depression containing prepared filter media, mulch, and planted with selected vegetation.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program

The total surface area upstream of a point on a stream that drains toward that point. Not to be confused with watershed. The drainage area may include one or more watersheds.

Soil, sand and minerals washed from land into water, usually after rain. They pile up in reservoirs, rivers and harbors, destroying fish-nesting areas and holes of water animals and cloud the water so that needed sunlight might not reach aquatic plans. Careless farming, mining and building activities will expose sediment materials, allowing them to be washed off the land after rainfalls.

Filter fabric that is installed to separate dissimilar soils and provide runoff filtration and contaminant removal benefits while maintaining a suitable rate of flow; may be used to prevent fine-textured soil from entering a coarse granular bed, or to prevent coarse granular from being compressed into underlying finer-textured soils.

(a) A natural well-defined channel produced wholly or in part by a definite flow of water and through which water flows continuously or intermittently. Also, a ditch, canal, aqueduct, or other artificial channel for the conveyance of water to or away from a given place, as for the draining of a swamp.

(b) A stream or current of water. Legally, a natural stream arising in a given drainage basin but not wholly dependent for its flow on surface drainage in its immediate area, flowing in a channel with a well-defined bed between visible banks or through a definite depression (as a ravine or swamp) in the surrounding land, having a definite and permanent periodic supply of water (the stream may be intermittent), and usually, but not necessarily having a perceptible current in a particular direction and discharging at affixed point into another body of water.

(c) A legal right permitting the use of a flow of a stream (especially of one flowing through one’s land) or the receipt of water discharged upon land belonging to another.

The water below the surface, and typically below the groundwater table.

Increases in groundwater storage by natural conditions or by human activity. See also artificial recharge

The inflow of surface water to a groundwater reservoir or aquifer.

The accounting of inflow and outflow of water in a system according to the components of the hydrologic cycle.

The upper surface of the zone of saturation, except where the surface is formed by an impermeable body.

The slow movement of water into or through a soil or drainage system.

Penetration of water through the ground surface.

The temporary storage of stormwater to control discharge rates, and allow for sedimentation.

Defined as those plants (including grasses, herbaceous species, shrubs, vines and trees) that have historically existed within a particular area. Native plants have co-evolved with the local ecosystems and natural processes.

The drainage area of a river.

An area of land that drains into a river or a lake. The boundary of a watershed is based on the elevation (natural contours) of a landscape.

Credit Valley Conservation

Refers to the conditions in which an organism lives and survives or the conditions in which an organism resides. These conditions can be described as aspects of a “physical”, “social” or an “economic” environment, depending on the perspective perceived by the observer.

Deposition of material of varying size, both mineral and organic away from its site of origin by the action of water, wind, gravity or ice.

Settling-out or deposition of particulate matter suspended in runoff.

The temporary storage of stormwater to control discharge rates, and allow for sedimentation.

Low impact development is a stormwater management and land development strategy applied at the parcel and subdivision scale that emphasizes conservation and use of on-site natural features integrated with engineered, small scale hydrologic controls to more closely mimic pre-development hydrologic functions.

A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.