The Challenge
Current downpours provide a preview of what is to come for DCR, where undersized stormwater infrastructure is already struggling to keep up with increased rainfall volumes. Increased expenses and staff time associated with retrofitting and maintaining stormwater infrastructure will be heightened even more so under climate change-intensified rainfall events and storms. Ensuring that DCR stormwater projects anticipate increased precipitation volumes and favor use of nature-based solutions whenever possible is essential to contribute to the stewardship of the resources under our care.
Project Alignment with ResilientMass Plan Priority Actions
This project addresses the following 2023 ResilientMass Plan and 2022 MA Climate Assessment Priority Impact: Freshwater Ecosystem Degradation in the Natural Resources Sector.
The project also aligns with the following 2023 ResilientMass Plan goals:
- Science-based and Informed Decision-Making
- Resilient State Assets and Services
- Implement Adaptation Actions for Communities and Ecosystems
- Climate mitigation
- Resilient and Equitable Infrastructure, Ecosystems, and Communities
Climate Resilience Project Scope
In October 2022, DCR created its Stormwater Design Handbook as a supplement to DEP’s Stormwater Handbook. Formalizing the incorporation of these best management practices into DCR’s Design Review Process will ensure that every DCR project considers and manages stormwater in a way that responds to the anticipated increased precipitation from climate change that poses a threat to freshwater ecosystems under DCR’s stewardship. In FY25, DCR Stormwater engaged our stormwater consultant Arcadis, with the task of redesigning the intersection of Pond St at Fellsway West in Stoneham, a culvert replacement on Union St in Wompatuck State Park, and stormwater improvements at Flynn Rink in Stoneham.
Metrics and Results
- Pond St at Fellsway West – Intersection/stormwater improvements - Design & permitting of this intersection taking into account climate change and future rainfall events. To reduce potential downstream flooding, infiltration methods like bio-swales and raingardens were included in the design.
- Wompatuck Culvert Replacement – Aaron River - Replacement of undersized twin-30" culvert pipes under Union St. - two undersized CMP 30” culvert pipes were replaced with a 4’ high by 10’ wide box culvert. The new culvert was designed to meet all Mass. stream crossing standards
- Flynn Rink Parking Lot Stormwater Improvements – The Flynn Rink Parking lot was redesigned and repaved, because of this DCR took the opportunity to improve the stormwater system within the parking lot area. The design took into account climate change and future increased rainfall events. In order to properly follow through with the updated stormwater management plan sections of the parking area needed to be reconfigured, this included:
- Permanent removal of the vegetation and associated curbing at the northwestern end of the parking lot median
- Removal of a catch basin located within the grass area along the northern edge of Flynn Rink and plugging of associated piping
- All curbs within the new outlined drainage plan corridors were replaced with granite curbing
- Catch basin closest to the southern entrance off Woodland Road is to be converted to a manhole frame and lid.
- In addition to the removal of the aforementioned catch basins, several new stormwater management structures were installed to accommodate the future rainfall design standards. These stormwater management improvements will capture the stormwater runoff from the Flynn Rink parking lot and detain the volume accumulated prior to discharge. Stormwater
management improvements were:- Two new single catch basins and one double catch basin installed at the locations of previously demolished draining features;
- Installation of a new Stormtech SC-740 Chamber System with a Nyoplast outlet structure; and,
- Construction of a detention basin with a sediment forebay.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Working with DCR staff to identify & work together to mitigate a solution—including Operations, Cultural Resources, Natural Resources, PSO, Forestry, and other Sections of D&E, has made this project more successful. Incorporating institutional knowledge has enabled us to problem-solve and mitigate a solution that fits the operational needs, including future maintenance obligations that will ensure sustainability for
years to come.
Further Action
DCR will use this improved parking lot stormwater design template and try to implement these changes in other DCR Rinks and Pool parking lots wherever/whenever possible.