Abstract

The proposed development of an industrial park in Québec City has been analyzed to evaluate the feasibility of systematic on-site detention and the possible benefits it could provide. At first, SWMM simulations for different return periods were completed to evaluate the conditions before and after development, without detention. Various scenarios for on-site detention were then investigated, using different types of standardized facilities (parking lots or basins) and different detention facilities throughout the park. Expected inconvenience caused by the detention in parking lots and the impact of different detention policies were evaluated by considering, with subsequent calculations, the level and duration of the surcharge as a function of the specified maximum discharge released by unit area. A simplified approach was also elaborated to provide a design aid for the local authorities and to facilitate implementation. Using pseudo-continuous simulations with extreme rainfall events extracted from a 28-year record, regression equations for the peak discharges and runoff volumes were developed as a function of the contributing area for different return periods. Combined with other equations relating the volume and the flooded area to the depth of ponding, these equations can be used to rapidly evaluate the applicability of different detention scenarios to a specific subdivision.

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