Location: 41.78321°N 71.41436°W
Get Directions
Site Description: Located near the Carousel in Roger Williams Park, this site is a bioretention basin designed to capture stormwater runoff and filter out pollutants before they reach the nearby ponds. Stormwater enters the site through a curb cut at the north end of the Carousel parking lot. If the basin is not functioning properly, stormwater can flow past the openings in the curb and into the nearby storm drain, which leads directly to the ponds unfiltered and uncleaned. The basin is filled with soil, plants, and grass that act as a natural filtering mechanism to clean pollutants from the stormwater. When the basin reaches full capacity, excess stormwater drains through an overflow structure. The captured stormwater should absorb into the soil within 24-48 hours after a rainstorm.
Photo-Video Tips: Stand near the curb cut opening at the edge of the Carousel parking lot to capture video of whether stormwater is flowing through the curb cut opening or into the storm drain. Also, capture video of whether stormwater is accumulating in the bioretention basin itself and whether it is draining properly.
Observation on 1/10/2024: 2:55pm -
How recently did it rain: 3-6 hours ago
How heavy was that rain: Torrential Rain
Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): No
Is there standing water in the system: No
Notes/Comments:
Erosion of sand from paths onto concrete near carousel. Some holes (2” to 6” wide). Animal? Near end of bridge on parking lot side.
Observation on 12/18/2023: 1:33pm -
How recently did it rain: Raining at the time
How heavy was that rain: Heavy Rain
Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): Partially
Is there standing water in the system: No
Notes/Comments:
Some small bits of moving water in the rocks.
Observation on 11/22/2023: 11:31am -
How recently did it rain: Raining at the time
How heavy was that rain: Heavy Rain
Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): No
Is there standing water in the system: No
Observation on 11/22/2023: 9:08am -
How recently did it rain: Raining at the time
How heavy was that rain: Heavy Rain
Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): Yes
Is there standing water in the system: No
Notes/Comments:
inlet packed with sediment, leaves. Water bypassing. Can’t enter the site.
Observation on 10/21/2023: 12:19pm -
How recently did it rain: Raining at the time
How heavy was that rain: Heavy Rain
Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): No
Is there standing water in the system: Yes