Construction is progressing on Perry’s two hydraulically connected wetlands at the intersection of Iowa and 26th streets.
The six-acre and three-acre tracts together will treat runoff from about 315 acres of agricultural and low-density residential lots as well as stormwater runoff from the Perry Industrial Park.
Bolton and Menk, the city’s engineering partners, are leading the $560,000 project. A $250,000 grant was secured from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Carlisle-based Sandstone Management conducted extensive grading and storm sewer pipe installation for the project, which is nearing completion. A pedestrian bridge was installed this week, a part of the system that includes an ADA-accessible trail, boardwalk and parking lot.
The city promotes the wetland project as an educational opportunity for the public to learn about different methods of treating non-point source runoff in urban environments. Visitors to the wetland will park on permeable pavers that slowly infiltrate stormwater before reaching a subdrain at the bottom of the system.
Along with improving water quality, these permeable pavers also reduce peak flow and slowly discharge water into the storm sewer system.
