Knox City Council: Wicks Reserve Bio-Infiltration System
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Dobsons Creek is of extremely high ecological significance, being the highest value waterway in the Dandenong Creek Catchment. It is, however, being degraded by stormwater pollution and erosion (as described by a number of important scientific studies by Monash University and The University of Melbourne (Chris Walsh, Tim Fletcher, Belinda Hatt and others). The Wicks Bio-Infiltration system aims to restore both the quality and full flow regime of Dobsons Creek back towards its natural state, so that the ecological condition to be improved to its former level.
This project demonstrates the pilot research work undertaken showcasing what can be achieved through disconnection of impervious surfaces.
Project objectives
This project is a model for building community awareness and engagement in stormwater issues. Given the extremely high ecological value of the Wicks Reserve in which the site of the bio-infiltration system is built, a key objective is the protection and enhancement of the ecological values of the site, using vegetation representative of the Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) of the area.
The bio-infiltration system intercepts stormwater flows from the urbanised catchment to the south (estimated 11.48ha), draining through two (2) pipes, a 750mm and a 525mm pipe. The system filters the majority of inflows and gives stormwater the opportunity to infiltrate into the ground and evapotranspirate. This in effect reduces the frequency, rate and runoff entering the creek back towards the natural ‘pre-development’ level and reduces concentrations of pollutants in the creek. Located some 200 mm from Dobsons Creek, it allows for slow infiltration of treated waters into the creek, helping to restore the natural baseflows (Figure 1), whilst reducing flow peaks.
Download full details of Wicks Reserve Bio-Infiltration System