Carriage Crest Recharge Basin Engineering Study

Project Purpose

The purpose of this project is to address residential flooding that has been occurring near the Carriage Crest recharge basin. 

The City has hired Engineering Enterprises, Inc. from Sugar Grove to investigate and propose solutions to the flooding including a feasible dewatering plan for the basin.

Project Background

The Carriage Crest recharge basin area was formerly used as a gravel quarry and a municipal dump site prior to development. The basin area was incorporated into the subdivision stormwater design as a recharge basin. The recharge basin differs from most detention ponds in that the pond doesn’t drain via gravity sewer pipe.  The lay-of-the-land is such that gravity-flow is not possible. Instead, the basin was designed to drain into the ground through infiltration. 

Some residents have experienced severe basement flooding due to the high groundwater table possibly caused by infiltration of stormwater into the basin. Other residents have experienced sump pumps that continuously run until either the basin has drained down or Public Works crews have pumped it down.

Resident Surveys

A resident survey was distributed to the area in October 2019. The purpose of the survey was to further understand the extent of the flooding problem. The survey provided valuable information about the impact and extent of the flooding. 

A total of 60 surveys were completed. 22% of the respondents reported flooding within the last 10 years. Click here for survey sample and survey summary .

Project Schedule

September 2020

September 2020 - March 2021

  • Geotechnical Assessment ( analyze soil)
  • Groundwater sampling and testing, data collection and analysis
  • Review outfall alternatives

April 2021
Status update
Investigations have continued over the winter into the long-standing drainage issue in the Carriage Crest/Crestview neighborhoods.  The goal is to develop a feasible dewatering plan for the Carriage Crest Recharge Basin to address the flooding problems for area residents.  Phase 1, Part B is a continuation of the initial investigation by the City and EEI that started in 2019.  Since the Summer of 2020, the City has been working with EEI and geotechnical firm GZA to perform additional analysis of soil and groundwater conditions in the Carriage Crest/Crestview drainage area.  It is expected that data collection will be required into the Summer and the Report and a Presentation to City Council is targeted in late August 2021.

Key Features of Phase 1, Part B:

•    Soil Borings and assessment of soil and groundwater conditions to better understand subsurface soil and water table characteristics and interactions

•    Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of existing storm sewer and recharge basin conditions

•    Using additional data collected, refine dewatering options for the basin

•    Prepare preliminary cost estimates for refined dewatering options

•    Presentation of investigation results and recommendation to City Council and residents

•    Development of recommendations for feasible dewatering plan and scope for Phase II Design Engineering


Project Location

The study area is the Carriage Crest subdivision near the southeast corner of Western Avenue and Fabyan Parkway. The recharge basin is located on Parkview Drive, just west of Carriage Crest Park.

Project Funding

This project is funded through the City Council’s Drainage Fund budget for alleviating drainage issues throughout the City. $40,000 from the 2019 and 2020 budgets was allocated for this engineering study.  Additional funds have been budgeted in 2021.  These funds will allow additional Phase I investigation into dewatering and groundwater at the site and Phase 2 design engineering after Phase 1 is completed in the spring of 2021.  

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the project please email Andrea Podraza or call 630-454-2757.