Dane County leaders said they’re implementing a new feature that’s designed to keep tons of pollution out of local lakes.
Six storm-sewer pipes that drain into lakes will be reconstructed for a sediment basin.
Ponds will the catch storm waters filled with pollutants and filter them out before the clean water flows into the lakes, said the basins’ designers.
It will keep more than 60 tons of pollutants out every year, they added.
"Seventy percent of sediment and 50 percent of phosphorus will be removed by diverting the storm water from a 54-inch storm sewer pipe into (a) basin," said Chuck Nahn, a designer of the basin.
Since one pound of phosphorus can create 500 pounds of algae, county leaders said these basins are vital in keeping waterways clear.