The Town of Morrisville contracted with WithersRavenel for stormwater engineering design and stormwater modeling for the expansion of an existing stormwater control measure (SCM). The existing SCM, a constructed stormwater wetland, was retrofitted and expanded to treat the stormwater runoff from an existing townhome subdivision and the first phase of construction within the Town Center Core development, which expanded Town roads and included new buildings and parking areas.
WithersRavenel performed multidisciplinary tasks such as jurisdictional delineation/determination, topographic survey, general civil engineering design, stormwater engineering, preparation of construction drawings, environmental permitting, construction bid documents, and construction administration. It also required coordination with other agencies, partners, and consultants working on other parts of this phase of development.
The expanded SCM added 5-6 acres of usable community space in an area adjacent to existing park land. It also created more than 1,000 feet of new greenway, known as the Indian Creek Greenway and Trailhead. Additionally, the unique shape of the TCC Wetland allows residents close-up views of plants and wildlife.
WithersRavenel’s stormwater engineers worked with the firm’s landscape architects, encouraging them to use a planting plan with the goal being for something to bloom virtually year-round, whether it is grasses, trees, or flowers. Planted trees also serve as a buffer between the TCC Wetland and the nearby road. The design of the TCC Wetland also includes a large ‘M’ shape for Morrisville. This creative addition by WithersRavenel’s stormwater engineers and landscape architects serves as a unique logo, an identifier and marketing tool for the Town.
The TCC Wetland will also provide an extra measure of protection during extreme storm events. The expanded SCM can store stormwater in a safe green space. Even though it is an engineered wetland, the SCM stands as a native solution to flood control for the Town. An added benefit is educational signage and a wetland overlook on the site. The information educates visitors about the stormwater benefits on site while also providing more details about the TCC Wetland.
From a development perspective, the TCC Wetland makes development in the immediate area more attractive to potential investors. Additional stormwater measures will not be needed, as the SCM design is based on full build-out of the 20-acre area inclusive of the TCC Wetland property.
The project was honored with a 2022 North Carolina Stormwater Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association of North Carolina (APWA-NC) Stormwater Management Division.
