Success Stories and Case Studies | Communities & HOAs
From the inherent allure of your lake or pond to the majestic and ecologically friendly pond fountains you invest in, your residents deserve a natural environment that captivates the eye. But, it’s not just about the beauty. Sound science and a focus on regulatory compliance are also required to achieve that ecologically balanced and well-maintained community lake or pond.
Below are case studies highlighting a few of our success stories involving communities and HOA projects.
Managing Water-Lily in Stormwater Pond | Annual Management Case Study
This property is a large planned residential community located in Bel Air, Harford County, MD. The community’s waterbody is a stormwater management pond and had all the associated issues commonly seen in these types of ponds, such as nutrient and sediment pollution. The pond is 0.5 acres with a three-foot average depth and has minor to moderate flow during normal conditions. During periods of heavy precipitation, the flow discharges directly into a waterway that connects to the Bush River that enters the Chesapeake Bay.
Re-enforcing an Unstable Shoreline | Shoreline Restoration Case Study
This large HOA in Palm Harbor, FL, consists of quaint and stylish residences that growing families and retirees call home. Nature is a large focal point in this community. Lots of native trees line the streets and sidewalks, providing an aesthetically pleasing backdrop against manicured lawns.f
According to the HOA, these issues had presented themselves very quickly; many long-term homeowners had watched their waterfront properties deteriorate by several feet over just a few years. In addition to looking aesthetically displeasing, the erosion had also exposed irrigation pipes and other important structures, particularly around a three-decade-old waterbody called Pond 34. In addition to suffering from shoreline deterioration, the waterbody had also lost valuable depth and volume due to the increasing sedimentation and runoff.
Case Study: Restoring a Community Shoreline with SOX
In June of 2019, a community in Tampa, FL, contacted SOLitude with concerns over erosion and the functionality of their five stormwater ponds. Constructed in 2005, the retaining ponds were designed to not only serve as aesthetic focal points, but capture stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, and slowly release water back into the environment after rainstorms. Over the years, however, shoreline erosion and sedimentation worsened, hindering the pond’s functionality. Without intervention, flooding, further property damage and endangerment to community members could become a real and costly threat.
Case Study: Enhancing A Community's Canal Ecosystem
This property in the Carolinas is a residential community located in Leland, NC. The ~500-acre development currently has around 1,000 single-family homes within its confines.
Upon commencing work in the spring of 2015, our staff encountered significant populations of Bladderwort (Utricularia) and Proliferating Spikerush (Eleocharis Baldwinii). Small algal blooms of both the planktonic filamentous variety have also been observed within the waterbodies.
Algae and Nutrient Control in Ponds | Weed & Algae Control Case Study
This property is a subdivision just outside Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware, encompassing 35 acres which include 162 lots of ½ to 3 acres each. The landscape of this private community was developed in 2007. It is made up of mostly single-family homes and includes a community pool, pool house, and park
In the summer of 2015, the impaired watershed (the pond) sustained a compound algae bloom and an extensive fish kill following a natural algae die-off and subsequent drop in dissolved oxygen
Case Study: Installing Water Features at Luxury Complex
The goal was to build two granite water features designed to provide ambiance to the central courtyard area of a modern complex and encourage residents to relax outdoors and meet their neighbors.
Case Study: Humanely Eradicating Invasive Cane Toads
This is a high-end community in the heart of Naples, FL. This private HOA features multiple subdivisions surrounded by oak trees, tropical foliage, immaculate golf courses, world-class clubhouses, and gorgeous lakes and pond. The invasive cane toad (also referred to as the bufo toad) was causing problems.
Case Study: Restoring 1,850 ft of Eroded Shoreline
Industrial businesses can affect communities in very positive ways; however, there are exceptions. Certain business practices can have a negative environmental impact on our communities. This was the case for one Florida Keys community. Due to the actions of a nearby blasting company, 5-7 ft of their lake’s bank eroded away.
Case Study: Restoring Pond Water Depth via Hydro-Rake
A 4.2-acre pond located within the western section of a 1,400-acre lake in Webster, MA, is a valuable resource for the surrounding community. The pond has historically served as a direct inlet into the lake, with a culvert connecting the pond to the watershed. It is used by surrounding residents for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
