LSL Boulevard Park rain garden construction to begin

Later this month, Houska, Inc., will begin to direct construction of a rain garden and bio-retention cell project in Boulevard Park, located on Lake Saint Louis Boulevard, according to city Public Works Director Derek Koestel.

The city has recently adopted storm water regulations requiring construction of water quality measures in new developments. Bio-retention cells are one water quality technique the city’s new regulations recommend, Koestel said. Rain gardens are a similar treatment, better suited for homeowners.

Both measures are designed to address minor storm-water issues. The Boulevard Park project is designed as a demonstration and public education site, Koestel said.

The intention is to show the proper installation of these systems and as an aid to inform homeowners and developers about the components and differences between the two storm-water treatment techniques.

Koestel said an added value is that the project site is a location with existing drainage issues. Both homeowners and developers alike will be able to observe how to alleviate a problem with a solution that is ecologically friendly and is aesthetically pleasing.

Funding and volunteer assistance has been provided by Jardin du Lac Garden Club, the city’s Environmental Advisory Committee, St. Charles County Soil and Water Conservation District and Missouri Master Naturalists.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has provided partial funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.