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Install Bioretention/Rain Garden

Rain garden and bioretention normally consist of a filtration bed, ponding area, organic or mulch layer, and plants. BMPs function as a soil and plant-based filtration and infiltration device that remove pollutants through a variety of physical, biological, and chemical treatment processes. Bioretention/rain garden systems can have a bottom liner where infiltration into the underlying soil is undesirable and may include underdrain pipes. Bioretention facilities generally have high pollutant removal. When selecting a media mix, be aware that nutrients can leach from compost. Depending on the permeability of the underlying soil, 30-100 percent of runoff volume can be infiltrated in an unlined bioretention system. Potential issues include: High sediment loads can lead to clogging of media, leading to ponding that could attract hazardous wildlife; vegetation can provide food, water and shelter for hazardous wildlife; and areas with contaminant spill potential should avoid unlined systems to prevent groundwater contamination. Maintenance Requirements. Removal of trash and debris; mulch replacement; pruning or replacements of vegetation; maintenance of inflows, underdrains, and outflow. Inspect after storms to ensure no standing water remains after 48 hours. Replace top mulch layer and/or media as needed to fix ponding. Monitor wildlife use. Haze hazardous wildlife as needed. Install netting if hazardous wildlife use persists.


Practice Information

Staffing Requirements: Low (10 – 50 hours per month)
Environmental Benefits: Low environmental benefit

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Case Studies

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA)

ABIA has installed a series of bioretention/rain garden systems in the median of the Spirit of Austin Lane as part of a project to convert the taxi cab waiting area to a cell phone lot. Part of the objective of this retrofit was to decrease the road width and provide a measure of traffic calming. The maintenance is completed as part of regular landscape maintenance. The bioretention systems have not been in place long enough to require major maintenance or any activities related to maintaining the water quality function.


Related Links

Storm Water Technology Fact Sheet: Bioretention. U.S. EPA, EPA 832-F-99-012.

Rain Gardens and Bioretention – What’s the Difference? Cascadia Consulting Group on behalf of the Washington Department of Ecology.

Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit: Fact Sheet #1: Bioretention Areas.

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