Incorporating Green Stormwater Practices in Municipal
Infrastructure Sustainability in Local Government May 4, 2011
Bernie Michaud, P.E., P.H.
Slide 2
Typical Green Stormwater Infrastructure Has an infiltration or
evapotranspiration component. Has vegetation, preferably
native
Slide 3
Focus on Retrofitting Existing Infrastructure and Underused
Land Saves on land acquisition costs. Neighbors often resistant to
wet ponds. Often constrained by need for an elevation drop between
inlet and underdrain outlet. Constraints due to tight soils, high
groundwater, and contaminants in watershed.
Slide 4
Parking Lot Biofilter at Bradford Beach
Slide 5
Terrace Biofilter in Madison
Slide 6
Median Biofilter in Verona
Slide 7
Swale w/curb and gutter in Cross Plains
Slide 8
Dry Basin to Biofilter Retrofit - Verona
Slide 9
Dry Basin to Infiltration Basin Retrofit - Middleton
Slide 10
Ravine to Biofilter Conversion, N. Kentucky
Slide 11
Raingardens on School Grounds Excellent Volunteer Project
Opportunity Good Candidate for donations and grants. Excellent
Outdoor Education Resource Need buy in from School District,
teachers, and parents.
Slide 12
Sauk Trails School Biofilter - Middleton
Slide 13
Native Plants Aesthetics & Appreciation Weedy look usually
not appreciated Select plants that do not get real tall or are
aggressive and take over. Best success with plugs, not seeding.
Select plants with varying flowering seasons. Blend in sedges and
grasses for variety. Ornamental rocks add nice touch.
Slide 14
Native Plants Maintenance Include landscaper qualification
requirements in bid specifications. Include warranty period of 1-2
years for plant material. Include maintenance period of 2-3 years
in bid specifications. Consult nursery or horticulturist for best
mowing regime.
Benefits of Vegetated Stormwater Infiltration Facilities.
1.Improved Urban Hydrologic Cycle improved riparian and stream
habitat. 2.Improved aesthetics of the landscaping and terrestrial
urban habitat. 3.Pollutant reduction including nutrients and
bacteria. 4.Sometimes more acceptable than wet ponds. 5.Fulfills
infiltration regulatory requirements. 6.Can reduce CSO frequency.
7.Has cache of the Sustainable brand. 8.Native vegetation may
prolong the design infiltration rate. 9.Provides thermal control of
runoff. 10.Groundwater replenishment good for drinking water
supplies. 11.Education very visual watching the water soak in.
12.Cost effective in terms of reducing CSOs? 13.Carbon reduction
with vegetation?