ChagrinRiver WatershedPartners, Inc.

BioretentionCells
Detail Courtesy Land Design Consultants, Inc.

Bioretentioncellsreducerunoffbypromotinginfiltrationandevapotranspirationand improvewaterqualitybyfilteringthroughsoilmediaandtransformationbyplants.
Bioretention Design Bioretention cells are shallow landscape depressions with perforated storm sewer pipe below an engineered soil mix. The landscaped ponding area allows 6 inches of water to pond on the surface during storm events. Native plants tolerant of moisture variation are planted within the cell and promote pollution removal and runoff reduction. A mulch layer minimizes soil erosion and promotes pollutant removal. Sandy soil mix ( 72% sand, 10% clay, 5-20% organic matter) removes pollutants by filtering and microbial activity. A mix of pea gravel and sand or geotextile fabric layer prevents the planting soil from migrating into the larger gravel layer and in situ soil. A perforated pipe underdrain is embedded in a 8-12 inch layer of #57 washed stone gravel. Pretreatment areas along the slope of the cell provide some water quality treatment and decrease the velocity of water entering the cell. A grassed area or stone trench will serve this purpose.

ChagrinRiver WatershedPartners, Inc.

BioretentionCells

Bioretention Benefits Lowers stormwater runoff volume Reduces suspended solids, metals, & nitrogen concentrations in runoff Allows stormwater management to occur in existing landscaped areas Aesthetically pleasing

Bioretention Maintenance Water plants regularly during first growing season. Weed, prune, and replace dead or diseased plants as necessary. Inspect pretreatment areas twice a year. If erosion or deposition has occurred, repair damage. Monthly, remove litter and debris and monitor for salt damage to plants and soil. Annually, add additional mulch to the cell. Every 2 years, test soil pH, and check planting soil and mulch layer for clogging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. For what type of land use are bioretention cells well suited? Bioretention cells are well suited for commercial properties in parking lot islands or other areas available for landscaping, some industrial areas, apartments, and other residential areas. Q2. What is the difference between a rain garden and a bioretention cell? Bioretention cells usually have an underdrain; rain gardens do not. In addition, bioretention cells typically have a much greater depth of engineered soil mix, resulting in a greater amount of infiltration. Because of their lower cost, rain gardens are used by homeowners more frequently than bioretention cells. Q3. Can bioretention cells be incorporated into redevelopment projects? Yes! Former parking areas, landscaped areas, and parking lot islands can be converted to bioretention cells. Q4. Id like to put a bioretention cell on my property. Who should I contact? Landscape architects and engineers help their clients design bioretention cells and can recommend installers. Instructions for rain garden design and construction are available from:

Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc.

P.O. Box 229 Willoughby, Ohio 44096-0229 Phone: 440.975.3870 www.crwp.org