Rainfall runoff also carries pollutants
When stormwater flows into drains, it carries oils and pollutants from roads and other surfaces with it. Thus keeping contaminants out of stormwater requires effort from everybody: keeping leaves and grass clippings away from curbs, using phosphorus-fee lawn fertilizer and picking up litter when you see it.
On a large commercial project, where hard surfaces from roadways, parking lots and roof areas collect debris or other materials, there is more runoff and more water to drain. That’s why EPA mandates have established requirements for stormwater management. In Oregon, local cities and counties have adapted codes and options for systems to manage this runoff, retain the water and filter out pollutants.
Stormwater management takes different forms
The installed systems could be called:
- Rain Garden
- Stormwater Planter
- Vegetated Filter Strip
- Vegetated Swales
- Dry Detention Basin
- Filtration planter
- Bioretention area
- Bioswale or Combination Swale
In fact, in most counties, there are multiple styles of systems which meet code. Depending on the particular site, local codes and drainage patterns, a combination of systems may be built within a commercial property site to handle rainfall runoff.
Stormwater management guidelines vary from city to city and county to county. Our plans meet local codes and perform for your project
Landscaping features which manage surface runoff
For example, bioretention areas, or rain gardens, are landscaping features designed to provide on-site treatment of stormwater runoff. They are usually located in parking lot islands or within small pockets of land uses. Surface runoff flows into shallow, landscaped depressions. These depressions include many of the filtering mechanisms found in natural ecosystems.
Codes for stormwater management require specific materials
Rigorous codes for design, installation and materials demand both knowledge and experience. From specific types of certified soil, to choice of plants for vigor, beauty and size, to planning irrigation for water management, to meticulous installation, EarthTech has the resources and experience to manage complex landscape and stormwater management projects.
With many projects completed and more in the works, the EarthTech team offers proactive project management, deep experience and strong communication skills to the contractors who hire them.
“In addition … EarthTech has designed and installed landscapes at new construction projects and they have redesigned and improved landscape at properties that we have acquired. Our properties have never looked so good.”
Dianne MunleyAsset Manager, State Investments LLC