Ivy & Grannery Lane

Bioretention Basins
May 1, 2018
PADEP Requirements
• Every 5 years, Upper Gwynedd acquires a permit from the State to
discharge stormwater runoff to surface waters.

• Conditions of the permit require Upper Gwynedd to address surface

water pollution caused by stormwater runoff.

• The bioretention basins proposed are one of many projects proposed

to meet the permit conditions.
23.5 Acres

7.25 Acres
Bioretention Areas
• Addresses Water Quality Needs

• Purpose is to Infiltrate 1 Foot of Water

• 24 – 72 hours after precipitation ends
• Reduces volume of runoff
• Filters pollutants

• Sediment Forebays
• Catches debris and large sediments

• Backup Underdrain
Bioretention Areas
• Maintenance
• Mow 2 times per year
• Remove debris from sediment forebays

• Inspection
• Basins are required to be inspected annually
Construction Permits
• Construction disturbs over 1 Acre
• A NPDES Permit was obtained from Montgomery County Conservation District

• Areas of Construction are in the Floodplain

• Only Excavation is proposed in the Floodplain
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has allowed
construction as the project does not propose any obstructions in Floodplains
Common Concerns
• Maintenance Costs
• Decrease in Costs vs Current Mowing Costs
• Sediment Forebays Limit Areas where Sediment Collects
• Nuisance Species
• Water Quality Improvement Facilities are required to drain in 24-72 Hours to
minimize length of time for standing water
• Long Periods without Standing Water and Tall Vegetation is not attractive to
Water Fowl
• Sinkholes
• No known underlying Karst geology
• Wildlife Habitat
• Naturalized Areas provide More Habitable Space for Wildlife vs Mowed Areas
Example
Example
Example