Bioretention Systems

Generally located within a shallow surface depression, at or below the level of the adjacent surfaces being drained, bioretention systems are able to employ a wide variety of planting (including trees and shrubs) to create vegetation cover across the system. They are designed to intercept and treat surface water run-off, which is distributed across the whole system surface, as it vertically flows through the system structure.

Landscaping elements are used around the system perimeter to ensure an even distributed, low velocity, water flow into the system that also allows the temporary ponding of water above the filter media. Forebay areas may also be employed within larger bioretention systems, mainly to manage silt from high risk areas, that may otherwise cause premature clogging of the system surface.

Typically constructed using engineered soils, bioretention systems are able to employ a wide variety of planting (including trees and shrubs) to create vegetation cover across the system.