Natural stormwater drainage systems can increase the longevity of your dredging results.
There are a lot of factors involved when it comes to dredging, and all of these factors can influence project costs — testing, determining methods and equipment, planning for where to dump excess sediment and vegetation, permitting, and having a good financial plan to name a few.
But there is one thing that often goes overlooked when dredge planning, and that is how to prolong the results and lengthen the time between dredging cycles. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to create natural stormwater systems that will manage the runoff as close to the source as possible instead of directing it downstream or into a concrete drainage system, where it ends up in the nearest detention pond along with all of the pollutants and sediments that are picked up along the way.
Stormwater drainage systems are an important part of any private or public infrastructure system. These drainage systems are required to manage and control precipitation runoff to prevent flooding, protect property and prevent pollution. Unfortunately, development (and redevelopment) over the years has created a complex network of concrete, pipes, and treatment facilities to collect and clean the water before releasing it downstream. A concrete jungle, if you will, that has replaced all the natural areas that once absorbed the stormwater.
Natural drainage projects, often called green stormwater infrastructure, use nature (soil, trees, plants) to absorb rainwater where it falls, helping to reduce runoff and flooding while restoring groundwater and preserving our lakes and streams. In addition, natural stormwater systems enhance aesthetics and reduce costs of maintaining the infrastructure.
Natural drainage systems can be implemented in a number of ways:
- Rain gardens are low areas that collect stormwater from streets, sidewalks, gutters, or raised topography. Usually planted with deep-rooted, native plants and grasses, the gardens collect the rainwater so that it is absorbed, evaporates, or slowly drains after a storm has passed. They can be constructed in yards, parking lots, medians, or beside the street.
- Tree boxes or landscaping beds can be placed in sidewalks, medians, and other places where concrete is heavily concentrated. They take up little space but can absorb large amounts of stormwater.
- Permeable pavement can be used for driveways, sidewalks, courtyards, and low traffic streets, allowing stormwater to pass through into the ground below.
- Green rooftops are great for aesthetics and can be used for flower or vegetable gardening while reducing stormwater runoff. Green rooftops can come in the form of planters, living walls, raised beds, and more.
These kinds of natural drainage systems help to improve the longevity of a body of water after it has been dredged, because stormwater is managed at the source. This makes the aesthetic and cleanliness of a nearby lake or pond last much longer, as there are less stormwater, pollutants, and sediments flowing into it.
These stormwater drainage systems, like any public infrastructure, must comply with BMP policies. Permits may be required and erosion and sediment control practices must be implemented.
Additionally, these drainage systems must not interfere with any public stormwater drainage systems, as with any other structure on a landowner’s property. Landowners cannot divert the water flowing through drainage systems in a way that harms other properties.
More positives to a natural stormwater drainage system include improved water quality, restored habitats for wildlife and flood prevention! But economic impact benefits include less maintenance for stormwater infrastructure, less costs for water treatment, reduced flood damage costs, and increased property values. And yes, less dredging!
