Leary Way Stormwater Treatment Wetland

Leary Way Stormwater Treatment Wetland
In Fall 2008, the City constructed its first stormwater treatment wetland as part of the Bear Creek Parkway Extension Project.  The facility expands an old biofiltration swale and improves its appearance and treatment characteristics. 

What is a Stormwater Treatment Wetland?   
Stormwater treatment wetlands are like shallow stormwater ponds that incorporate wetland plants. As stormwater runoff flows through the wetland, pollutant removal is achieved by settling and biological uptake within the facility. Wetlands are among the most effective stormwater practices in terms of pollutant removal, and also offer aesthetic value.

Stormwater treatment wetlands are fundamentally different from natural wetland systems. They are designed specifically for the purpose of treating stormwater runoff, and typically have less biodiversity than natural wetlands both in terms of plant and animal life.

Stormwater treatment wetlands are not protected by environmental regulations, and are maintained regularly by stormwater maintenance crews who may remove sediment and plants to remove pollutants collected within the facility.

Is a Stormwater Treatment Wetland Really LID?   
A stormwater treatment wetland that is incorporated into the site design is a lot like a rain garden.  This very large regional facility shows that natural systems can be used to reduce our impacts on stormwater.  On a much smaller scale, these same techniques can be used on a residential lot as a rain garden.