COST-EFFECTIVE STORMWATER CONTROL SYSTEMS

This article describes highlights of integrated stormwater control systems that use more natural techniques and thus reduce costs and are easier on the environment. Every municipality needs a stormwater control plan, which is based on a city stormwater control ordinance that meets federal and state standards. It includes recommended stormwater control method maintenance schedules as well as description of the methods. They include retention (using pod or wetland), detention basin, infiltration trench, infiltration basin, sand filters, bioretention, grass swale and filter strip. Maintenance actions and schedule are listed as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. The elements address flow control by managing the volume and intensity of stormwater discharge, removal of pollutants such as sedimentation, floating materials and debris, and establishing a unified system knitting all approaches together.