Green Infrastructure

…are low lying areas that collect stormwater runoff from nearby surfaces. These features are typically shallow depressions that vary in size and shape. Sandy “bioretention soils” remove pollutants as stormwater passes through the soil and absorbs into the ground. Bioretention features also have plants that uptake stormwater while microorganisms that live around plant roots remove excess nutrients and other pollutants.  

Examples of Bioretention Features include:

• Bioretention Areas
• Rain Gardens
• Bioswales

…are hard surfaces, like asphalt, concrete and pavers, with voids or gaps that water is able to pass through. These materials allow for urban uses, like driving, walking and parking, while still providing a path for stormwater to reach the soil underneath. They also experience less icing in the winter because ice melt is able to pass through the paving material, rather than refreezing on the surface. 

Examples of Porous Paving Materials include:

• Porous Asphalt
• Permeable & Porous Pavers
• Porous Concrete

…are subsurface features filled with “clean washed” crushed stone or sand based structural soil that can hold and infiltrate large volumes of stormwater. These features often have perforated pipe or chambers that help distribute stormwater and increase the total storage volume. Infiltration features can be installed under a variety of surface materials, as well as in locations with limited space. 

Examples of Infiltration Features include:

• Stone Infiltration Areas
• Stormwater Chambers
• Drywells

…are GI features with multiple components. The first is the underground stone infiltration area that can infiltrate large amounts of stormwater runoff from nearby hard surfaces, like roads and sidewalks. The second is the trees that are planted in these features, which can uptake hundreds of gallons of stormwater each year. These features help improve the health of urban street trees by providing tree roots with much-needed access to water and air.

…are larger than most Bioretention Features, which allows them to manage runoff from large drainage areas (e.g. a campus, rather than a single parking lot). These features are designed to mimic natural wetlands and often contain a broad palette of plant species and soil types. Like natural wetlands, they provide excellent habitat for wildlife and can help improve the health of local ecosystems.

…are made up of layers of soil and vegetation placed on the roofs of buildings. The size and makeup of these features varies from site to site. These features can be as simple as shallow trays and small planters or as complex as rooftop gardens with several feet of soil. Green roofs can be used instead of roof gutters, provide added insulation/energy savings and can help to lower nearby air temperatures.