Naturalized Stormwater Basins – A Win-Win
 
Every landscaper and lawn maintenance staff member knows that mowing stormwater basins is a big pain. So why bother? Leaving the vegetation growing in the basin can actually help filter pollutants from the stormwater entering the basin, as well as facilitate the infiltration of water into the ground. So-called naturalized stormwater basins contain natural vegetation rather than merely grass or stone, and are often attractively landscaped, incorporating native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. A fringe benefit? Maintenance costs are significantly reduced.

The Montgomery Township Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) and
F. X. Browne, Inc. are working on a study to document the effectiveness and financial benefits of naturalized stormwater drainage basins. The project will also provide significant opportunity for community outreach and environmental education. For more about the project, visit http://www.montgomerytwp.org/
committees/eac/announcements.aspx


Naturalized stormwater wetland constructed at
F. X. Browne, Inc. headquarters in Lansdale, PA

For a photo gallery of the naturalized stormwater wetland constructed at F. X. Browne, Inc. headquarters in Lansdale, PA, visit the case study on the F. X. Browne, Inc. website.

 

For a brochure and information on naturalized stormwater basins by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, visit http://www.phillywater.org/Schuylkill/Projects%20Pages/Perkiomen%20Conservancy/stormwater_basins.htm

 

For an article on a stormwater basin naturalization project in Northampton, PA, visit

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-05282005-495347.html