Technical Description:
(5) Modular Wetland Linear® Bioretention Systems
Originally built in the 1920's and once home to the famous
Tourister Luggage Company, Tourister Mill is now a stunning waterfront
apartment community on a beautiful bay of Warren, Rhode Island.
Given the development's location directly along the bay, it was necessary
to comply with the Rhode Island state stormwater quality permits while closely
managing land use to maximize the limited open space for occupant amenities and
parking.
The developers were required to implement Low Impact Development
(LID) stormwater treatment systems to comply with Rhode Island regulations and mitigate
the pollutants generated from the site's impervious area, including nutrients, sediments,
trash and debris, and hydrocarbons.
The original parking lot design included 18 bulky stormwater
systems with low efficiency standards. However, using these systems would have
resulted in the loss of 34 parking spaces, which was not acceptable to the
owner. Engineers found a redesign option that would eliminate the loss of parking
spaces using only five Modular Wetlands Linear (MWL) biofiltration systems.
High water tables also posed a challenge. A non-proprietary
bioretention system would be impossible, as tidal changes would overwhelm and
wash out the system, while larger/bulkier systems would require deeper
excavation.
The MWL utilizes horizontal flow, a design that allows the system
to efficiently provide the same or better treatment as other systems in an even
smaller footprint. Additionally, the system can incorporate an open planter bed
that allows it to blend into surrounding landscapes.
High water tables also posed a challenge. A non-proprietary
bioretention system would be impossible, as tidal changes would overwhelm and
wash out the system, while larger/bulkier systems would require deeper
excavation. The MWS Linear, however, is a precast concrete vault, completely
enclosing multiple treatment stages: pretreatment, biofiltration, and discharge
– saving land and long-term maintenance costs. The horizontal flow design
maximizes surface area circulating the stormwater flow subsurface – giving the
MWS Linear the ability to provide the same treatment in far less space.
Technical Description:
(5) Modular Wetland Linear® Bioretention Systems