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A Filterra Bioscape stormwater bioretention system in a residential neighborhood.

Low-Impact Development Bioretention Systems

Bioretention and biofiltration use the physical, chemical and biological mechanisms found in nature to capture and filter stormwater. Providing both water quantity and quality benefits, biofiltration is ideal for Low Impact Development (LID), Green Infrastructure, and Environmental Site Design projects.

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Low-Impact Development in a Small Footprint

For civil engineers, finding effective and space-efficient methods for managing stormwater is crucial. Bioretention and biofiltration are standout methods for removing contaminants such as total suspended solids and nutrients from stormwater runoff, thereby enhancing water quality. These processes typically involve landscaping features to achieve their objectives, making them not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Contech offers a comprehensive portfolio of bioretention and biofiltration solutions that function similarly to traditional land-based methods but with a remarkable footprint reduction, often up to 95%. This compact design not only conserves valuable space but also simplifies maintenance tasks, making it easier for engineers to implement and manage these systems in various settings. Whether you are working on a small urban development or a large commercial project, our solutions are designed to fit seamlessly into any environment.

Backed by numerous regulatory approvals, Contech's systems boast both aesthetic appeal and superior pollutant removal capabilities, making them the preferred choice for a diverse range of stormwater applications. Our bioretention and biofiltration systems have been successfully integrated into urban development projects, commercial parking lots, residential streets, mixed-use developments, streetscapes, and more. Each solution is engineered to meet stringent local, state, and federal regulations, ensuring that your projects not only comply but excel in stormwater management.

Explore our portfolio of bioretention and biofiltration solutions below and discover how Contech can help you achieve your stormwater management goals with ease. Whether you are looking to enhance water quality, reduce maintenance efforts, or simply find a more space-efficient solution, Contech has the expertise and products to support your projects from start to finish. With our comprehensive range of options, you can be confident in your ability to deliver successful, sustainable stormwater management solutions for any development.

Stormwater Bioretention and Biofiltration Solutions

Filterra bioretention system.
Filterra® Bioretention
A modular Wetlands Linear stormwater biofiltration system.
Modular Wetlands Linear Stormwater Biofiltration
Aerial view of two rectangular garden beds with shrubs, surrounded by small bushes and concrete paths.
Rapterra System

Filterra Bioretention Solutions Guide

Modular Wetlands Linear Solutions Guide

FAQs

Bioretention systems treat stormwater runoff by mimicking natural soil and plant processes to slow, filter, and clean water before it enters groundwater or storm drains.

As stormwater flows into a bioretention area, it passes through layers of mulch, vegetation, and engineered soil. These layers physically filter out sediment and suspended solids, while finer pollutants are treated through chemical and biological processes such as adsorption and microbial activity.

Plant roots also take up nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, while microbes help break down organic pollutants and transform nutrients into less harmful forms. Depending on the system design, the treated water may infiltrate into the native soil to help recharge groundwater, or it may collect in an underdrain system and discharge to the storm sewer after treatment.

Bioretention systems can also reduce runoff volume through infiltration, evaporation, and plant transpiration. These combined water-quality and water-quantity benefits make bioretention well-suited for Low Impact Development, Green Infrastructure, and Environmental Site Design projects.

Bioretention provides both water quality and water quantity benefits by using soil, plants, and natural treatment processes to manage stormwater runoff. As runoff moves through the system, sediment and pollutants are filtered, nutrients can be taken up by plants or transformed by microbes, and water can be slowed, stored, infiltrated, or safely discharged.

One of the primary benefits of bioretention is pollutant removal. Bioretention systems can help reduce sediment, nutrients, metals, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants before runoff reaches storm drains, groundwater, or receiving waters.

Bioretention can also help reduce runoff volume and peak flow rates. Depending on the design, treated water may infiltrate into native soils, be stored temporarily in the media and aggregate layers, or discharge through an underdrain. This helps reduce stress on downstream drainage systems and supports more natural hydrology.

From a site design perspective, bioretention can be integrated into parking lots, streetscapes, landscaped areas, and other developed sites. This makes it a good fit for Low Impact Development, Green Infrastructure, and Environmental Site Design projects where stormwater management needs to work within the overall site layout.

Contech can help engineers evaluate bioretention options based on site constraints, regulatory requirements, treatment goals, hydraulic design, available footprint, maintenance expectations, and long-term performance needs