Constructed Wetlands
AQUALIS Designs, Maintains and Inspects Wetlands
Constructed wetlands are an alternative stormwater control measure that closely emulates a naturally occurring wetland therefore improving our water bodies. AQUALIS has significant experience in the construction and rehabilitation of green infrastructure systems, and long-term maintenance of wetland projects.
Benefits of Constructed Wetlands
Contaminants within stormwater runoff are one of the largest pollution sources discharging to lakes, rivers, estuaries and other freshwater systems. Constructed wetlands present valued detention and treatment to combat this. Unlike some other stormwater management systems, constructed wetlands are both physical and biological systems. One of the major benefits of a properly planned and designed wetland is efficient pollutant removal. There are a variety of constructed stormwater wetland types, including shallow marsh systems, basin/wetland systems, extended detention wetlands and pocket wetlands
We can assist with the development and implementation of your stormwater wetland management solution by performing an initial site assessment and determining your stormwater management needs. Based on the information collected from site visits and our best practices, we will develop a plan in a timely manner that fits your site’s needs with the highest compliance at the lowest cost.
What are Constructed Wetlands
Constructed stormwater wetlands are vegetated green infrastructure (GSI) systems designed to retain and treat water, reduce peak runoff rate, manage water levels during rain events and increase the removal of excess nutrients. These stormwater management systems are designed with native vegetation and used to remove a wide range of stormwater pollutants, including sediment, metals, hydrocarbons and floatable litter, from land development sites. Constructed wetlands are designed as relatively shallow pools that support the growth of wetland plants. As stormwater is held in the wetland, particles settle out and vegetation absorbs excess nutrients. Over the long-term, surface oxidation and microorganisms break down many contaminants carried in stormwater runoff from roads, driveways and parking lots.
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Implementing Constructed Wetlands
Planning and developing a stormwater wetland as a thriving ecosystem will translate into numerous benefits, including providing wildlife habitat, increasing aesthetic appeal, improving downstream water quality for streams, rivers, and creeks and providing environmental education opportunities to local communities. Constructed stormwater wetlands provide water protection, water conservation and stormwater quality benefits.
Some of the benefits of these wetlands include:
- Efficient and effective at eliminating many pollutants and contaminants from stormwater runoff through settling, microbial degradation and plant uptake, before they contaminate nearby ecosystems
- Reduction of runoff and stormwater volume control from development sites
- Effective local flood control
- Utilization of native forest ecosystem structures and landscape processes to increase water quality and biodiversity
- Creation of natural habitats and enhancement the aesthetics and beauty of sites
- Reduction of soil erosion and removal of excess nutrients
- Provided opportunities for environmental education and recreational benefits
Developing Green Infrastructure on Your Property
AQUALIS provides wetland construction and restoration beginning with a thorough site assessment to analyze existing conditions. Utilizing hydrologic calculations, our Engineering Services Division can best understand the water flow and movement before and after implementation. Working directly with local regulators, AQUALIS will ensure your project complies with local and federal regulations while securing funding. Following best practices, regular inspections and testing and developing a long-term Operations and maintenance agreement ensures your constructed wetland project properly manages stormwater for years to come.
Other Green Infrastructure Assets
A vegetated channeled depression or trench that captures and infiltrates stormwater runoff before it enters a stormwater drainage system.
Rain gardens are a type of bioretention that is best suited for smaller sites to treat stormwater runoff.
Zones located along river banks that provide important habitats for wildlife, limit erosion and help to mitigate flooding events.
An alternative to traditional asphalt or concrete, permeable or porous pavement materials are designed to allow water flow around them into a stone media, or through the pavement.
Media filtration systems used to treat stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
An alternative to traditional roofs, green roofs incorporate areas traditionally underutilized for stormwater management, through capture, storage and evapotranspiration of stormwater.
The design and use of plants native to the site location as a long-term sustainable solution to manage rainwater and stormwater runoff.
Applied to improve soil performance, increase water absorption to allow vegetation to develop a desirable deep and healthy root system, and mycorrhizal network development.
A series of bioretention step-pools designed atop a porous stone media bed, to convey, control and treat stormwater runoff while protecting site soils from erosion.
An operations and maintenance plan details the necessary training, management, budgeting and maintenance requirements to successfully operate GSI, vegetation and stormwater systems.
Repairing Bio Swales in Salisbury, MD
During a regular inspection, the City of Salisbury found the bio cells in disrepair and issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the property owner. The NOV included areas that required attention and steps for remediation as well as a deadline for completion.
Did you receive an NOV? Have an urgent need? We can help.
Reach out to an AQUALIS representative today.