<< Back to Innovative Stormwater Retrofits main page
The goal of this project is to improve water quality in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers for the benefit of District residents, visitors, wildlife, and the environment, while providing high quality outdoor recreational space and facilities for children and adults to learn, play, and connect with nature. A further goal of the project is to reduce the stormwater pollutants that enter the local waters of the District (i.e. rivers, streams, estuaries,) as required under the applicable EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the District’s municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4).
Benning Stoddert Recreation Center is in the Anacostia River watershed along East Capitol Street Southeast at 100 Stoddert Place, SE. The project area is 7.5 acres with a little over nearly 2 acres of impervious area from tennis and basketball courts and pathways. This project installed two stormwater bioretentions which were completed in Summer 2026. A Bioretention is a vegetated stormwater management system that mimics the natural environment to reduce stormwater volumes and pollutants for the purpose of restoring our streams and rivers. Together, these bioretentions will capture and treat runoff from 98,744 square feet of drainage area. Thirty-six native trees were planted as part of this project along with a variety of native perennials and shrubs.
A bioretention provides the following benefits:
- Reduces stormwater runoff
- Slows stormwater flows
- Removes stormwater pollutants
- Provides habitat for birds, bees, and other pollinators
- Increases biodiversity
- Improves air quality
- Reduces air temperatures
By capturing stormwater and by treating the pollutants stormwater carries, a bioretention helps protect and restore our streams and rivers.
Project Status: Completed
For questions or more information about this project, please contact: [email protected]
DPR III Stormwater Retrofit Project: Public Meeting Recording - 4/10/24, Public Meeting Recording - 8/22/24
