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In 2016, DOEE completed a low-impact development (LID) demonstration project in the Golden Triangle area in Northwest DC. The project, a partnership with the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), installed four stormwater management Best Management Practices (BMPs) along 19th street NW, a high-traffic street filled with office buildings and popular work-day lunch spots. This supplemented a similar project that installed a BMP at the intersection of Rhode Island Ave, Connecticut Ave, and M Street NW in 2009.
The BMPs utilized in these projects are called Bioretention systems. 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.
These demonstration projects sparked the Golden Triangle BID’s larger rain gardens initiative, which has helped the BID achieve LEED Platinum, the highest level of LEED certification, from the U.S. Green Building Council.
A bioretention provides the following benefits:
- Reduces stormwater runoff
- Slows stormwater flows
- Removes stormwater pollutants
- Provides habitat for birds, bees, and other pollinators
- Improves air quality
- Reduces air temperatures
By capturing stormwater and treating the pollutants stormwater carries, a bioretention helps protect and restore our streams and rivers.
This project added 5,200 square feet of green space to a bustling business district. The bioretention systems, planted with a variety of native plants and trees, were designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat™ by the National Wildlife Federation for their ability to attract pollinating birds and insects. The project included new seating and educational signage to ensure the public enjoys the green space and views the bioretentions as community assets. The Golden Triangle BID also commissioned a local artist to create sculptures to be placed at the project sites, further enhancing their aesthetic value.
How is a Bioretention Maintained?
Routine maintenance is necessary for all stormwater management practices. Routine maintenance for a bioretention includes cleaning out the inlets to ensure that stormwater can flow into it, clearing overflows of debris so they can function during larger storm events, and sustaining the vegetative cover by weeding, mowing, and pruning as needed.
Project Status: This project is now complete.