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In 2011, DOEE partnered with DDOT to install seven green stormwater infrastructure installations along Jay Street NE, adjacent toWatts Branch. These installations receive drainage from 56,605 square feet of impervious surface. This site is located in the Lower Watts Branch watershed, a subwatershed of the Anacostia River which has a drainage area of approximately 410 acres.
This project aimed to address longstanding flooding and drainage issues, as well as reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff and improve the water quality prior to it reaching Watts Branch. The green stormwater infrastructure utilized in this project is called a Bioretention. 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.
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 by treating the pollutants stormwater carries, bioretentions help protect and restore our streams and rivers.
How is a Bioretention Maintained?
Routine maintenance is necessary for all stormwater management practices. Routine maintenance for bioretentions include cleaning out the inlets to ensure that stormwater can get into it, making sure overflows are free and clear of debris so that they can function during larger storm events, sustaining the vegetative cover by weeding/mowing/pruning as needed.
The Jay St., NE Retrofit project reduces stormwater runoff and pollution, prevents erosion, restores natural hydrology, and increases natural habitat in the Lower Watts Branch watershed and improves the water quality in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers for the benefit of District residents, visitors, wildlife and the environment.
This project involves the use of green infrastructure stormwater management to reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff and improve the water quality prior to it reaching Watts Branch.
Project status: This project is complete.