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Bioretention Cells
Bioretention captures and infiltration of stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces to reduce water pollution and stabilize stream flows. Bioretention cells have an engineered and constructed subgrade to ensure adequate percolation and infiltration of captured runoff. Â
Bioretention cells can be used in most settings including parking lots and residential areas where soils don’t adequately percolate. They use plants that can tolerate a wide range of moisture conditions. Native plants are encouraged because they are deep rooted, they help maintain soil quality and good percolation.
A limiting factor for placement of a bioretention cell may be the lack of an outlet for the subdrain. An outlet is necessary to ensure proper drainage. The subdrain often outlets into the storm sewer or can discharge down gradient of the bioretention cell.Â
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Bioretention cells are needed when the percolation rates are too low. The Iowa Storm Water Management Manual will give design professionals the guidelines for proper design.
The specified soil mix is 60% washed concrete sand, 25% compost, and 15% topsoil. Several surrounding states are using a specified soil mix without topsoil to avoid clay content, which they have found to plug the soil surface. They are using 50-80% sand with the balance being compost and avoiding soil in the mix.
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