Argo Systems LLC constructed a bioretention cell just off the northwest corner of the parking lot for B-620. Bioretention is the process in which contaminants and sedimentation are removed from stormwater runoff. Stormwater is collected into the treatment area which consists of a grass buffer strip, sand bed, ponding area, organic layer or mulch layer, planting soil, and plants.(Wikipedia) The Low Impact Development (LID) feature will treat stormwater runoff for 0.26 acres of impervious surface area (the asphalt parking lot) for a one-inch rainfall event. The location for this “Stormwater Retrofit” was chosen not just for its benefit to the environment but also for its high visibility from patrons obtaining books or bistro items to enable educational opportunity. An informational sign explaining the structure and its benefits will be constructed and placed in front of the feature during the first quarter of FY18.
For more information about this or any other questions about stormwater runoff or concerns, contact William Fabey, the Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head Stormwater Program Manager at 301-744-2275 or via email at william.fabey@navy.mil. More info can be found at the following links
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development & Redevelopment — http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=min_measure&min_measure_id=5
• Department of Defense: Design: Low Impact Development Manual UFC 3-210-10 25 — http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/DOD/UFC/ufc_3_210_10.pdf
• Center for Watershed Protection: Better Site Design — http://www.cwp.org/Resource_Library/Better_Site_Design/index.htm