Constructed Wetlands

Constructed stormwater wetlands are vegetated green infrastructure systems designed to retain and filter water, reduce peak runoff rate, manage water levels during rain events, and increase the removal of excess nutrients. These stormwater management systems are designed with native vegetation and used to remove a wide range of stormwater pollutants, including sediment, metals, hydrocarbons, and floatable litter, from land development sites in a relatively shallow pool that supports the growth of wetland plants. As stormwater is held in the wetland, particles settle out and nutrients are taken up by vegetation. Over the long-term, microorganisms break down petroleum hydrocarbons carried in stormwater runoff from roads, driveways and parking lots.

Constructed Stormwater Wetlands

IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF CONSTRUCTED STORMWATER WETLANDS MANAGEMENT

Unlike some other stormwater management systems, constructed wetlands are both physical and biological systems. Planning and developing a stormwater wetland as a thriving ecosystem will translate into numerous benefits, including providing wildlife habitat, increasing aesthetic appeal, improving downstream water quality for streams, rivers, and creeks, and providing environmental education opportunities to local communities.

There are a variety of constructed stormwater wetland types, including shallow marsh systems, basin/wetland systems, extended detention wetlands, and pocket wetlands. Each of these man-made wetlands have their unique benefits; however, they are all specifically designed to retain, filter, and treat runoff from residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and governmental sites.

High pollutant removal efficiencies are one of the major benefits of constructed stormwater wetlands. A properly planned and designed wetland is very effective at eliminating many pollutants from stormwater runoff before they contaminate nearby ecosystems. Pollutants and contaminants from stormwater runoff are one of the largest pollution sources for lakes, estuaries, and other water systems.

Constructed stormwater wetlands provide water protection, water conservation, and stormwater quality benefits. Some of the benefits of these wetlands include:

• Efficient and effective pollutant and contaminant removal through infiltration and plant absorption
• Reduction of water runoff and stormwater volume control from development site
• Effective local flood control
• Utilization of native forest ecosystem structure and landscape processes to increase water quality and biodiversity
• Creation of natural habitats and enhancement the aesthetics and beauty of sites
• Reduction of soil erosion and removal of excess nutrients
• Provides opportunity for environmental education and recreational benefits

AQUALIS PROVIDES STORMWATER CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

As a stormwater management company, AQUALIS has significant experience in the construction, rehabilitation, and long-term maintenance of wetland projects. Our goals for these projects include treating runoff water, creating and restoring habitat for native vegetation and wildlife, reducing erosion and sedimentation, improving water quality by the reduction of nutrients, pollutants, and sediments, and offering environmental education and recreational opportunities. Furthermore, our constructed stormwater wetlands enhance the beauty and aesthetic appeal of residential, commercial, and industrial sites. Finally, our stormwater management systems ensure full compliance with all regulatory guidelines, while achieving optimal functionality, performance, and maintainability.

We can assist with the development and implementation of your stormwater wetland management solution. Before we develop a plan for your wetland, an AQUALIS consultant will perform an initial site assessment to determine your stormwater management needs. Based on the information collected from this visit and our best practices, we will develop a plan that fits your site needs with the highest compliance at the lowest cost.

We develop plans in a timely manner and will also manage your stormwater inspection program to ensure that your construction projects are always in compliance. Once construction is complete, an AQUALIS representative will conduct training educate you on how to properly maintain a constructed wetland to ensure that future stormwater samples are collected, reporting is completed, and other documentation is done correctly.

LET AQUALIS MANAGE YOUR CONSTRUCTED STORMWATER WETLANDS

AQUALIS provides the necessary system maintenance for a constructed wetland to operate as designed. To ensure optimal pollutant removal, water treatment, and flood control capabilities, a regularly scheduled maintenance plan is necessary. Such a plan includes mowing embankments, inspecting vegetation and replanting when necessary, monitoring and controlling invasive plants and species, removing debris, trash, and sediments, and ensuring the structural integrity of the embankment, pipes, and risers.

We inspect pretreatment devices, structural components, infiltration systems, and wetland areas regularly to help you continuously implement an effective stormwater program. Using our certified stormwater best management practices inspection, our specialized maintenance professional will manage and submit all the necessary inspections and required annual reports for you.

AQUALIS Stormwater Management is a nationwide leading provider of post-construction stormwater management services to residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and governmental industries through stormwater consulting, inspection, maintenance, vactor, jetting, and repair services. Contact us to help you properly plan, develop, install, and maintain your constructed stormwater wetland.