RE: [GBlist] biofiltration question

["Ralph Bicknese" <ralph.bicknese@christnerinc.com>]

I agree with Jon's and Chris's definitions of "swale".  Swales are used in
biofiltration systems to collect and slow the flow of water thus letting the
water soak into the ground to recharge groundwater, and to slow the flow of
water off of a site thus lessening the burden on storm water systems and/or
neighbors.  Sometimes swales even become temporary detention or retention
basins and hold water for some time.  They, like larger detention or
retention basin, can be planted with plant species that break down nitrates
(from farms for instance, or fertilizers) and petroleum-based oils from
roads and parking lots.  Biofiltration systems usually involve a series of
basins to filter nasties step by step.  Swales are often a first step in
this process.  Swales used this way are sometimes called "bioswales".  It is
not the most charming name but a useful one.

Cheers,
Ralph Bicknese

-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Dohlin [mailto:jdohlin@wcs.org]
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2001 2:03 PM
To: greenbuilding@crest.org
Subject: Re: [GBlist] biofiltration question

Brenda:

Is it possible that you are referring to a "swale" (although I've never
heard it pronounced the way you describe) which is a low lying landform
(sort of a broad, shallow ditch) used to collect and direct runoff.

Hope that makes sense.

Jon


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______________________________________________________________________
This greenbuilding dialogue is sponsored by REPP/CREST, creator of
Solstice http://www.crest.org, and BuildingGreen, Inc., publisher of
Environmental Building News and GreenSpec http://www.BuildingGreen.com
______________________________________________________________________