Bioretention

Bioretention is one of the main components of the Low Impact Development (LID) approach for managing stormwater runoff. Bioretention was developed by Prince George's County around 1990 and has become the "Integrated Management Practice" (or IMP) of choice around the world. The County continues to refine the bioretention IMP design and its effectiveness has been documented by studies that show significant pollutant loading reductions. For any questions concerning bioretention or rain gardens, please contact Derek Winogradoff dawinogradoff@co.pg.md.us

• Bioretention Cover (PDF) - Bioretention Manual Cover
• Bioretention Front (PDF) - This document contains the Table of Contents, Acknowledgements, and an Errata Sheet.
• Introduction to Bioretention (PDF) 4.19MB - If you are somewhat unfamiliar with the bioretention concept, this is a good place to refresh your understanding. This document lists biological processes that may occur in a bioretention facility. Additionally, the various applications of different types of bioretention facilities are explored.
• Bioretention Design (PDF) 2.6MB - Bioretention is flexible in design, affording many opportunities for the designer to be creative. This design guide first goes into a step by step process of how to size and design bioretention to accommodate the design storm runoff amount. After that, how to integrate the bioretention facility(ies) into the overall site design is explored.
• Guidelines for Bioretention (PDF) - Whether you are a homeowner, developer, designer, or inspector, this document will help provide guidance through the various phases of implementing a bioretention project.
• Landscaping (PDF) - Learn which plants to install in a bioretention facility to help filter runoff, minimize maintenance needs, and add year-round beauty to any project.
• Construction (PDF) - Learn how to properly construct a bioretention facility to ensure successful completion of your project.
• Environmental Outreach (PDF) - Community involvement is an essential part of integrating bioretention on private property. Learn how to encourage homeowners to become stewards of the environment by starting in their own neighborhood.
• Bioretention Plant List (PDF) - This plant list includes many plants suitable for placement in a bioretention facility. Plants marked (P) are native to Prince George's County. Plants marked (M) are native elsewhere in Maryland.
• Maintenance Covenant for Bioretention (Appendix B) (PDF) - This document is a sample of a typical maintenance covenant used for bioretention facilities located on private property.
• Compaction Notes - Compaction within bioretention areas must be controlled to ensure soil structure and pore space areas are not compromised.
• Bioretention Glossary (PDF) - Some typical words used when referencing bioretention.
• Bibliography & References (PDF) - This listing continues to change and be updated on a regular basis.
• Bioretention Discussion Group - If you are interested in networking with other bioretention designers or have questions of general interest, consider joining the Bioretention Yahoogroup. Here, you may find the answer you are looking for or post photos and files for sharing.

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