Constructing the Bioswale

Bioswale Factoids:

The Kroger Park Bioswale was constructed in the summer and fall of 2001. Specifically, a grass swale was constructed to handle the current flows from a 4.4 acre mini-storage site prior to discharging to West Fork Pringle Creek. The grass swale is a total length of approximately 200 feet, a bottom channel width of 6.5 feet, a trapezoidal cross-section with 4:1 (horizontal: vertical) side slopes and a total width of 18.5 feet. Flows from the bioswale entry will be directed from its northeast corner and will travel the full length of the site. Flows from the existing mini-storage site were re-piped to discharge into the swale at two locations along the site's eastern boundary.

Below is a self guided tour through the bioswale construction process. Click on the picture icon to see an enlargement.

Excavation and Grading - The contour of the land is shaped to accept the water and determine the vegetation zones.
Mechanical installations - The manhole flowsplitter directs the stormwater from the parking lot into the bioswale. The spreader bar helps spread the water evenly into the bioswale channel.
Soil preparation - The soil is prepped for better plant growing conditions.
Temporary Irrigation- Irrigation was installed to ensure vegetation establishment.
Erosion control- The area was hydroseeded to stabilize the soil and control erosion. A fiber matting was installed along the bank where grading had occurred.
Plantings- Vegetation is planted in different zones depending on where it is in relationship to the elevation of the water. Upland areas are planted with shrubs and trees. Wet areas (specifically the channel bottom) are planted with grasses, rushes and sedges.
Current Conditions at Kroger Park Bioswale- Currently the bioswale receives and treats stormwater. Newly planted vegetation is becoming established and is beginning to perform its intended function.