Ditch Block (Bioretention)

Sub BMP Types: Pervious Swale

Original Install:
May 2014
Designed By:
C. Schwartz
# Redesigns:
0
Most Recent Redesign:
N/A

Location

Monitored By:
C. Schwartz
Dimensions:
Length: 8 ft
Width: 8 ft
Depth: 12 in
Before
Present (December 2014)
Best Management Practice (BMP) Description: A single shallow retention cell was created by the placement of a dirt ditch block
within the existing pervious swale. The cell stores stormwater runoff from the adjacent upslope roadway area and soaks the water
into the ground. The ditch block soil is stabilized with sod that has been pinned to prevent movement from stormwater that
overflows the retention cell.
Maintenance Plan:
During Storms
Observe the amount of water stored within the retention cell.
Following Storms Check that all retained water soaks into the ground within a few days. If the retention cell fills completely record
the time it takes for all of the water to soak into the ground. Check for any erosion of the ditch block especially
on the downslope side. Remove any branches or obstructions around the ditch block area. Rake leaves off of the
ditch block and redistribute across the bottom of the pervious swale (a deep layer of leaves may kill the
underlying grass).
Quarterly
Monitor the health and coverage of grass on the ditch block. On account of sparse grass in the surrounding area
it is unclear whether sod will be an acceptable long term means of stabilization for the ditch block surface.
Lessons Learned: It is important to monitor the installation of a ditch block to ensure that the constructed height will not divert flow
out of the swale. During construction the crew was setting the ditch block height based on the swale edge along the roadway;
however, the swale edge adjacent to the museum was lower and served as the controlling low elevation (Ditch Block was designed
to be 4 lower than the lowest swale edge to ensure overflow would remain in the drainage swale).
Pros: Ditch blocks are relatively easy to install, access, and maintain. They are most effective in areas with gentle slopes (can store
more water with shallow depths) and fast draining soils (minimize duration of standing water).
Cons: Ditch blocks pond water near driving surfaces which can pose a hazard if water is stored too deeply, too closely to the road
edge, or for too long a duration. Ditch blocks should not be placed in areas with large drainage areas or fast stormwater flow. Ditch
blocks should not be placed in areas of high vehicle speed or where vehicles may drive onto the ditch blocks or within the retention
cells.
Thanks To: The City of Tallahassee permitting and field crews for all of their help in having the ditch block installed.

History of the Ditch Block

Why was the area selected & Ditch Block BMP chosen
Ditch Blocks are a commonly used tool in the Green Infrastructure Toolbox and
having an example in the Museum BMP showcase seemed appropriate.
Fortunately, a pervious drainage swale with a sufficiently moderate slope and
suitable drainage area is located between the road and the Tallahassee Museum
(#1 in Photo) making for an acceptable location to place a ditch block. There is also
a problematic water ponding area at the bottom of the swale (#2 in Photo). A ditch
block would help reduce the stormwater runoff volume flowing to the ponding
area.

Design 1.0 (May 2014)

Initial Design: The initial design focused on
providing a single shallow (12 deep) retention
cell. Since the swale is located within the City of
Tallahassee Right-of-Way (ROW), a permit was
obtained for placement of the ditch block. The
ditch block was located immediately behind an
existing sign to minimize the potential for
vehicles to drive or park on the ditch block.

Design 1.0: Monitoring Findings

1. Debris/Leaf Drift Lines: Leaf debris drift lines along the top edge of the ditch
block confirm that the retention cell is filling up and water flowing over the ditch
block during intense storms. Water has rarely been observed in the retention cell
suggesting very rapid infiltration.
2. Debris Mounding: Leaves and debris are mounding on the inside face of the
ditch berm as expected. Debris is routinely removed so that the underlying grass
does not die.
3. Grass Stress: Stress of grass within the main overflow path is being monitored. A
better determination of the acceptability of grass as stabilization can be made at
the end of the first growing season.
Potential Future Changes - [needs to make it happen]
Place second Ditch Block upslope with different stabilization - [need funds / labor /
ROW approval]