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Bioretention Guidelines

First Edition July 2008

Bioretention Guidelines

North Shore City Bioretention Guidelines

First Edition

July 2008

PREPARED BY:

Michelle Malcolm of SINCLAIR KNIGHT MERZ Level 12, Mayfair House, 54 The Terrace, PO Box 10-283, Wellington, New Zealand T +64 4 473 4265 and Mark Lewis of BOFFA MISKELL Level 3 IBM Centre, 82 Wyndham Street, PO Box 91250, Auckland 1030 T +64 9 358 2526 F +64 9 359 5300 www.boffamiskell.co.nz F +64 4 473 3369 www.skmconsulting.com

EDITED BY: REVIEWED BY: GRAPHICS BY:

Chris Stumbles Robyn Simcock, Tom Schueler, Earl Shaver BOFFA MISKELL Level 3 IBM Centre, 82 Wyndham Street, PO Box 91250, Auckland 1030 T +64 9 358 2526 F +64 9 359 5300 www.boffamiskell.co.nz

APPROVED FOR RELEASE:


__________________________________ Jan Heijs (Infrastructure Planning Manager)

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Contents
Glossary 1. 2. Background What is bioretention and how does it work?
2.1 2.2 2.3 History Bioretention process Performance and design

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2 2 6

3.

Limitations
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Geology Maximum grades Connection to the stormwater network or receiving environment. Location

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8 8 10 10

4.

Bioretention gardens
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Rain gardens Stormwater planters Tree pits Bioretention swales

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12 14 16 18

5.

Engineering design
5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 Location Impervious liner Geotextile liner Inlet design Surface storage and high flow overflow/bypass Soils Under drainage Connections

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21 22 22 23 27 29 31 33

6.

Landscape design
6.2 6.3 Landscape Plant Selection

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35 37

7.

Construction
7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 Excavation Timing Geotextile and liners Backfilling gravel Backfill soil Erosion Checks

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40 40 40 40 41 41

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7.7 7.8 7.9

Planting Tolerances Construction Checklist

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8.

Maintenance
8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11 8.12 Access Under drain Fertilizing Harvesting Watering Weeding Pest damage Mulching Standing Water Problems Rubbish and Debris Pre-treatment Maintenance Schedule

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9.

References

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Appendix A Plant Specifications Appendix B Hydraulic Design Appendix C Bioretention Growing Media Specifications Appendix D Typical Details Appendix E Practice Notes Appendix F Owners Manual

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Glossary
Adsorption: The gathering of a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance on the surface or interface zone of another substance. Bioretention: A vegetated depression located on the site that is designed to collect, store and infiltrate runoff. Typically includes a mix of amended soils and vegetation. Evapotranspiration: Loss of water from the soil both by evaporation and by transpiration from plants. Filtration: The process of removing particulate matter from water by passing it through a porous medium such as sand Flow regime: The pattern and volume of river or stream flow throughout the course of a year. Hydrostatic: A term associated with fluids at rest or to the pressures they exert or transmit. Hydraulic conductivity: The rate at which water can move through a permeable medium. Infiltration: Water movement into the soil. Microbes: Microscopic living organisms, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi. Microbial: Of, relating, or caused by microorganisms. Permeability: Water movement through the soil. Percolation: Water movement into the groundwater. Sedimentation: The settling of solids in a body of water using gravity.

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1.

Background

Protection of the natural environment of North Shore City has been identified by the community as its number one priority. Of particular concern is the health of streams within the city and protection of these receiving environments from the effects of stormwater discharges. Urban stormwater runoff has adverse effects on the ecological, recreational and amenity values of stream corridors. Urban development adds hard surfaces to catchments, creating increased levels of runoff in storm events, whilst also reducing base flows during dry weather, due to reduced ground soakage of rain water. This additional runoff is conveyed rapidly to streams in piped stormwater systems. This change in flow regime results in: increased stream flows, scouring of stream banks, a reduction in stream biodiversity and opportunities for habitats, and degradation of amenity and recreation values. Urban development also creates increased contaminant loads which are transported in storm water runoff to urban streams. This results in the reduction of the life supporting capacity of urban streams and the rendering of urban streams as unsuitable for contact recreation. Bioretention gardens are engineered gardens designed to harness the natural ability of vegetation and soils, they can be used to reduce stormwater volumes, peak flows and contaminant loads, which result from the urbanisation of streams. This guidance offers design, construction and maintenance advice to enable the construction of bioretention gardens that are effective, attractive and enduring. In many locations where conventional gardens would be used, bioretention gardens can be used instead, and could include small herbaceous gardens within private sections, modern landscape planting within commercial sites or tree pits within the streetscape. The widespread adoption of bioretention gardens for the management of urban runoff will contribute to North Shore City Councils vision for attractive, landscaped catchments draining to healthy urban streams.

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2.
2.1

What is bioretention and how does it work?


History

Pioneered in Maryland USA in the early 1990s, bioretention gardens are now used widely throughout the USA, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. TP10 has included rain gardens for the treatment and attenuation of urban stormwater in the Auckland region since 2003. Bioretention devices are no longer experimental technology - they have been used successfully throughout the world for over fifteen years. Over this period, lessons have been learnt on how best to manage urban stormwater through the use of bioretention. This guidance document brings together design advice from guidance produced in New Zealand, Australia and the United States, as well as research on the performance of bioretention devices undertaken both in New Zealand and overseas, and translates this information so it is relevant for designing, constructing and maintaining bioretention devices within North Shore City. This guidance is aimed specifically at the design of bioretention gardens that serve new impervious areas less than 1000m2. Bioretention gardens serving new impervious areas greater than 1000m2 must be designed to meet TP10 design standards 1 . 2.2 Bioretention process

Bioretention systems are planted areas that filter stormwater runoff through a vegetated soil media layer. Water is then collected through perforated pipes at the base of these systems to be directed to an approved outlet. Bioretention systems slow stormwater flows, and allow for some reduction in the total volume of runoff by transpiration and infiltration. Bioretention gardens are designed to capture all of the stormwater from small storms, and the initial stormwater flow from larger storms. The remaining flow from large storms that overtops bioretention systems leads to a piped stormwater system or overland flow paths. Bioretention systems remove suspended solids by filtration through vegetation, these solids then settle within the ponded surface. Microbial processes occur at the interface of plant roots and soil media to intercept, metabolise and sometimes transform a range of pollutants.

Auckland Regional Council , 2003 Technical publication 10, Design Guideline Manual: Stormwater Treatment Device

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This guidance document is focused on the following types of bioretention gardens: Rain gardens Stormwater planters Tree pits, and Bioretention swales. These bioretention gardens vary in scale and application. The specific design aspects and applications of each of these gardens are discussed in detail in section 4. The principals that govern the performance of bioretention gardens are common, and are discussed below in sections 2.2.1 to 2.2.4 2.2.1 Evaporation and transpiration

Bioretention gardens reduce the volume of storms through transpiration and evaporation. The plants in bioretention gardens use some of the rainwater that is directed into the rain garden, and it is transpired back into the atmosphere. The ponding of stormwater on the surface of bioretention gardens is shallow, generally 200mm 300mm, which facilitates the evaporation of some of this ponded water into the atmosphere. 2.2.2 Groundwater recharge

If bioretention gardens are situated on relatively flat, stable slopes, and are not within the zone of influence of a structure, they do not require an impervious liner. This enables some of the stormwater directed to the bioretention garden to percolate into the groundwater. Disposing of a portion of stormwater runoff to soakage, reduces stormwater peak discharges and runoff volumes to downstream catchments, and increases groundwater flows to augment seasonal water tables in streams. 2.2.3 Reducing peak discharge

Increased imperviousness results in increased peak flows due to less water being lost to evaporation and infiltration and a reduced time of concentration. Bioretention gardens are not designed to provide peak flow mitigation in large events. The benefit of bioretention gardens for peak flow mitigation is in small events, where increases in peak flows can result in stream erosion and changes to stream habitat. The temporary detention storage provides attenuation of flows therefore reducing post-development storm peaks in small events. The depth of water detained on the surface of a garden should be limited to 200-300mm (plus 100mm freeboard) across the gardens surface area. All bioretention gardens should be designed to enable flows from large storm events to either bypass or overflow. 2.2.4 Water quality treatment

Bioretention gardens remove pollutants using physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms. Specifically, they use adsorption, microbial action, plant uptake, sedimentation and filtration. In addition, bioretention gardens sited in appropriate soils can be designed to infiltrate stormwater runoff, thus replenishing groundwater. In the Auckland region the focus of

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stormwater quality management is on the removal of total suspended solids and metals. Bioretention gardens are effective at removing total suspended solids, metals and nutrients. Adsorption Adsorption is a chemical process that removes some forms of metals and phosphorus. The process takes place on mulch and soil particles in the upper layers of the bioretention garden. Soil particles have charges similar to magnets, as do dissolved metals and soluble phosphorus. When these charges are complementary, dissolved metals and phosphorus are attracted to the open soil particles. This process is called adsorption. The limit to adsorption is the finite number of charged soil particles within a bioretention garden. Researchers monitoring bioretention gardens in Maryland, USA, suggest that the capacity of soil to retain pollutants could last for more than 10 years 2 . Re-spreading decomposed mulch at the surface of bioretention gardens could help to replenish the soils adsorptive capacity. Microbial action Microbes found in bioretention gardens break down organic substances and digest harmful pathogens. Microbes are found throughout a bioretention garden but occur most commonly at the interface between soil and plant roots. Plant roots provide a medium and a source of oxygen for these microbial processes to occur. The inherent design of bioretention gardens requires them to dry out quickly, and this also helps to remove pathogens, which typically prefer wet conditions. Plant uptake The vegetation in bioretention gardens uses the nutrients found in stormwater as it grows. Plants also take up metals, organics and other pollutants to be used by the plant, stored as a by-product in specialised cells, or transformed through enzymatic action by plant cells. Plant litter can contribute to nutrient loads because decaying vegetation does release nutrients and stored contaminants back into the bioretention garden. Regular removal of plant litter from a bioretention garden, including the coppicing, pruning or heading of plants, should keep this problem to a minimum. Sedimentation and filtration Sedimentation and filtration are physical processes that remove soil particles, litter, and other debris from water. This is achieved by slowing water down inside the bioretention gardens allowing the settlement of suspended particles. Because the inflow to the bioretention garden passes through vegetation and mulch layers, pollutants can be filtered within the spaces between soil particles. Plants also offer some filtration as water passes through them.

North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating: Designing Rain Gardens (Bio-Retention Areas)

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Sedimentation and filtration are primary mechanisms for removing total suspended solids (TSS), litter, debris and nutrients and metals attached to sediment particles.

Table 1 Pollutant removal mechanisms 3


Pollutant Removal Mechanism Adsorption to soil particles Plant uptake Microbial processes Sedimentation and filtration Pollutants Dissolved metals and soluble phosphorus Small amounts of nutrients including phosphorus and nitrogen Organics, pathogens Total suspended solids, floating debris, trash, soil-bound phosphorus, some soil bound pathogens, soil bound metals

Figure 1: Bioretention processes

Brix, H. 1993. Wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands system design, removal processes, and treatment performance. Pp. 9-22 in Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality Improvement, G. A. Moshiri (ed). Boca Raton, Fla.; CRC Press, 632 pp.

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2.3

Performance and design

Bioretention gardens should be designed to capture the first flush of rainfall. TP10 defines the rainfall depth used for calculating the first flush in Auckland as 1/3 of the 2 year, 24 hour rainfall depth. For the North Shore this equates to 26.6mm. The sizing for the bioretention devices in North Shore City is provided within the Proposed District Plan Change 22. To meet the permitted standard, devices must be sized as follows: Bioretention devices that do not discharge to a pond designed to meet TP10 standards must have a surface area of 8% of the increased impervious area (excluding any additional roof area that is treated by a rainwater harvesting system). Bioretention devices that discharge to a pond designed to meet TP10 standards must have an area of 5% of the increased impervious area (excluding any additional roof area that is treated by a rainwater harvesting system). For commercial areas 4m3 of on-site detention must be provided per 100m2 of impervious area less the rainwater harvesting volume (which should be a minimum of 2m3). This can be provided as detention storage over the bioretention device, or provided by a separate device. The minimum size of bioretention to be provided in accordance with any permitted, controlled or limited discretionary activity shall be 2m, with a minimum depth of at least 600mm. The surface area of a bioretention garden is more important than the bioretention gardens volume for achieving stormwater volume reduction, peak flow attenuation and water quality treatment. The method of sizing bioretention devices provided in Plan Change 22 is based on an equation provided by the North Carolina Natural Resources Conservation Service 4 , which calculates for an entirely impervious catchment, a bioretention device with a surface areas sized at 8% of the contributing catchment area in order to capture a first flush of 26.6mm. To ensure bioretention gardens achieve optimum performance, where ever possible bioretention gardens should be located to minimise the pervious catchment draining to them. The side slopes of a bioretention garden do not need to be vertical, and for construction purposes battered slopes may be desirable. However to ensure sufficient contact between the soils and stormwater runoff battered sloped should not exceed 1:1. In addition the surface area of the garden for the purposes of meeting the District Plan criteria, applies to the surface above a depth of 300mm.

North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating: Designing Rain Gardens (Bio-Retention Areas)

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The North Shore City Councils Plan Change 22 applies to developments less than 1000m2. Bioretention gardens serving new impervious areas greater than 1000m2 must be designed to meet TP10 design standards, which are slightly different. 5 The depth of bioretention gardens is controlled by the practicalities of providing bedding for the under drainage, sufficient soil depth to support vegetation, and sufficient ponding depth for detention. If desired, an additional layer of storage can be provided beneath the underdrain to increase the amount of infiltration achieved, which further increases the overall depth of the garden. Table 2 illustrates that most bioretention gardens designed to meet the permitted standard as proposed by Plan Change 22, will have a minimum soil depth of close to 0.6m. Provided these gardens are designed with adequate surface area, they are likely to provide the same level of water quality treatment as a deeper garden.

Table 2 Typical depth for bioretention layers


Bioretention layer Detention Layer Detention layer Depth 0mm -400mm (including 100mm freeboard for over-flow designs) 50-75mm 500 - 1000mm Comments 200mm 300mm of detention should be applied. The overflow should be designed to discharge high flows with 100mm freeboard. Organic decomposed mulch, if a rock surface finish is desired this is additional. 300 mm minimum soil depth required for grasses and small shrub, 1m depth is minimum required for trees. Sand/ coarse sand. A minimum 50mm gravel surrounding the pipe on all sides. Optional layer to provide greater infiltration.

Bioretention layer

Mulch layer Bioretention filter media Transition Layer

100mm 200 - 300mm 0mm 300mm

Drainage layer

Drainage layer Storage depth beneath the underdrain

Auckland Regional Council , 2003 Technical publication 10, Design Guideline Manual: Stormwater Treatment Device

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3.

Limitations

Bioretention gardens are an important tool in stormwater management practices, as they can be used throughout urban catchments to mitigate the effects of urban stormwater discharges. However, bioretention gardens may not be suitable on all sites, and require particular attention to their design to ensure they will not result in adverse effects. 3.1 Geology

North Shore City is predominately underlain by two geologies, residual soils of the Waitemata Group of Miocene age and alluvial deposits of Pliocene to Holocene age. However, the Takapuna and Milford areas are an exception as they are underlain with volcanic deposits. The Waitemata Group soils are typically clays and silts with low permeabilities. The deposits have formed from in-situ weathering of the parent rock. Many of the slopes and cliffs in North Shore City are formed by Waitemata Group soil and rock. The lower lying areas are generally underlain by alluvial deposits. The alluvial deposits are of varying soil type including clays, silts and sands and consequently varying permeability. The volcanic deposits are ash, tuff and basalt and form part of the Auckland Volcanic Field. When soils are present they generally comprise silts and sands which are more permeable than the Waitemata Group residual soils. The basalt deposits will typically require rock breaking or controlled explosion to excavate. The basalt is generally fractured and vesicular, providing high, apparent permeability. Disposal of stormwater into basalt should be considered. While there is none mapped within North Shore City, there is potentially in the northern most parts some Northern Allochthon (previously known as Onerahi Chaos Breccia). If the site is found to be underlain by this geology a specific assessment of the use of bioretention by a geotechnical engineer should be made as these soils are known to creep even at gentle gradients especially in poorly drained sites. Localised areas of fill, where fill is either imported of re-worked material, are present across North Shore City. The nature and quality of fill will vary greatly. If significant quantities of fill are present on-site then the suitability of locating a bioretention garden within the fill should be specifically determined by a suitably experienced engineer. 3.2 Maximum grades

Infiltration gardens should not be installed on steep slopes as this may lead to saturation and slope failure. Installation of unlined bioretention gardens that allow for infiltration on slopes steeper than 1V:5H is not recommended, unless a detailed geotechnical engineering analysis is undertaken at the design stage. For slopes between 1V:5H and 1V:4H a lined bioretention garden may be used. The liner should be an impermeable sheet that prevents water in the bioretention garden from saturating the surrounding soils.

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A bioretention garden may be used on slopes steeper than 1V:4H if the effects have been assessed by a Chartered Geotechnical Engineer, who recommends the use of such a device. Under North Shore City Councils Infrastructure Design Standards, section 2.4.2 (d) Analysis must be carried out where the slope is steeper than 1V: 4H. Practically, this has meant that a geotechnical report has been required for any building consent application for a new structure or addition to a structure that includes additions outside of the existing structure. Consequently, the use of bioretention gardens should be included as part of a full geotechnical report for site development. Lined bioretention gardens are required for sites that are part of an overall sloping terrain. For larger sites, lined or unlined bioretention gardens can used provided they are at least 5m upslope from the rest of slope.

Table 3 Maximum slope


Slope Inclination Less than 1V:5H 1V:5H - 1V:4H Steeper than 1V:4H Liner No Yes Yes *

Use of bioretention gardens with slopes steeper than 1V:4H is subject to specific geotechnical analysis and design.

Figure 2: Maximum slope

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3.3

Connection to the stormwater network or receiving environment.

All bioretention gardens except those designed for soakage will have to be located so the invert of the garden can drain via gravity to the public stormwater system or the receiving environment, via an approved outfall or overland flow path. 3.4 Location

Bioretention gardens should be located away from travelled areas such as public pathways to avoid compaction. Where ever possible the bioretention gardens should be located to minimise the pervious areas draining to them, and therefore they should not be located in overland flow paths. The sizing of the bioretention garden must take into consideration the potential contributing catchment for the calculation of the design storm capacity of the garden. 3.4.1 Set back

Bioretention gardens should ideally maintain a 1m minimum distance from property lines. Bioretention gardens must not be installed within the zone of influence of foundations or within 3m of the edge of any structure, with the exception of stormwater planters, which are designed to abut buildings. If a bioretention garden is installed upslope and within 6m of a structure it should be lined (may only need to be lined one side) to prevent potential saturation of the foundation soils. These distances may be reduced on the advice of an engineer. It is recommended that bioretention gardens installed adjacent to roads have an impermeable lining on the side adjacent to the road, to prevent stormwater migrating from the garden into road sub-grade. In addition, while a concrete wall structure is unlikely to be required around the whole garden, it is advisable to use a concrete edge beam or wall to provide support on the side adjacent to the road.

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Figure 3: Setback limitations

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4.
4.1

Bioretention gardens
Rain gardens

Rain gardens are planted garden beds with a specifically formed porous soil media. In most situations rain gardens are directly connected to impervious surfaces, although sometimes there is an intermediary filter strip or rock apron to reduce scouring or to capture entrained sediment. In some situations where it is not possible to directly connect the rain garden to the impervious areas, stormwater may be piped into the garden. As stormwater enters the rain garden it is filtered through plants specifically selected to tolerate the hydrologic conditions and to provide water quality treatment. The stormwater then receives additional treatment as it permeates through an organic mulch layer, the root zone of the plants, and through a sequence of soil layers. These soil layers are organic in the top layers, such as a sandy loam enriched with compost, followed by porous sandy soil, to a gravel drain with a transition layer. Treated water in the gravel layer is then collected via perforated pipes. These pipes flow to an approved outlet to enter the receiving environment or reticulated systems. As well as filtering and infiltrating stormwater, rain gardens also provide temporary ponding on the surface of the rain garden. Storm events that are greater than the design storm, overflow from the rain garden into a grated overflow and connect to the reticulated system at the base of the rain garden. Alternatively, excess stormwater may overflow from a rain garden to an overflow path or a sequence of stormwater management devices in a treatment train. Rain gardens can be in used in new developments or retrofitted to post-development conditions. They are suitable for site specific applications, serving single dwellings or commercial premises. They can also be designed to serve larger catchments, and be located within roading reserves or car parks. Table 4 Rain Garden Design Summary
Minimum size Minimum depth Slope limitations 2m
2

600mm + under drain +detention Slopes 1:12 1:4 incorporate benched berms Slopes 1:5 use an impervious liner Slopes 1:4 and greater are not suitable without geotechnical design Roof and surface runoff Single residential lot, commercial lots, roadways and carparks

Runoff Type Applications

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Figure 4: Rain garden

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4.2

Stormwater planters

These gardens are essentially planter boxes (e.g. an above-ground pre-cast concrete unit) with a specifically formed soil media in which plants are grown. Stormwater planters operate as follows: 1) Roof water is discharged into the planter from a downpipe, this can either be via surface discharge or a bubble-up inlet. 2) The first-flush of stormwater infiltrates soil layers and is then collected in a drainage layer to be directed to a discharge point. 3) Ponding occurs as soils become saturated to the top-of-wall level in the planter box. This storage serves to further attenuate flows. An outlet rise comes into operation when the ponding capacity is full. Excess runoff, after the first flush has been retained is discharged through the outlet riser and standpipe to reticulated systems. 4) If planters are adjacent to buildings they should be above ground. Stormwater planters can be partially sunk, but if they are within 3m of a buildings foundation, this should only be undertaken based on the advice of an engineer. 5) The device should have a horizontal surface Table 5 Bioretention Planter Design Summary
Minimum size Minimum depth Slope limitations Runoff type Applications 2m
2

600mm + under drain +detention Slopes 1:4 and greater are not suitable without geotechnical design Roof runoff Residential and commercial

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Figure 5: Bioretention Planter

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4.3

Tree pits

Bioretention gardens can be constructed to accommodate street trees. Tree pits are similar to rain gardens, except they require a greater surface area and/or soil depth to accommodate tree growth. Trees should be planted a minimum of 1 meter away from any perforated pipe under-drain and a root barrier may also be required. Stormwater runoff is collected in the tree pit where temporary ponding occurs. Water infiltrates through the bioretention filter media before being collected by an underlying perforated pipe for subsequent discharge to a stormwater system. In most situations it should be possible to design the tree pits so larger flows bypass the tree pit and are conveyed downstream by the curb and channel to the nearest road sump. In situations where this is not possible the tree pit should have an overflow within the garden to convey larger flows into the piped stormwater system. Additional benefits can be achieved for the establishment of trees if the tree pits can be extended as linear trenches. Paving can be placed over the top of the linear soil trench. Tree pits do not require concrete lined walls, although the use of a concrete edge for support on the road side is recommended. The tree pit does not need to be completely lined with an impermeable lining, but on the side adjacent to the road it is advisable to provide an impermeable liner to prevent stormwater from migrating from the bioretention filter media into road subgrade. Table 6 Tree Pit Design Summary
Minimum size Minimum depth Slope limitations 2m , although many trees will require a larger area 1m + under drain + detention Slopes 1:12 1:4 incorporate bench berms, Slopes 1:5 use an impervious liner, Slopes 1:4 and greater are not suitable without geotechnical design Surface runoff Roadways and carparks
2

Runoff type Applications

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Figure 6: Tree Pit

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4.4

Bioretention swales

Bioretention swales provide both stormwater treatment and conveyance functions by incorporating specific plants and soil media into a conventional swale design. A swale component provides pre-treatment of stormwater to remove coarse to medium sediments, while the bioretention function removes finer particulates and associated contaminants. Bioretention swales attenuate the flows of frequent storm events and are particularly efficient at removing nutrients. The bioretention component of the swale can be located along the length of the swale or closer to an outlet. To design the system, separate calculations are required for the swale and the bioretention component to ensure appropriate criteria are met in each section. Flow needs to be uniformly distributed over the full surface area of the filter media to achieve maximum pollutant removal performance. Swale design should incorporate a flow-spreading device at the inlet such as a shallow weir across the channel bottom or a stilling basin. When the bioretention trench is located along the full length of the swale base, the desirable maximum longitudinal grade is 4%. To ensure stormwater has sufficient time to filter into the bioretention layers, check dams should be used along the swale length. A common way to design bioretention swales is to use a system of discrete cells, with each cell having an overflow pit that discharges to the piped stormwater system. Bioretention systems can then be designed upstream of the overflows, thus allowing for a depth of ponding over the bioretention medium. When the bioretention trench is located at the most downstream part, the swale part should have a grade of between 1% and 4%, if the grade of the swale is greater than 4% check dams must be used to prevent scour of the swale. The desirable grade of the bioretention zone is horizontal, to encourage uniform distribution of stormwater flows over the full surface area of the bioretention filter media and to allow for temporary storage of flows for treatment before bypass occurs. When check dams are included in swale design to facilitate the creation of discrete cells, consideration must be given to potential conflicts with pedestrians or mowers The type of vegetation varies according to the landscape requirements. Generally, the denser and higher the vegetation within the swale, the greater the filtration provided. It may not be possible to mow bioretention swales and therefore native grasses, tussocks and sedges are likely to more appropriate than lawn grass species. Occasional tree planting may occur as long as it complies with acceptable sight lines and safety requirements, and is located at the top of the bioretention swale to avoid the roots damaging the bioretention component.

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Table 7 Bioretention Swale Summary


Maximum bottom width Maximum side slope Minimum depth Slope limitations Runoff type Applications 2m 1:3 600mm + under drain + detention Longitudinal slopes between 1 4% Surface runoff Roadways and carparks

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Figure 7: Bioretention Swale

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5.
5.1

Engineering design
Location

Bioretention gardens should be located away from travelled areas such as public pathways to avoid compaction. Where ever possible the bioretention gardens should be located to minimise the pervious areas draining to them, and therefore they should not be located in overland flow paths. The sizing of the bioretention garden must take into consideration the potential contributing catchment for the calculation of the design storm capacity of the garden. Access needs to be provided to ensure that the bioretention garden can be maintained in future. 5.1.1 Set back

Bioretention gardens should ideally maintain a 1m minimum distance from property lines. Bioretention gardens must not be installed within the zone of influence of foundations or within 3m of the edge of any structure. If a bioretention garden is installed upslope and within 6m of a structure it should be lined (may only need to be lined one side) to prevent potential saturation of the foundation soils. These distances may be reduced on the advice of an engineer. It is recommended that bioretention devices installed adjacent to roads have impermeable lining, to prevent stormwater migrating from the bioretention filter media into road subgrade. In addition, while a concrete wall structure is unlikely to be required around the whole device, it is advisable to use a concrete edge to provide support on the side adjacent to the road. If trees are to be planted within gardens consideration should be given to over-head setbacks to ensure that mature trees do not interfere with power lines or other utilities. 5.1.2 Road reserve

Bioretention gardens are typically constructed within the parking lane and verge of road reserves. This can potentially result in conflicts with existing or future services (both above and below ground). Services do not preclude the use of bioretention gardens, however, disturbance from periodic or ongoing maintenance of services may severely reduce the functionality of the system. It is recommended that all services shall be clearly shown on design plans and detailed on as-built drawings to ensure that subsequent maintenance does not cause problems. Road safety requirements must be taken into account when locating bioretention gardens within roadways, including clearways and acceptable verge gradients. It may be desirable to locate bioretention gardens within roundabouts. However, consideration will need to be given to ensuring the bioretention gardens are planted with sufficiently tall vegetation to ensure the

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roundabout is visible, and that the cross-fall required to drain the road to the roundabout, is acceptable in the context of the roads design traffic. 5.1.3 Existing retaining walls

Bioretention gardens should not be installed so that they are above a 1V: 1H plane taken from the toe of any retaining wall to the ground surface retained behind it. If a bioretention garden is installed within this zone a specific design should be undertaken for the retaining wall, as it may be subjected to surcharge loading. Care should be taken to ensure that bioretention gardens are not short-circuited by nearby retaining wall drainage blankets. Drainage blankets for retaining walls are typically not designed or capable of handling significant quantities of stormwater, and locating the garden in such a manner could lead to hydrostatic loading of the retaining wall. 5.2 Impervious liner

Bioretention gardens are intended to assist infiltration and recharge of groundwater where possible, and therefore, in many cases bioretention gardens do not need to be lined. On stable sites infiltration into the soil will reduce stormwater flows and recharge groundwater without causing adverse effects. In some situation impervious liners must be used. See chapter 3 for a full discussion of slope limitations and the requirement for liners for devices located on sloping ground and near buildings. Where the bioretention garden lies within close proximity to infrastructure such as building foundations or a road, an impermeable liner is likely to be required. A liner must be installed in any bioretention garden situated on slopes steeper than 1V:4H. The liner should be impermeable and prevent water retained in the garden from saturating the natural soils. If an impervious liner is required then geotechnical advice should be obtained, and as a minimum a 0.25mm thick polypropylene liner should be used. In most cases, it is not necessary to use concrete lining for bioretention gardens. Exceptions to this may be stormwater planters which are raised above the surrounding ground level and concrete edging as support for devices installed adjacent to roadways. 5.3 Geotextile liner

The use of a permeable geotextile to line the base and walls of the bioretention garden may be used to reduce the migration of in-situ soil particles into the bioretention filter media thereby extending the life of the garden. The liner should be a light weight, non-woven, needle punched geotextile.

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Geotextile liners shall not be used between layers, and the perforated pipe shall not be socked. A transition layer of finer gravel between the soil and gravel surround will prevent soil from entering the perforated pipe. 5.4 Inlet design

Bioretention gardens require design features so that either: 1) The catchment falls towards the garden where stormwater is captured as distributed flow (particularly applicable for swales), or 2) The flow will enter the garden at concentrated discharge points, through kerb and channel, swale, or piped systems. Advice on the hydraulic aspects of inlet design is provided in Appendix B. 5.4.1 Pre-treatment

Once a bioretention area exceeds about 50 square meters in area, it will require a structural form of pre-treatment to trap sediments, litter and debris. In these situations the pretreatments should involve a two cell design, with the first cell designed as a forebay, with a 500mm ponding depth before spilling over to second cell, which is designed in the standard manner for a bioretention garden. In most cases, bioretention gardens are likely to be smaller than 50 square meters. In addition, for catchments such as roadways, carparks and commercial sites, where runoff is likely to have a high contaminant load, the use of pre-treatment upstream of the bioretention device should be considered to reduce the maintenance requirements and extend the life of the bioretention garden. Pre-treatment can include a grass filter strip or a small forebay. For some sites, it may be appropriate to consider using a gross pollutant trap or other engineered device upstream of the bioretention garden 5.4.2 Distributed inflow

An advantage of flows entering a bioretention swale system in a distributed manner (i.e. entering perpendicular to the direction of the swale) is that stormwater enters as shallow sheet flow, which maximises contact with vegetation, particularly on the batter receiving the distributed inflows. This batter slope is often referred to as a filter strip. The filter strip requires dense vegetation to function most efficiently and requires shallow flow depths below the vegetation height. The filter strip provides good pre-treatment (i.e. significant coarse sediment removal) prior to flows being conveyed along the swale.

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Figure 8: Distributed inflow examples

5.4.3

Concentrated inflow

Concentrated inflows to a bioretention garden can be in the form of a concentrated overland flow or a discharge from a piped drainage system. For all concentrated inflows, energy dissipation at the inflow location is an important consideration to minimise any erosion potential. For small gardens this can be achieved with rock benching and/or dense vegetation, for larger gardens a flow distribution weir or small forebay may be required. For bioretention gardens serving roads or carparks, inlets are typically formed from a cut-out of the kerb. The width of the opening is governed by the design flow rate entering the system. Kerb inlets aligned perpendicular to the flow path should be designed using the broad-crested weir approach. However, where the inlet is orientated parallel to the flow path, the length of opening must be increased (or multiple inlets used) to minimise the potential for bypass of design flows. The shape of the inlet can also greatly affect the behaviour of both low and high flows. Desirable attributes of a kerb inlet are provided below: Rounded or tapered kerb edges (with sufficiently large radius for the design flow rate). Concrete apron with a grade of approximately 10% to prevent localised ponding and sediment build-up on the road. Energy dissipation at the toe of the apron using grouted and/or wire mesh encased rock (spacing of rock should not create channelled flow). Flow diversion using raised structures within the kerb and channel should not be used as this poses a potential hazard to bicycles and motor vehicles. Where flush kerbs are to be used, a set-down from the pavement surface to the vegetation is to be adopted. This allows a location for sediments to accumulate that is off the pavement surface. Generally, a set down from kerb of 60 mm to the top of vegetation (if turf) is adequate. Therefore, total set-down to the base soil is approximately 100mm (with turf on top

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of base soil). This set-down can be part of the set-down required for the provision of detention storage above the surface of the bioretention garden. Another important form of concentrated inflow in a bioretention swale is the connection with the bioretention component, particularly where it is located at the downstream end of the overlying swale and receives flows concentrated within the swale. Depending on the grade and its top width and batter slopes, the resultant flow velocities at the transition from the swale to the bioretention filter media may require the use of energy dissipation to prevent scour of the bioretention filter media. The best method of achieving this is the use of a level weir structure that reduces slope and distributes flow to the bioretention filter. Figure 9: Concentrated inflow examples

5.4.4 Inlet scour protection It is good practice to provide erosion protection for flows as they enter a bioretention garden. Typically, flows will enter the bioretention garden from either a surface flow system (i.e. roadside kerb, open channel) or a piped drainage system. In most cases, these flows will enter a bioretention garden as concentrated and as such, it is important to effectively slow and spread the inflows. Rock beaching is a simple method for achieving this.

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Figure 10: Inlet scour protection

5.4.5 Inlet planting The surface of the bioretention garden immediately downstream of the inlet should be densely planted with vegetation to create a localised sediment and litter deposition area for ease of maintenance. Pre-treatment areas also act to dissipate energy and spread flows prior to contact with the bioretention filter surface, reducing scour potential. 5.4.6 Surcharge riser inlets The most common constraint on pipe systems discharging to bioretention gardens is bringing the pipe flows to the surface of a garden. In situations where free discharge of the pipe to the surface of the bioretention garden is not possible, a surcharge riser can be used. Surcharge riser inlets are a good solution because they prevent discharge water entering the garden in manner that is likely to cause erosion. However surcharge riser inlets can result in standing water, this is especially a risk in the clay soils of the North Shore. Riser inlets can be designed so that they are as shallow as possible and have pervious bases to avoid long term ponding in the pits. Where possible the riser inlets should be designed so that water which seeps from the bottom or sides of the surcharge pit is routed through at least part of the bioretention garden, and then is drained by the bioretention under drain, to prevent short-circuiting of the bioretention garden, which could undermine the treatment provided by the garden. The riser inlets need to be accessible so that any build up of coarse sediment, and debris can be monitored and removed as necessary.

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Figure 11: Surcharged riser inlet

5.5

Surface storage and high flow overflow/bypass

Advice on the hydraulic aspects of surface storage and overflow and bypass design is provided in Appendix B. 5.5.1 Ponding storage

Ponding of stormwater above the surface of the bioretention filter media promotes settling of coarse to medium sediments. The detention depth is controlled by the kerb inlet level (for offline systems) and the bypass inlet level (for online systems).The detention depth should be approximately 200 - 300mm, with an additional 100mm freeboard. Batter slopes around the bioretention are preferable to steep or vertical sides. Bioretention gardens installed immediately behind a roadside kerb where batter slopes cannot be incorporated must have a 300mm wide concrete kerb support. Mosquitoes need at least 4 days of standing water to develop as larva. The soil specification has a minimum infiltration rate of 1.2m per day, if the maximum detention depth of 400mm is applied, water should only stand in the bioretention garden for a few hours. 5.5.2 High flow bypass

In most cases a dedicated high flow bypass inlet will need to be incorporated into any bioretention gardens design. This high flow bypass inlet may be configured in following two ways: A grated riser within the detention zone, to convey flows in excess of the first flush into the public stormwater system.

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An inlet designed to enable flows in excess of the first flush to bypass the bioretention garden, and be conveyed into the public stormwater system. Where possible this is the preferred option because it reduces potential damage to gardens in large events. All types of high flow bypass inlets must be non-blocking to minimise the risk of flooding. In all cases, a protected overland flow path is required to safely carry away excess flows to another stormwater treatment device, or to an approved overland flow path for flows in excess of the 10% AEP in residential development and the 5% AEP for commercial areas. Figure 12: Overflow options

Figure 13: High flow bypass illustration

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5.6

Soils

The soil used for bioretention gardens has an important role in water quality treatment, water attenuation, and supporting associated vegetation. The soil of bioretention gardens must be permeable enough to allow runoff to filter through the garden, whilst being able to promote and sustain a vegetative cover. Soils must balance chemical and physical properties in order to support biotic communities above and below ground. 5.6.1 Hydraulic conductivity

The saturated hydraulic conductivity of the bioretention garden should be between 50mm 300mm/hr. This range provides sufficient water retention to support vegetation and sufficient drainage to ensure that the first flush of runoff from the catchment can be passed through the bioretention filter media, rather than bypassing via the overflow. TP10 has a minimum hydraulic conductivity rate of 12.5mm per hour 6 , however this rate has become a default target. The bioretention filter media North Shore City are recommending is more free-draining, and is consistent with the Australian Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltrations soil media specification, which requires a hydraulic conductivity rate of between 50 300mm/hr. 7 Australian research on the performance of bioretention gardens 8 , has found that of 12 sites tested, 55% had infiltration rates below the desired minimum of 88mm/hr and 45% below 40mm/hr. This research indicates that poorer hydraulic conductivity than planned is often the achievement. This is likely to be the result of one or more of the following: The bioretention filter media does not fulfil the specification, Compaction at the time of construction, and/or The ingress of fines over time.

Auckland Regional Council , 2003 Technical publication 10, Design Guideline Manual: Stormwater Treatment Device Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration, 2006, Bioretention and Tree pit media specification

Land and Water Constructions, 2006 Kingston City Council and Better Bays and Waterways - Institutionalising Water Sensitive Urban Design and Best Practice Management Project Review of street scale WSUD in Melbourne Study Findings

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5.6.2

Bioretention filter media

Bioretention performance is maximised by using soils with high carbon content, low fertility and high phosphate retention. Such soils have high water storage, aeration and ability to remove metals, and low risk of nitrogen and phosphorus leaching. The specifications for the best planting soil are listed below: A mix of compost (approx. 30%), topsoil (approx.30%)and sand (approx.40%). A uniform mix, free of stones, stumps, roots or other similar objects. 90-100% of the medium should pass through a 10mm sieve and 97-100% should pass through a 25mm sieve. Free of brush or seeds from noxious plants. The soil should contain the following properties:
Organic matter Seed germination score (out of 7) Total water holding capacity Moisture Bulk density -wet wt basis (kg per m ) pH range Magnesium Phosphorus(P205) Potassium (K20)
-3

10 30% 6 50% 30% to 50% 750 1300 5.2 7.5 40kg/ha min 80kg/ha min 95kg/ha min

5.6.3

Transition layer

The particle size difference between the bioretention filter media and the underlying drainage layer should be not more than one order of magnitude to avoid the bioretention filter media being washed through the voids of the drainage layer. A transition layer made up of 100mm of sand/coarse sand should be provided above the free draining gravels provided around the pipe. An indicative particle size distribution is provided below 9 : Sieve Size 1.4 mm 1.0mm 0.7mm 0.5mm % passing 100% 80% 44% 8.4%

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5.7

Under drainage

Much of the North Shore is situated on soils with low permeability rates. In a natural situation, some water does permeate slowly into clay soils, but as these soils do not naturally have a high rate of permeability they are not considered appropriate ground conditions for the use of bioretention gardens which are reliant on soakage for stormwater disposal. For this reason all bioretention gardens in North Shore City must be constructed with an under-drain which connects to an approved stormwater outlet, unless the designer of the soakage bioretention device can demonstrate with site specific geotechnical investigations and soakage tests, that the site is suitable for the disposal of stormwater to soakage. Important aspects of bioretention under-drainage are listed below: The drainage layer and under-drain must be graded at a minimum of 0.5% towards the outlet. Under drains must lie on the base of the gravel drainage layer unless infiltration is an output of the design. Under-drains extending outside of the drainage layer (through in-situ soils) must be nonperforated. Under-drains should be connected no less than 200mm above the invert of a stormwater gully pit or manhole. Under-drains should not be located within the groundwater zone of saturation. Presence of water pooling at the base of the excavated facility may require a field modification and possibly a plan revision. Advice on the hydraulic aspects of under-drain design is provided in Appendix B. 5.7.1 Under drainage gravel layer

A layer of clean, washed gravel (5mm -14mm diameter or pea gravel) should be provided beneath the transition layer to surround the perforated pipe. A minimum 50mm bedding layer beneath the pipe should be provided. The size of the drainage gravel should be determined in conjunction with the size of the perforations of the under drain pipe. The under drain media should be sized so that d85 > 1 x size of the perforation. 5.7.2 Storage layer

To facilitate groundwater recharge, a storage layer can be provided under the perforated pipe in areas which are not at risk from geotechnical instability. The depth of this layer can vary but a 300mm layer will provide some storage without significantly increasing the depth of the excavation. If a storage layer is provided then an impermeable liner should not be installed.

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Figure 14: With and without storage layer

5.7.3

Perforated sub-surface drainage pipes

Perforated pipes can be either a PVC pipe with slots cut into the length of it, or a flexible pipe with smaller holes distributed across its surface, both are suitable. A geofabric wrapping should not be used around perforated pipes as this is a potential location for blockage. Where perforated pipes are supplied with geotextile wrapping, it is to be removed before installation. The diameter and number of perforated pipes required to drain a bioretention garden should be sized so that the conveyance of water in the perforated pipe is not a control on the system, to ensure this is the case, it is recommended that perforated pipes are sized to convey peak flows an order of magnitude greater than the peak infiltration rate the bioretention filter media is capable of delivering to the pipe. Appendix B provides the equations for Darcys law to calculate the peak infiltration rate, the orifice equation to calcuate the rate at which water can enter the pipe through the perforations and Mannings n equation to calcuate the peak flow the pipe can convey.

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A single 110mm perforated pipe at 5% grade will be sufficient for a bioretention garden with an area of 6m2, assuming there is a peak saturated hydraulic conductivity of 100mm/hr. For larger gardens or more free flowing bioretention filter media a larger pipe is likely to be required.
Bypass

5.8

Connections

Pipe joints and storm drain structure connections must be adequately sealed to avoid piping conditions (water seeping through pipe or structure joints). Pipe sections must be coupled using suitable connection rings and flanges. Field connections to storm drain structures and pipes must be sealed with polymer grout material that is capable of adhering to surfaces. Under drain pipe must be capped (at structure) until completion of the garden. All bioretention gardens must be designed with an overflow. The overflow must either be connected to an approved stormwater outlet or to an approved overland flow path. For residential applications the overflow should divert runoff in up to the 10% Annual Exceedence Probability AEP event into the public stormwater system (5% AEP for commercial applications). In some instances, the overflow can be directed as sheet flow to other stormwater gardens in a treatment train (e.g swale to pond or wetland.) For events between the 10% AEP (5% for commercial areas) and the 1% AEP runoff can be diverted onto an approved overland flow path. 5.8.1 Observation/cleanout standpipe

An observation/cleanout standpipe should be installed in every bioretention garden that services multiple properties or is larger than 10m2. The standpipes primary functions provides: An indication of how quickly the bioretention garden de-waters following a storm, and A connection to the under drain system to facilitate cleanout. The observation standpipe must consist of a rigid non-perforated PVC pipe, 100mm in diameter. The top of the well should be capped with a screw, or flange type cover to discourage vandalism and tampering.

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6.
6.1.1

Landscape design
Mulch/compost

Having a mulch, or compost layer on the surface of the ground can play an important role. This layer assists in maintaining soil moisture and avoids surface sealing, which reduces permeability. Mulch helps prevent erosion and provides a micro-environment suitable for soil biota at the mulch/soil interface. Mulch should be: Coarse grade shredded wood chips. Well aged, free of other materials such as weed seeds, soil, roots etc. Applied in a uniform thickness of between 50 and 75 mm deep. Dense enough to avoid floating. Chemical mulches can be applied hydraulically to adhere to the soil, and potentially assist with flocculation. These are most relevant for larger areas. Compost is another consideration, important for plant growth and water quality treatment, but fertilisers should be avoided as they may compromise the water quality function of the bioretention facility. In situations where the overflow is located within the bioretention garden, special attention should be paid to the mulch to ensure that it is not prone to floating, and is not likely to cause the overflow to block. It is also possible to use rock or pumice as surface covers. These should be applied above the mulch/compost layer. 6.1.2 Soil depth

The depth of the soils/mulch layer determines what plant species can be successfully grown in the bioretention garden. Below are a range of soil depths and appropriate plant types: 300mm is a sufficient depth of to support grasses and small shrubs, up to 1m in height (Note the roots of plants may reach the gravel layer). 300mm to 600mm is a sufficient depth of soil for larger shrubs. Minimum of 1000mm of soil depth is required to support a tree. North Shore City Council requires a minimum soil depth of 600mm for bioretention devices. This includes the depth of the transition layer. However the edges of the garden may be sloped, and in these areas the soil depth may be less than the minimum of 600mm. In these areas of shallower soil it is important that appropriate plant selections are made.

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6.2

Landscape

Landscape design is an important consideration in the construction of bioretention gardens. An attractive bioretention garden will increase the likelihood of it becoming a permanent feature, with landowners taking pride and stewardship over the maintenance of their facilities. 6.2.1 Integrate

One design approach for bioretention is to integrate facilities into the finished landscape. This is achieved through working within the existing landform, placing bioretention gardens on existing terraces and tapering their berms into the slope. However, it is not advisable to locate bioretention gardens behind existing retaining walls, see discussion in section 5.1.3. Bioretention gardens also have the potential to reinforce existing landforms and/or reference visible landforms nearby, in this way enhancing the experience of the site. Plant choices can also reflect the proposed future landscape of the site, integrated with an overall planting scheme. Where the constraints prevent particular species from being used in bioretention facilities, it may still be possible to emulate the qualities in form, colour and/or texture of plants in other areas of the landscape (see below). 6.2.2 Edge

To prevent vehicles driving on bioretention gardens, it is necessary to consider appropriate traffic control solutions as part of the design, providing physical barriers such as kerb and channel (with breaks to allow distributed water entry to the swale) or bollards and/or street tree planting. On sites with a slope greater than 1:12 water flowing into the bioretention garden will naturally try to run off the downhill edge. Berms provided on the down slope side of the bioretention garden must be benched into the slope. For slopes greater than 1:4, a retaining wall structure may be required. Advice should be sought from a suitably qualified geotechnical engineer for the design of any bioretention garden on a slope greater than 1:4. While in some instances a formalised edge around the bioretention garden may be desirable to delineate the space and ensure the bioretention garden is maintained appropriately, in other locations, such as private yards, it may be more suitable to integrate the bioretention garden into the character of the existing garden.

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6.2.3

Planting

Using the height, form, colour, and texture of plants a landowner can emphasize or give depth to background plantings or structures. Patterns and rhythms can be formed, or reinforce those within the existing landscape. By planting in groups it is possible to emphasize the qualities of individual plants. Keep to odd numbers and offset spacings to allow plants to blend as they reach their mature forms. Provide for seasonal interest. A list of appropriate native plants is provided in Appendix A. Native plants are good choice for bioretention gardens because native plants are adapted to local conditions and have ecological benefits. However, exotic plants can also be suitable for bioretention gardens, and provided the plants are not pest species, and can tolerate the wetting and drying that occurs in bioretention gardens, there is no reason that exotic plants cannot be used if they are the land owners preference. 6.2.4 Form spaces and circulation

Bioretention gardens have the potential to create or connect spaces using the media of landform and plants. Low grasses can form a virtual space, low shrubs a physical barrier, larger specimens and trees a visual break and/or a ceiling for an outdoor space. Trimmed hedges, rambling shrubs, grasses or hard materials such as stone, can create edges, depending on the quality of the space desired. The spatial sequence within a landscape can be directed by the size, shape and placement of the bioretention garden. Bioretention gardens are not limited to amorphic curves, but can take on geometric forms that relate to existing architecture or deliberate axes within the landscape. 6.2.5 Celebrate

An alternative to integrating bioretention gardens into the landscape is to form them into a deliberate feature. This can reveal water flow, or water quality treatment. Forms can be an expression of eco-technology with bands of regimented plants in tight rows. Another possibility is to utilise the bioretention garden, downpipe or filter strip as water-play in the landscape, using fountains and cascades to form landscape follies.

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Figure 15: Bioretention Planting

6.3 6.3.1

Plant Selection Ecology

If a bioretention garden is large enough it can form multiple tiers of planting, effectively creating a microclimate on the site. The minimum size for this to be achieved is approximate 6-10m2. Bioretention gardens may also provide a transitional edge to existing vegetation, providing a buffer against damaging winds and overland flows, and allowing adjacent habitats to remain intact. Native species have distinct genetic advantages in bioretention gardens, having evolved naturally with the resultant suitability for climate and soil types. This allows greater survivorship, less maintenance, and greater competition with weed species. Native plants also provide better habitat for native fauna within urban areas. 6.3.2 Function

Plants in a bioretention garden should generally have extensive root systems to encourage biological activity (and thereby maximise water quality treatment). They should be adaptable to varying levels of inundation and exposure (generally floodplain and upper coastal marsh species are appropriate, but the species must tolerate soils that dry out). Plants need to compete against weeds while not dominating other planting, and tolerate well-drained soils of a moderate pH. When planting a bioretention garden it is necessary to consider the function of the bioretention garden in a technical sense and the tolerance of the individual plants to resulting

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conditions. For example, leggy shrubs and flax are effective for water quality treatment, but they can act as an impediment to water flows if they are placed near inflow or outflow structures. Hardy plants tolerant to dry soil conditions should be planted densely along the perimeter of bioretention gardens to form an edge to discourage foot traffic and mowing. Plants in the centre of a bioretention garden require the greatest tolerance to inundation and should be selected for dense root mats that coalesce the soil and inhibit weeds. These plants should also lay flat under large sheet flows. Plants in streetscapes and roundabouts must be of a size and form that takes into account sight lines of traffic. Larger trees with extensive root systems should not be planted above existing infrastructure pipes, or where future access is an issue 6.3.3 Materials

Ideal plant specimens will have well developed root systems and a well-shaped trunk, stem and head (or apical shoot). Plants should be free of disfiguring knots, bark abrasions, wind, freezing injury or any other disfigurements, and free from pests and disease. Plants should have been previously hardened off to cope with the climatic conditions of the site, which usually requires one to three months placed in similar conditions to the intended site. Roots should be just touching the edge of their containers and should be rejected if they are wound round. For the rapid establishment of the bioretention garden, plant sizes should be greater than PB2 as per nursery standards, with larger specimen trees greater than PB5. Usually one or two-year-old plants will have root systems that are beginning to circle or get matted. (Note: use only nursery-propagated plants; do not collect plants from the wild). 6.3.4 Planting

Plant in the shade when the ground is workable, but avoid compaction of moist soils. In some instances it may be necessary to re-rake the soil following planting to prevent soil clogging. Position plants before loosening them from their pots in accordance with a predetermined planting plan. When planting, protect the roots from the sun or drying winds and keep plants in the shade and well watered until they are ready to set in. Set plants at 1200mm spacings for shrubs and large grasses and between 300mm and 750mm for small grasses and herbs. Spacings and densities are dependent on plant species and varieties for which advice should be sought. Dig each hole twice as wide as the plant plug and deep enough to keep the crown of the young plant level with the existing grade. Place 25mm of proprietary compost in the base of each hole for plants. Make sure the crown is level and then fill the hole and firmly tamp around the roots to avoid air pockets.

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Water immediately after planting and continue to water twice a week (unless rain does the job) until plugs are established. You should not have to water your bioretention garden once the plants are established. Plugs can be planted anytime during the growing season as long as they get adequate water. The suggested planting lists provided in Appendix A, are adapted from multiple sources, including the ARC TP10 Stormwater Management Gardens: Design Guidelines Manual 2003. The plants mentioned all occur naturally within the Tamaki ecological district and within the North Shore area specifically. Plants were chosen for their abilities to tolerate a range of moisture conditions, and where possible a range of sun to shade conditions. Although the selected plant species are suitable for bioretention, not all plants will be suitable for all sites and the advice of a specialist should be sought wherever possible. As well as planting within bioretention gardens there are opportunities to provide dead logs as upright or horizontal features, which can provide initial structure to a garden, act as a check dam, or provide bird roosts or habitat for herpertofauna and invertebrates.

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7.
7.1

Construction
Excavation

A standard bioretention garden is likely to have total depth of approximately 1.3m or less. The minimum depth acceptable is 600mm. In some situations, for example for tree pits where a minimum of 1m depth of soil is required, or on sloping sites, it may be necessary to construct a pit with a depth greater than 1.3m. For any excavation that is greater than 1.5m, shoring may be required unless the side slope can be battered to a safe slope. A safe slope for slopes above the water table is 1:1. It may be necessary to rip the bottom soils to promote greater infiltration. Bioretention gardens should not be placed in the same excavated area used for construction sediment controls unless these are excavated to remove fine sediments before the bioretention filter media is added. Another possibility is to place a sacrificial sand layer in the base of sediment control features to be removed at the completion of construction works 7.2 Timing

Designated bioretention areas must be fully protected by silt fence or construction fencing to prevent compaction by heavy equipment during construction. Defer building bioretention gardens until the contributing catchment has been stabilised, site construction work is completed, and construction equipment and stockpiles are removed. This is very important to ensure that bioretention facilities are not impacted by construction activities prior to the operational phase. If bioretention facilities are constructed before the site has been stabilised then they should be covered with a geotextile and left unplanted until such time as construction activity has ceased and the site has been fully stabilised. 7.3 Geotextile and liners

Where geotextile and liners are to be used these should be installed carefully to prevent damage and to ensure at least 15mm of overlap. 7.4 Backfilling gravel

Placement of the gravel over the under-drain must be done with care. Avoid dropping the gravel from height. Spill directly over under-drain and spread manually. Ensure drainage media is washed to remove fines prior to placement in bioretention system.

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7.5

Backfill soil

Australian research has indicated that many existing bioretention gardens have less than the design permeability rate 10 . This is also thought to be an issue in Auckland with existing bioretention gardens. This is often due to fill material being used that does not meet the specification. This highlights the importance of quality control at the construction stage. It is thought that another reason for soils not meeting permeability rates, is due to the compaction of the bioretention filter media at the time of backfilling. When the bioretention filter media is placed in the device it is essential it is not compacted. It is recommended that soils is placed in 300mm lifts, and tapped gently with a back hoe. Watering down can also be used to settle soils. It is suggested that following to initial filling, to wait a few days to check for natural settlement and to add additional material as required. 7.6 Erosion Checks

It is good practice to check the operation of inlet erosion protection measures following the first few rainfall events. It is important to check for these early in the systems life, to avoid continuing problems. If problems occur, erosion protection must be enhanced. As well, be sure to compact retention berms and apply erosion control fabric and planting to keep them in place where applicable. 7.7 Planting

Prepare planting holes for any trees and shrubs, install vegetation, and water accordingly. Install any temporary irrigation. Lay down surface cover which will vary depending on the design but may be compost, mulch, or stone or a combination. In the Auckland region, the planting season is from May to September. Planting at this time of the year will improve establishment and survival of plants and reduce the amount of establishment maintenance required

10

Land and Water Constructions, 2006 Kingston City Council and Better Bays and Waterways Institutionalising Water Sensitive Urban Design and Best Practice Management Project Review of street scale WSUD in Melbourne Study Findings

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7.8 Tolerances Conduct a final construction inspection, checking inlet, pre-treatment cell, bioretention cell and outlet elevations. Ensure the base of the garden and surface of the bioretention filter media is free from localised depressions and low points resulting from earthworks finishing is particularly important to achieve even distribution of stormwater flows over these treatment surfaces. For swales, continuous longitudinal slopes (along the invert of the swale component) will reduce the likelihood of local ponding within the swale. Generally, an earthworks tolerance of plus or minus 50 mm is considered acceptable.

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7.9
A.

Construction Checklist
Preliminary Works Erosion/sediment control plan adopted Temporary traffic/safety control measures Location same as plans Critical root zones (0.5m beyond drip line) of nominated trees are protected

DURING CONSTRUCTION

B.

Earthworks Bed of garden correct shape and slope Batter slopes as plans Dimensions of bioretention area as plans Confirm surrounding soil type with design Provision of liner as designed Perforated pipe installed as designed Drainage layer media as designed Transition layer media as designed Bioretention filter media specifications checked Detention depth as designed Compaction process as designed

C.

Structural Components Location and levels of excavation as designed Public safety protection provided Pipe joints connections as designed Concrete and reinforcement as designed Inlets appropriately installed Inlet erosion protection installed Set down to correct level for flush kerbs

D.

Vegetation Stabilisation immediately following earthworks Planting as designed (species/densities) Weed removal before stabilisation

E.

As Built Drawings Engineer certifies the construction according to the consented design

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8.

Maintenance

Bioretention gardens require some regular maintenance to ensure they continue to perform as stormwater management devices and as attractive landscape features. Many design features can minimize the maintenance burden and maintain pollutant removal efficiency. Key examples include: limiting drainage area, providing easy site access, providing pretreatment, and utilizing native plantings. The construction phase is another critical step where many maintenance problems can be minimized or avoided. The most important maintenance guideline to follow during construction is to make sure that the contributing drainage area has been fully stabilised prior to bringing the practice on line. 8.1 Access Sufficient access must be provided at the design stage, and protected throughout the bioretention gardens design life, to ensure the ongoing inspection, maintenance and landscape upkeep of the bioretention garden is possible. 8.2 Under drain For bioretention gardens larger than 10m2, or that serve more than one property, a manhole should be provided at the connection between the overflow riser, the perforated under drain and the non-perforated stormwater that conveys water away from the garden to the public stormwater network. For devices less than 10m2 that serve an individual lot, a manhole is not required, it is sufficient to provide a riser connection for the overflow, which connects with a junction the perforated under drain and the non-perforated private stormwater pipe that conveys water away from the garden to the public stormwater network. This riser should be designed to enable rodding of the under drain should it become blocked. If the depth to the invert of the bioretention garden is greater than 1m then the manhole should be sized to allow access, e.g. 1050mm diameter manhole. If the garden is 1m deep or less, a mini-manhole will be sufficient. The manhole should be located close enough to the bioretention garden to enable maintenance of the under drain. 8.3 Fertilizing The bioretention filter media is designed to incorporate approximately 30% organic matter, and will support plant growth. Excess fertilization, (besides compromising the facilitys pollutant reduction effectiveness) leads to weak plant growth, promotes disease and pest outbreaks, and inhibits soil life.

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8.4

Harvesting

Like any garden area that includes grasses or woody plant materials, harvesting and pruning of excess or diseased growth will need to be done occasionally. Trimmed materials may be recycled back in with replenished mulch material, composted elsewhere on the site, or taken to landfill in the case of hot spot locations. Trees and shrubs may also be pinched, pruned, thinned or dead-headed for shape or to maximize fruit or flower production. Pruning of trees should occur before bud-break in the late winter. Pruning of flowering shrubs should be performed immediately after the plants have finished blooming. For specific pruning instructions for particular species consult your nurseryman. 8.5 Watering

Typically, watering of the bioretention garden will not be necessary once plants have become established, except during drought conditions. However, watering will be needed during the plant establishment stage. 8.6 Weeding

Weeding of the facilities is not absolutely necessary for the proper functioning of the bioretention facility. However, unwanted plants can be invasive, consuming the intended planting and destroying the aesthetic appeal and biodiversity benefits of the bioretention garden. Therefore, weeding is encouraged to control growth of unwanted plants, especially where bioretention gardens are placed in prominent settings. Non-chemical methods (hand pulling and hoeing) are preferable. 8.7 Pest damage

Trees and shrubs should be monitored for the appearance of pests and/or damage caused by pests or disease. Monitoring should occur once a week during the first growing season. For identification of specific pests and diseases, and for treatment recommendations, consult the ARC biodiversity team (http://www.arc.govt.nz/index.cfm?26D815A8-E018-8BD1-32D6-C3EF43975B56). It is important to keep in mind that insects and soil micro-organisms perform a vital role in maintaining soil structure. Therefore, the use of pesticides should be avoided so as not to harm beneficial organisms. An alternative approach is to use a combination of biological, physical, and chemical controls.

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8.8 Mulching The mulch materials placed in the facility will decompose and blend with the soil medium over time. Mulch layers should not exceed 75mm in depth around trees and shrubs and should be placed away from the base of trunks. Mulch can be spread to 50mm depths around perennials. Grass clippings or animal waste should not be used as mulch in bioretention gardens. Avoid blocking inflow entrance points with mounded mulch. Mulch material should be reapplied once every 6 months during the first three growing seasons. Once a full groundcover is established, re-mulching can be programmed annually, with the mulch scraped off and removed every 5 years. 8.9 Standing Water Problems

Bioretention facilities are designed to have water standing for up to 24 hours. If this period is routinely exceeded, the facility may not be functioning properly. Should standing or pooling water become a maintenance burden, minor corrective action can usually correct it. Pooling water is usually caused by clogging or blockage of the surface layer. The surface blockage problem may be corrected by removing the mulch layer and using a flat-bottomed shovel and skim off the top 50 mm of media, and then replace the mulch. If this is done several times, then additional media may be needed in the future It should be noted that careful adherence to the bioretention filter media specification can mitigate the risk of standing water and save maintenance cost and effort. 8.10 Rubbish and Debris

Runoff flowing into bioretention gardens may carry litter and debris with it, particularly in commercial settings. Rubbish and debris should be removed regularly both to ensure that inlets do not become blocked and to keep the area from becoming unsightly. Inspect bioretention areas after rainstorms to ensure drainage paths are free from blockages. Curb cuts in parking areas will need to periodically be cleared of accumulated sediment and debris. 8.11 Pre-treatment

For bioretention gardens larger than 50m2 and for bioretention gardens serving busy roads or commercial areas we suggest the use of pre-treatment. This pre-treatment may be in the form of a forebay or engineered silt trap or a filter strip. These pre-treatment devices should be checked 6 monthly and silt removed as required.

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8.12 Maintenance Schedule Effective long-term operation of bioretention gardens requires dedicated and routine maintenance tasks performed to a consistent timetable.
Monthly Remove weeds and replace dead plants. Eradicate noxious/pest weeds and undesirable growth Litter removal Inflow, overflow/outlets-check overflow for clogging. Remove accumulated sediments. Check overflow spillway Summer- monitor and water vegetation in extended dry periods Pruning or thinning 6 Monthly 12 Monthly 5-yearly

Compost/Mulch seasons)

replenishment

(first

growing

Remove accumulated sediments; reinstate plants, soil and mulch. Check for ponding /clogging and blockage of filter media Inspect trees and shrubs and replace any dead or severely diseased vegetation Scour/erosion evident: check for erosion signs. Check dams/capping system areas and correct as required Sump- accumulated sediments not more than 50% full Outlet manholes-check manhole sumps Pre-treatment, required inspection and remove silt from

and

silt

removal

as

Compost/Mulch replenishment (after first 3 growing seasons) Check for restrictions/clogging/failures in pipes Scrap off top 100mm of soil and mulch, dispose to landfill, replace Replace transition layer or filter fabric if warranted

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9.

References

Auckland Regional Council, 2003 Technical publication 10, Design Guideline Manual: Stormwater Treatment Device Brix, H. 1993. Wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands system design, removal processes, and treatment performance. Pp. 9-22 in Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality Improvement, G. A. Moshiri (ed). Boca Raton, Fla.; CRC Press, 632 pp. Brisbane City Council, 2005 Draft Water Sensitive urban Design Engineering Guidelines Brisbane City Council, 2006, Stormwater Gardens Bioretention Basins for Urban Streets City of Melbourne, 2004 Water Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines North Carolina DENR. 1997. Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual. Raleigh, N.C.: North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. 85 pp. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating: Designing Rain Gardens (Bio-Retention Areas) North Shore City Council, 2005 Long Bay Practice notes 204 Rain gardens Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration, 2006, Bioretention and Tree pit media specification Land and Water Constructions, 2006 Kingston City Council and Better Bays and Waterways Institutionalising Water Sensitive Urban Design and Best Practice Management Project Review of street scale WSUD in Melbourne Study Findings Prince Georges County, Maryland, The Bioretention Manual City of Sydney, 2004. Water sensitive design in Sydney region, Technical Guide

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Appendix A Plant Specifications


Ground cover Plants
Botanical Name Apodasmia similis oioi Common Name Height (mm) 1500 Spread (mm) 1000 Appearance & Tolerance A reed with fine grey leaves and brown markings at intervals along the length of leaves. Grows well in damp ground, tolerates open water, direct sun and salt spray. Carex lessoniana Spreading sedge swamp 1000 2000 Wide green bi-folded leaves and long hanging green spikes. Prefers damp or periodically damp areas, tolerant of direct sun and semi-shade. Carex secta purei 1500 2000 Bright green sedge that forms in clumps, developing a trunk. Tolerates damp and short periods of dryness, direct sun and semi-shade. Prefers wet feet. Carex virgata purei 800 800 Upright, fine-leaved bright green sedge with long seed heads. Works well at both the centre and edges of raingardens in wet and dry exposed conditions. Cortaderia fulvida toetoe 1500 2000 The smaller of the toetoe. Branching from the base to 1500mm high (flowers to 2000mm). Long strapshaped leaves with red-orange coloured veins. Prefers good drainage and semi-shade but can tolerate wet conditions and full sun. Cyperus ustulatus toetoeupokotangata, umbrella sedge 1500 1500 Large, pale olive-green curving sedge with large dark brown or purple spikes. Prefers wet edge conditions but can tolerate periods of dry and exposure to full sun. Dianella nigra turutu 500 1000 Lily with reddish leaves, small white flowers, and striking violet-blue fruit. Does well in shade and open areas but prefers welldrained situations. Gahnia xanthocarpa tarangarara 3000 3000 Very stout sedge that can grow to over 3000mm high. Sharp leaves may be used to dissuade public access. Grows well in boggy conditions and can tolerate semi-shade and direct sun. Gleichenia dicarpa tangle fern 500 1500 Forms springy interlacing and compact thickets. Prefers wet soils, but is comfortable in shady or exposed conditions. Can be difficult to established. Haloragis erecta toatoa 1000 1000 A low growing shrub, with fine green serrated leaves. Grows in well drained damp soils but can tolerate periods of dryness and direct sun as well as semishade. Isolepis inundata Juncus pallidus swamp club rush wiwi 300 1700 500 2000 Soft bright yellow-green erect tufts. Does well in wetter soils in the sun or semi-shade. An attractive light green rush up to 1500mm tall that forms large clumps. Prefers wet and wet edge conditions, and can tolerate sun or semi-shade.

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Libertia grandiflora & L. ixioides

mikoikoi, native iris

400

400

Clump forming native irises with narrow, upright leaves. Small white flowers form on tall spikes in spring. Prefers well drained wet soils. Tolerates sun or shade and periods of dryness.

Machaerina sinclairii

tuhara

1000

1500

Large and leafy pale green sedge with graceful seed head. Grows well in seepage areas and prefers shade, but can tolerate edge conditions.

Muehlenbeckia complexa

pohuehue

1000

2000

Dense sprawling divaricating shrub, good habitat value and weed suppressant but can take over if inter-planted. Tolerates very dry to well-drained wet conditions in full sun or semi-shade.

Phormium cookianum

mountain flax wharariki,

1500

1500

Clump-forming flax with drooping yellow green leaves. Tolerates full exposure and sun. Prefers edges and well-drained soils.

Phormium tenax

harakeke, flax

3000

3000

Clump-forming flax with large stiff leaves and red flowers that attract birds. Prefers full exposure to sun and salt spray and survives in boggy and dry environments.

Schoenus tendo

wiwi

1000

1000

Rush like sedge up to 1000mm tall light green culms that turn to orange in the sun. Prefers edge conditions and tolerates direct sun and semi-shade.

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Small Trees and Shrubs (6m2 rain garden recommended for trees)
Botanical Name Carpodetus serratus Common Name putaputaweta Height (mm) 600 Spread (mm) 300 Appearance and Tolerance Horizontally branching shrub with marbled leaves and a white flowers.. Light shade will encourage dense undergrowth and prefers damp free draining soils. Tolerates direct sun. Coprosma propinqua mingimingi, black scrub 3000 2000 Bushy, dark green divaricating shrub with small leaves. Sun & shade, in well drained & boggy soils. Coprosma robusta karamu 5000 3000 A shrub or small tree up to 6000mm, dense and lustrous green foliage and orange berries that attracts wildlife. Prefers sun but tolerates wet to dry conditions. Quick to establish. Cordyline australis ti kouka, cabbage tree 8000 3000 1200mm height. Palm-like in appearance with large heads of linear leaves and panicles of scented flowers. Dense taproots, so they must be kept away from under drains. Sun to semi-shade. Prefers damp to moist soil. Cordyline banksii ti ngatere, cabbage tree kotukutuku forest 5000 2000 Branching from the base and forming a clump. Long strap leaves with red-orange veins. Prefers good drainage and semi-shade Fuchsia excorticata 5000 2000 A deciduous small tree up to 12000mm high that has a very distinctive stripped orange bark and redpurple flowers. Prefers cool shade and moist, well drained soils. Hoheria populnea houhere, lacebark 8000 3000 A fast growing tree with abundant flowers. Prefers well draining soils. Tolerates sun but prefers protection from wind exposure. Leptospermum scoparium manuka and varieties 4000 2000 Shrub or small tree growing to 4000mm in height. Natural forms have white to pinkish flowers. Hardy and tolerant of difficult conditions including salt and wet edges. Melicytus ramiflorus mahoe 5000 3000 A white barked tree with a spreading habit and large serrated leaves. A very hardy tree, tolerating sun and semi-shade, dry and wet edge conditions. Myrsine australis mapou 5000 2000 A hardy tree with light green crenulated foliage and red stems. Can be clipped to form a hedge. Grows well in direct sun or shade but prefers well draining or drier soils. Olearia solandri coastal tree daisy 4000 3000 A small leaved shrub with an upright habit and autumn flowers with a pleasing fragrance. Can be clipped to form an attractive hedge. Tolerant of salt spray and conditions, sun and semi-shade. Plagianthus divaricatus makaka, ribbonwood saltmarsh 2000 1500 temporarily wet

A tough divaricating and bushy shrub with attractive red-copper branches. Performs well in diverse soil conditions, tolerating boggy soils and salt spray.

Rhopalostylis sapida

nikau palm

8000

3000

A New Zealand palm that may take some time to form a trunk. Provide light shade to encourage dense growth, but can tolerate open conditions when established.

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Large Trees (10m2 rain garden recommended for one tree)


Botanical Name Alectryon excelsus titoki Common Name Height (metres) 8 Spread (metres) 6 Appearance and Tolerance A tree that is common for streetscapes, spreading from a single trunk with light green glossy leaves. Slightly frost tender, but tolerant of shade and direct sun. Prefers well drained moist soils. Cyathea medullaris mamaku 12 4 Hardy, fast growing tree fern with 3m fronds Comfortable in moist soils and exposed places, shade and frost tolerant. Dacrydium cupressinum rimu 60 10 A beautiful tree with hanging needles and weeping branches in juvenile form. Prefers well drained soils, sun and semishade. Dacrycarpus dacrydioides kahikatea 20 10 Kahikatea are tall native pines with upright needles. The tree will take a few seasons to develop robust foliage. Able to tolerate waterlogged soils with buttressed roots in sun and semi-shade. Dysoxylum spectabile kohekohe 12 10 An attractive tree of lush broadleaf foliage and panicles of white flowers. Requires some shelter or companion planting when young, with low tolerance of direct sun. Prefers intermittently wet soils only. Laurelia zelandiae novaepukatea 10 3 A distinct buttressed tree with glossy green, erect foliage. Can be slow growing but performs well in damp areas. Tolerates sun and shade. Podocarpus totara totara 10 9 A hardy tree of dense spindle like foliage that can achieve large sizes or can be clipped to form a hedge. Easy to establish and tolerant of open or shade, wet or dry conditions. Schefflera digitata pate 5 4 Seven-finger foliage with massing of fruit for birds. Prefers damp and shady conditions but can tolerate direct sun in a sheltered environment.

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Appendix B Hydraulic Design


The sizing methodology provided in the District Plan Change 22, provides a relationship between the area of the bioretention garden and the area of imperviousness to be managed by the bioretention garden. To ensure the garden achieves the performance standards hydraulic analysis is required to enable the designer to ensure: The contributing catchment area is correcting delineated and grades have been assessed. The inlet is sized to convey the peak first flush flow into the bioretention garden without causing ponding upstream or bypassing the filter medium. Sufficient storage is provided above the bioretention garden for attenuation of the first flush volume to be stored, without bypassing the filter medium. The under-drain is sized so that the bioretention filter medium is the control on the flow of stormwater through the bioretention garden. The garden either has an overflow system, designed to ensure that flows in excess of the treatment flow bypass the system and are conveyed to an approved outlet or overland flow path. Bioretention swales are designed to convey design flows in a manner without causing erosion.

Inlet design To determine the width of the opening in the kerb to allow flows to enter the bioretention garden, Mannings equation can be used with the kerb, gutter and road profile to estimate the flow depth in the kerb and channel at the entry point. Once the flow depth for the minor storm (e.g. 1/3 2 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI)) is known, this can then be used to calculate the required width of the opening in the kerb by applying a broad crested weir equation. The opening width is estimated by applying the flow depth in the gutter (as h) and solving for L (opening width).

Where Q = flow (m3 /s) Cw = weir coefficient (= 1.7) L = length of opening (m) h = depth of flow (m)

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This method ensures the kerb opening does not result in an increase in the upstream gutter flow depth, which in turn ensures the bioretention basin does not impact on the trafficability of the adjoining road pavement. Ponding depth and under drainage The ponding depth of the bioretention garden provides an initial storage volume to capture stormwater runoff to the bioretention garden, allowing the water to spread and infiltrate over the entire facility area. The maximum depth of the ponding should be 300mm with a 100mm freeboard. The duration of ponding after a storm event has passed should be less than 24 hours to ensure survival of the plants and to satisfy aesthetic criteria, although the exact duration required will depend on the plants selected. The effective drawdown rate is approximately equivalent to the sum of the hydraulic conductivity of the limiting soil layer (Kn) and the maximum flow through the under-drain (Ku), if applicable. The drawdown time can be estimated as the ratio of the ponding depth to the effective drawdown rate. A key hydraulic design consideration for a bioretention garden is the delivery of stormwater runoff from the garden onto the surface of a bioretention filter media. This can be achieved by creating shallow temporary ponding (i.e. detention) over the surface of the bioretention filter media via the use of a check dam and raised field inlet pits. To ensure the perforated pipes fitted within the under-drainage are of adequate size, checks are required, these are: Ensure perforations are adequate to pass the maximum infiltration rate. Ensure the pipe itself has capacity to convey the design flow/ infiltration rate. Ensure that the material in the drainage layer will not be washed into the perforated pipes. (Use a transition layer as discussed in section 0.) The maximum infiltration rate represents the maximum rate of flow through the bioretention filter media and is calculated by applying Darcys equation as follows:

where Qmax = maximum infiltration rate (m3/s) Ksat = hydraulic conductivity of the soil filter (m/s) Wbase = base width of the ponded cross section above the soil filter (m) L = length of the bioretention zone (m) hmax = depth of pondage above the soil filter (m) d = depth of bioretention filter media (m)

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The capacity of the perforated under-drains needs to be greater than the maximum permeability rate ensuring the bioretention filter media drains freely and the pipe(s) do not become the hydraulic control in the bioretention system (i.e. to ensure the bioretention filter media sets the travel time for flows percolating through the bioretention system rather than the perforated under-drainage system). To ensure the perforated under-drainage system has sufficient capacity to collect and convey the maximum permeability rate, it is necessary to determine the capacity for flows that enter the under-drainage system via perforations in the pipes. To do this, orifice flow can be assumed and the sharp edged orifice equation can be used. Firstly, the number and size of perforations needs to be determined (typically from manufacturers specifications) and used to estimate the flow rate into the pipes using the maximum driving head (being the depth of the bioretention filter media if no detention is provided or if detention is provided in the design then to the top of detention). It is conservative but reasonable to use a blockage factor to account for partial blockage of the perforations by the drainage layer media. A 50 % blockage of the perforation is recommended.

Where Qperf = flow through perforations (m3/s) B = blockage factor (0.5) Cd = orifice discharge coefficient (assume 0.61 for sharp edge orifice) A = total area of the orifice (m2) g = gravity (9.79 m/s2) h = head above the perforated pipe (m) If the capacity of the drainage system is unable to collect the maximum permeability rate then additional under drains will be required. After confirming the capacity of the under-drainage system to collect the maximum permeability rate it is then necessary to confirm the conveyance capacity of the under-drainage system, ensuring it is sufficient to convey the collected runoff. To do this, use Mannings equation. Mannings roughness is dependent on the type of pipe used. The under drains should be extended vertically to the surface of the bioretention garden to allow inspection and maintenance when required. The vertical section of the under-drain should be unperforated and capped to avoid short circuiting of flows directly to the drain.

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Mannings n roughness Grassed Swales 11 For 150 mm grass and d < 60 mm n = 0.153 d-0.33 /(0.75 + 25s) d > 60 mm n = 0.013 d-1.2 / (0.75 + 25s) For 50 mm grass and d < 75 mm n = (0.54-228 d2.5) / (0.75 + 25s) d > 75 mm n = 0.009d-1.2 /(0.75 + 25s) Where: d = depth of flow (m) for water quality storm s = longitudinal slope as a ratio of vertical rise/horizontal run (m/m) Under-drains The Mannings n for perforated pipe is as follows Corrugated perforated pipe Smooth PVC pipe with perforations 0.021 to 0.025 0.015

Size Overflow In a bioretention system, a high flow overflow can be provided with a riser crest raised above the level of the bioretention filter media to establish the designs detention depth. Grated risers are typically used and the allowable head for discharges into the pits is the difference in level between the risers crest and the maximum permissible water level to satisfy minimum freeboard requirement of 100mm. To size an overflow grated riser, two checks should be made to test for either drowned or free flowing conditions. The tests are: A broad crested weir equation can be used to determine the length of weir required (assuming free overflowing conditions), and An orifice equation used to estimate the area between openings required in the grate cover (assuming drowned outlet conditions). In addition, a blockage factor is to be used, that assumes the grate is 50 % blocked.

Auckland Regional Council , 2003 Technical Publication 10, Design Guideline Manual: Stormwater Treatment Device

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For free overfall conditions (weir equation):

Where Qweir = Flow into the riser(weir) under free overfall conditions (m3/s) B = Blockage factor (= 0.5) Cw = Weir coefficient (= 1.66) L = Length of weir (perimeter of pit) (m) h = Flow depth above the weir (pit) (m) Once the length of weir is calculated, a standard sized riser can be selected with a perimeter of at least the same length of the required weir length. For drowned outlet conditions (orifice equation):

Where B, g and h have the same meaning as in Equation 3.4 Qorifice = flow rate into riser under drowned conditions (m3/s) Cd = discharge coefficient (drowned conditions = 0.6) A = area of orifice (perforations in inlet grate) (m2) Where possible, above design flows should enter overflow risers located near the inflow zone or bypass channels, rather than pass over the bioretentions surface. In situations where both the minor (2 year ARI) and major flood (100 year ARI) flows need to be conveyed over the bioretentions surface, it is important to ensure that sufficiently low velocities are maintained (preferably below values of 0.5 m/s and not more than 1.5 m/s for major flood) to avoid scouring of the bioretention filter media and vegetation. Conveyance To calculate the flow capacity of a swale, use Mannings equation. This allows the flow rate and flood levels to be determined for variations in swale dimensions, vegetation type and longitudinal grade. Mannings n is a critical variable in Mannings equation relating to roughness of the channel. It varies with flow depth, channel dimensions and vegetation type.

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Flow must not scour the bioretention surface and needs to be uniformly distributed over the full surface area of the bioretention filter media. In steeper areas, check dams may be required along the swale to reduce flow velocities discharged onto the bioretention filter media. It is important to ensure that velocities in the bioretention swale from both minor (1/3 2 year ARI) and major (100 year ARI) runoff events are kept sufficiently low (preferably below 0.5 m/s and not more than 2.0 m/s for major flood) to avoid scouring.

As bioretention swales are generally accessible by the public, it is important to check that depth x velocity within the bioretention swale at any crossings and adjacent pedestrian and bicycle pathways satisfies the following public safety criteria: Depth x velocity < 0.6 m2/s for low risk locations and 0.4 m2/s for high risk locations Maximum depth of flow over crossing = 0.3m

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Appendix C Bioretention Growing Media Specifications


Guidelines for Growing Media in Raingardens DRAFT June 2008 The following guidelines for have been prepared for growing media in Raingardens with consultation from ARC, NSCC, LEL, and Landcare Research. Work undertaken by the Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration (FAWB) from Monash University has also been helpful in designing these guidelines. The objective is to define the attributes of a media suitable for use in Raingardens that will : o o o maintain plant growth and health retain contaminants reduce flow to stormwater system

Testing Requirements The media must meet a standard for quality in terms of physical and chemical parameters. These are; o hydraulic conductivity o particle size distribution o organic matter content o pH, electrical conductivity, nutrient levels on a total basis o heavy metal content e.g. copper, zinc Approved Testing Laboratories For the analysis of organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, nutrients and contaminants: Hill Laboratories in Hamilton. For the testing of physical properties such as hydraulic conductivity and particle size distribution: Landcare Research in Auckland.

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PRODUCT SPECIFICATION RAINGARDEN MIX (Residential and Commercial Only1)


Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Particle Size Distribution 100% 90-100% Total Water Holding Capacity Moisture Organic matter pH Range Electrical Conductivity Magnesium Phosphorus (P205) <25mm <10mm 50% 30% to 50% 10 30% 5.5 7.5 <2.5 dS/m 40kg/ha min 80kg/ha min 95kg/ha min 6 80 200 100 300mm/hour (Infiltration rate)

Potassium (K20) Seed Germination score (out of 7) Total Copper mg/kg Total Zinc mg/kg

1 for all sites other than high risk industries as defined in the Proposed Auckland Regional Plan: Air Land Water

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Living Earth Limited Raingarden Quality Procedure

Compost Compost is a component in Raingarden mix and is subject to a schedule of quality checks to ensure that it meets specifications for use in Raingarden mix. Compost shall comply with the New Zealand Standard NZ4554 or attached specification Compost is made from clean greenwaste. Materials not accepted for composting include; o treated timber and sawdust o orchard prunings from commercial orchards o material from contaminated sites Weekly quality control checks on the screened compost include o Seed germination. o Moisture content o Visual Monthly quality control checks on the compost include o pH, o electrical conductivity, o water extractable nutrients o seed germination o plant growth trials. Heavy metal, organochlorine and pesticide testing is done annually on a composite sample which represents the years production.

Topsoil The topsoil used in Raingarden mix is tested for o heavy metals o soil texture, ie clay loam, sandy clay loam Sand Before a sand can be used in Raingarden mix it is tested for o electrical conductivity o seed germination This is a one-off test, performed on a representative sample of sand from a pile.

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Raingarden Mix The Raingarden mix is subject to regular quality control checks. Results are to be in line with attached specifications. Each batch o pH o electrical conductivity o seed germination o moisture o visual Six Monthly o Infiltration o Particle size distribution o Total water holding capacity Annually o Total nutrients including organic matter o Heavy metals Annual testing is done on a composite sample and is representative of that years production.

Sampling Procedure A standardised sampling procedure is necessary to ensure that test results accurately reflect the pile being sampled. The key is taking small grab samples around the pile at varying depths and heights to produce a sample that best represents the original pile. 1. 2. 3. 4. Label sample bag with name and date Sampling equipment (scoops, forks) must be clean to ensure no cross-contamination Sample must be a composite consisting of at least 6-8 grab samples or handfulls taken randomly from around the pile at varying heights and depths. Grab samples are placed in sample bag and mixed thoroughly to blend.

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COMPOST SPECIFICATION

pH Conductivity (mS cm ) Ammonium* Germination score (out of 7) Weeds Moisture Particle size % pass 15mm x 15mm orifice Plant Growth Index Bulk Density wet basis (kg/m )
3 -1

6.0 - 8.5 5.0 200ppm 6 absent 39% to 51% 100% 3 550 - 650

* analysed in a 1:1.5 water extraction

Nutrient Analysis (average) % by weight (D.M)


N P K Ca Mg S OM

1.5

0.30

1.09

2.2

0.8

0.2

36

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Appendix D Typical Details

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Typical raingarden detail

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Typical raingarden detail including storage layer

Note that an impervious liner will not be required if a storage layer is provided beneath the level of the underdrain pipe. Storage should only be provided where groundwater recharge is intended and ground conditions are suitable.

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Typical stormwater planter detail

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Typical tree pit detail

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Typical tree pit detail including storage layer

Note that an impervious liner will not be required if a storage layer is provided beneath the level of the underdrain pipe. Storage should only be provided where groundwater recharge is intended and ground conditions are suitable.

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Typical bioretention swale detail

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Typical bioretention swale detail including storage layer

Note that an impervious liner will not be required if a storage layer is provided beneath the level of the underdrain pipe. Storage should only be provided where groundwater recharge is intended and ground conditions are suitable.

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Appendix E Practice Notes

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Stormwater Management Practice Note NSC 10: Bio-Retention


This practice note has been developed to provide guidance in meeting the minimum requirements in the District Plan Rule 8.4.8 for the use of bio-retention for on-site stormwater management. It is applicable to all areas of the city except the Long Bay Structure Plan Area. 10.1 Introduction

Bio-retention systems are shallow, planted areas which filter stormwater runoff through a vegetated soil media layer. It is a concept that was developed by Prince Georges County, Maryland in the United States in the early 1990s and is now widely accepted as one of the best stormwater management practices. It makes uses of the chemical, biological and physical properties of plants, microbes and soils and is an effort to mimic nature.

Figure 10.1 : Award winning rain garden (Ellerslie Flower Show 2007) 10.2 Description

Bio-retention in the North Shore City context encompasses a number of different devices: rain gardens, bio-retention swales, stormwater planters and tree pits. Green roofs are similar to bioretention but are dealt with separately in Practice Note NSC 12. North Shore City Council has a bioretention guidelines manual available on the council web site. A rain garden is essentially a sunken garden with good well drained soil and an underdrain to which stormwater is directed. Figure 10.2 : Typical Rain garden

Stormwater Management Practice Note NSC 10 Bio-Retention September 2009

A bio-retention swale is a long narrow sloping swale with a bio-retention system along the base of the swale. It can be used to convey as well as treat stormwater. Figure 10.3 : Bio-retention swale

A stormwater planter is an above ground garden in a large container with bio-retention soil media and an underdrain to which stormwater is directed.

Figure 10.4 : Stormwater planter

Tree pits which are used for planting of street trees can also be used for bio-retention as long as they are designed with an appropriate underdrain system. Figure 10.5 : Tree-pit

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Stormwater Management Practice Note NSC 10 Bio-Retention September 2009 10.3 When are Bio-Retention Devices Required?

Bio-retention devices may be used to meet the permitted activity standards for on-site stormwater mitigation required by district plan Rule 8.4.8. Under this rule the following bioretention sizes are required for managing stormwater runoff from residential and non-residential impervious areas: Where the site does not drain directly to an approved stormwater detention facility, 8m2 of bio-retention area per 100m2 of impervious area to capture, hold and release in a controlled manner. Where the site does drain directly to an approved stormwater detention facility, 5m2 of bio-retention area per 100m2 of impervious area. (Note that an approved detention facility refers to a stormwater device which has been designed to accommodate the proposed development on your site and provides adequate stormwater mitigation for the 2 and 10 year rainfall events as well as providing extended detention for stream protection) Refer to the following stormwater management practice notes to determine if or when a bioretention is required: NSC 03 Permitted Activity Route NSC 04 Controlled Activity Route

10.4

Advantages of a Bio-Retention Device

Bio-retention offers a number of benefits which is why it is one of the preferred methods for onsite stormwater mitigation. The benefits include: Improved water quality by filtering out contaminants Improved hydrological response of stormwater peak flow and volume, especially for smaller rainfall events Providing amenity and increased vegetative cover Utilises the same space as is normally used for gardens Providing better growing conditions (free draining soils) for plants and thus improves the garden Mimics nature and uses natural processes

10.5

Minimum Design Requirements

A bio-retention device must meet the following minimum design requirements to qualify for the permitted or controlled activity routes through the resource consent process as required under section 8.4.8 of the district plan.

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Stormwater Management Practice Note NSC 10 Bio-Retention September 2009 The bio-retention area comprises the following typical layers:

Figure 10.6 : Typical bio-retention layers 1. Size and Shape: The bio-retention device can be any shape. Shapes that blend in with the site are more pleasing on the eye and look more natural. The bio-retention device size refers to the area that is filled with planting soil mix and should be sized so that it has an area equivalent to 8% of the impermeable area draining to it, and may be reduced to 5% if it drains to an NSCC approved stormwater pond. The minimum size for a bio-retention device is 2m2. Note that if the calculated size for bioretention is less than 1m2 then no device is required, if it is between 1m2 and 2m2 then a 2m2 device is required. Refer to Stormwater Management Practice Note NSC 03 for sizing requirements on your site. 2. Location : Devices should be located so that stormwater can flow to the device under gravity and setback a minimum of 1m from property boundaries. Care should also be taken to avoid underground services. Devices should be at least 3m from building foundations or else a specific design and impermeable liner will be required. A stormwater planter is suited for these situations. Devices should be set back from existing retaining walls a distance equal to the height of the wall. Remember that plants need light to grow and you need access for maintenance. In areas with a slope of greater than 1:5 or geotechnically unstable areas an impermeable liner is required. 3. Inlet Design : Good inlet design is essential for a bio-retention device to work. The most important thing to consider is that the water must be able to flow into the device. (Water flows down-hill!) Flow should be directed into the device in a sheet flow over a vegetated filter strip if possible, and should always flow into the device in a manner which avoids concentrated flows and scour. If possible high flows should bypass the device.

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Stormwater Management Practice Note NSC 10 Bio-Retention September 2009 4. Planting Soil Mix : The main component of the bio-retention device is the planting soil mix. This must be from an NSCC approved commercial source. The minimum soil depth is 600mm (500mm of planting soil mix and 100mm transition layer) which should be increased to at least 1m when trees are planted. For rain gardens, stormwater planters and tree pits the surface of the planting soil should be flat and level to avoid localised ponding and blinding, while for bio-retention swales the surface should be gently sloping. Soil compaction should be avoided, allowing natural compaction only. Install materials in 300mm layers and soak with water to aid natural compaction. Depending on the soil material, up to 20% natural compaction may occur over time. 5. Plants : Native plants are preferable but not essential. Any plants which suit your garden may be used. The plants should be able to tolerate short periods of inundation and longer dry periods, be perennial rather than annual, have deep fibrous root systems and have spreading rather than clumped growth forms. Note that the use of wetland plants is not recommended as these plants are not well suited to free draining soils. Why native plants? These are best adapted to local climate, and attract and provide habitat and food for local wildlife including birds and insects. 6. Mulch : 50-100mm surface mulch layer. Note that the depth of mulch should be taken into account when setting the overflow level. 7. Under Drain : All bio-retention devices require under drains in North Shore City due to the clay soils that occur. The under drain should be a perforated PVC pipe with a minimum diameter of 100mm and should have a minimum slope of 0.5% (5cm over 10m). For bio-retention areas up to 10m2 a single 100mm diameter pipe will suffice, for areas between 10m2 and 20m2 a single 150mm or two 100mm diameter pipes will suffice. For areas larger than 20m2 a site specific design is required. Under drain spacing - there should be one under drain per 3m width of bio-retention device. Under drains should be evenly spaced along the length of the device. They should be placed 75 to 300mm above the bottom of the drainage layer where no liner is present (Top figure below) to allow for infiltration into the in-situ soils, or on top of the liner if one is used (Bottom figure). There should be at least 25mm of drainage layer above the top of the under drain.

Figure 10.7 : Location of underdrain (top without liner)

(bottom with a liner)

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Stormwater Management Practice Note NSC 10 Bio-Retention September 2009

8. Liner : An impervious liner is required when bio-retention is used in geotechnically unstable or steep sites greater than 1V:5H. The use of stormwater planters should be considered in these situations. 9. Geofabric : The use of geofabric in the construction of bio-retention devices is generally not recommended. 10. Root Barrier : The use of a root barrier should be considered when there are susceptible services such (as sewers), or foundations which are likely to be at risk from root penetration. The root barrier should only be placed adjacent to the services which require protection and not around the whole device. 11. Filter Layer : A filter layer is required between the planting soil and the drainage layer. A geofabric is not recommended for this purpose. The filter zone should consist of 50mm of pea-gravel (US #8 (1.18mm - 9.5mm) with 50mm of washed sand (0.5mm 1mm) on top of it. 12. Ponding Depth : Ponding should normally be designed for a depth of 200mm above the bed of the device. 13. Overflow : Ideally high flows should be by-passed to an overflow located outside the rain garden. If an overflow is located within the overflow can be by means of a pipe/manhole which connects into the underdrain system, or it could be a gravel curtain which connects into the drainage layer. 14. Access: Suitable access needs to be provided for routine maintenance. For small residential gardens may require access for a wheel barrow, while larger commercial gardens will require more substantial access, suitable for a small excavator. 10.6 Construction

Ideally bio-retention devices must not be built until the rest of the site has been constructed and the site stabilised. They must be protected from stormwater flows carrying high sediment loads during construction activities from your site or neighbouring sites. If they are not protected then the planting soil mix will need to be replaced. If work on the bio-retention device needs to commence before the rest of the site is stabilised then the device should be constructed, but not planted, and covered with a geofabric and topsoil. This will later be removed and the device planted once the rest of the site has stabilised. 10.7 Maintenance

One of the important considerations with bio-retention devices is long-term maintenance. Remember that a bio-retention device is a garden and not just a drainage system they are generally low maintenance, not NO maintenance.

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Stormwater Management Practice Note NSC 10 Bio-Retention September 2009 They need water when it doesnt rain until the plants are established. During dry periods the under drain in the bio-retention devices may cause the planting soil to dry out. Watering the vegetation on an as needed basis helps ensure a healthy condition and appearance. Mulch annually with hardwood mulch as this suppresses weeds and retains moisture. Every few years excess mulch may need to be removed. Weed regularly as you would with any garden. Dont park or drive on the device as this causes compaction and leaves ruts. Dont let (fine) sediment build up if a crust forms remove it & rework the top layer of soil. Keep an eye on the plants if they are unhappy they may need moving. Plants may need pruning, thinning or replacing from time to time. Strong water flows may cause erosion, this will need to be repaired and measures put in place to prevent recurrence. Check the overflow for clogging and remove any build up of rubbish or debris regularly. 10.8 Additional Information North Shore City Council Bio-retention Guidelines, First Edition, July 2008

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Bioretention Guidelines

Appendix F Owners Manual

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