Bioswales require appropriate media composition for soil construction.

The engineered soil

mixture should consist of 5% maximum clay content.

Ensure that infiltration rates meet their minimum and maximum criteria. The engineered soil
mixture must be designed to pass 5–10 inches of rain water per hour.

Verify that underlying native soils are not contaminated prior to implementation. Prior
contamination may undermine the purpose of the facility and must be remediated before
installation. Infiltration facilities should only be located in class A or B soils.

Bioswales have a slight longitudinal slope that moves water along the surface to allow
sediments and pollutants to settle out. In-place infiltration then allows localized groundwater
recharge. Ideal side slopes are 4:1, with a maximum slope of 3:1.

Protect adjacent subsurface infrastructure by maintaining minimum clearances. Install

waterproof liners as separation barriers or construct a deep curb to separate the roadbed
subgrade or parallel utility line from the facility.

3Maintain a 5-foot minimum clearance from the bottom of the bioswale to high groundwater
table.

4Raise the overflow/bypass drain system approximately 6 inches above the soil surface to
manage storms larger than the water quality event.

Runoff that enters the bioswale in a sheetflow fashion requires that the edge of the bioswale
be flush with grade. Where curbs are necessary, intermittently space curb cuts to allow runoff
to enter and be treated within the swale. Both sheetflow and curb cut systems must allow for
a minimum 2-inch drop in grade between the street grade and the finished grade of the
facility. Curb cuts should be at least 18 inches wide and spaced from 3–15 feet apart.
Bioswales should be composed of diverse, native vegetation. Vegetation selection should
consider species compatibility, minimum irrigation requirements, and the potential for
wildlife habitat creation.
To reduce exit velocities and prevent erosion, use pretreatment exit energy dissipaters, such
as rocks.
If the longitudinal slope exceeds 4%, utilize check dams, berms or weirs to create a step-
down gradient. Limit the maximum ponding depth to 6–12 inches.

7Discourage pedestrian trampling by using low curbs or barriers, or hardy vegetative ground
covers.
Bioswales are not recommended in locations with low infiltration rates because standing
water, localized flooding, and other issues can cause problems within the street and sidewalk
in an urban environment.