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Q&A
Transforming rain gardens to infiltration basins in challenging locations
1:06:34
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72 sec
Deputy Commissioner Licata explains the transformation of some rain gardens into infiltration basins, particularly in areas where traditional rain gardens face challenges. This adaptation allows for better stormwater management while addressing community needs and preferences.
- Infiltration basins may have concrete tops or planted strips instead of vegetated surfaces
- These modifications maintain the look and feel of the block while still managing stormwater effectively
- The engineering below the surface remains crucial for stormwater infiltration
- Performance for stormwater management is the primary concern, with most assets performing well
James F. Gennaro
1:06:34
level So if you're taking it from a rain garden to a penetration basin, what
1:06:40
Yeah.
1:06:40
What what does that look like?
Angela Licata
1:06:38
Yeah.
1:06:39
Those are the ones where
1:06:41
In some locations, instead of a rain garden where it's a vegetated top, we have either a concrete top or a planted strip on top, generally speaking, because the homeowner would like to maintain the look and feel of what was there before and what is on continuous look and feel to their block.
1:07:03
The important thing as far as DEP is concerned as as we look at those rain gardens or infiltration basins, whatever the typology may be, is how is it performing for storm water?
1:07:14
And I'm pleased to be able to say in most cases, that's where they're performing extremely well.
1:07:21
Those assets are still taking stormwater into the inlets and then that is infiltrated into the ground.
1:07:29
And so that's what's really important.
1:07:31
Many people don't realize they think only what appears on the surface is what's been developed or built, but the engineering that goes into the asset is actually occurring for the entire five feet below the surface.