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BMPs for stormwater infiltration

Applications and treatment capabilities for permeable pavement

Green Infrastructure: Infiltration practices can be an important tool for retention and detention of stormwater runoff and treatment of pollutants in stormwater runoff. If the practice utilizes vegetation, additional benefits may include cleaner air, carbon sequestration, improved biological habitat, and aesthetic value.

Green Infrastructure: Infiltration of stormwater, where appropriate, is a preferred practice for managing stormwater runoff, as it reduces pollutants reaching receiving waters and retains water on the landscape

Best management practices that infiltrate stormwater runoff into underlying soil include, but are not limited, to

These are discussed briefly below. Additional information about these BMPs can be found in the following tables.

Information: Note that other practices may infiltrate water but are not specifically designed to infiltrate water at the point where water is detained. Examples include stormwater harvest and reuse systems, vegetated filter strips and swales without check dams.

Contents

Infiltration basin

Photo of an infiltration basin. Source: Clark County, Washington, with permission.
Infiltration basin with simple turf planting.

Photo of an infiltration basin. Source: Clark County, Washington, with permission.
Applications and treatment capabilities for infiltration basins
Applications Treatment capabilities3, 4, 5
Residential Yes TSS High6
Commercial Yes TN Medium/high
Ultra-urban Limited1 TP Medium/high
Industrial Yes2 Chloride Low
Highway/road Limited Metals High
Recreational Yes Oils and grease High
    Pathogens High
1Due to a size restriction; 2Unless the infiltration practice is located in an industrial area with exposed significant materials or from vehicle fueling and maintenance areas. Infiltration BMPs are PROHIBITED in these areas; 3Underground infiltration systems may have different (likely lower) pollutant removal capabilities than what is provided in this table. These systems may have a wider application range. 4 This is only for the portion of flow that enters the infiltration basin; by-passed runoff does not receive treatment; 5Low = < 30%; Medium = 30-65%; High = 65 -100%); 6Assumes adequate pre-treatment. Sources: Schueler, 1987, 1992; USEPA 1993a, 1993b; Maniquiz et al., 2010; NPRPD, 2007; California Stormwater Manual, 2009; Pennsylvania Stormwater Manual, 2006.

An infiltration basin is a natural or constructed impoundment that captures, temporarily stores and infiltrates the design volume of water ( Water Quality Volume). Drawdown of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. The required drawdown time is 48 hours or less. Water that is stored but not infiltrated must leave the bmp, typically through an outlet, within the required drawdown time. In the case of a constructed basin, the impoundment is created by excavation or embankment. Infiltration basins are commonly used for drainage areas of 5 to 50 acres with land slopes that are less than 20 percent. Typical depths range from 2 to 6 feet, including bounce in the basin. The sizing is to control stormwater volumes at the regional or development scale as opposed to bioretention basins (rain gardens) that are designed at the site scale. Typical dimensions range from 1,000 square feet up to an acre. Infiltration basins are commonly constructed with plant species that can tolerate and thrive in this unique growing environment.

For more information, see the following pages in this Manual.

Infiltration trench

Photo of a Infiltration trench in Lino Lakes

Photo of a Infiltration trench in Lino Lakes
Applications and treatment capabilities for infiltration trenches, dry well, underground infiltration
Applications Treatment capabilities3, 4
Residential Yes TSS5 High5
Commercial Yes TN Medium/high
Ultra-urban Yes TP Medium/high
Industrial Yes1 Chloride Low
Highway/road 2 Metals High
Recreational Yes Oils and grease High
    Pathogens High
1Unless the infiltration practice is located in an industrial area with exposed significant materials or from vehicle fuelling and maintenance areas. Infiltration BMPs are PROHIBITED in these areas; 2Yes for infiltration trench, limited for underground infiltration, no for dry well; 3This is only for the portion of flow that enters the infiltration basin; by-passed runoff does not receive treatment; 4Low = < 30%; Medium = 30-65%; High = 65 -100%); 5Assumes adequate pre-treatment Sources: Schueler, 1987, 1992; USEPA 1993a, 1993b; Maniquiz et al., 2010; NPRPD, 2007; California Stormwater Manual, 2009; Pennsylvania Stormwater Manual, 2006

An infiltration trench is a shallow excavated trench, typically 3 to 6 feet deep, that is backfilled with a coarse stone aggregate allowing for the temporary storage of runoff in the void space of the material. Drawdown of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. Infiltration trenches may be modified to become stormwater tree trenches and boxes where applicable with the addition of growing medium. All water captured by the BMP must be removed within 48 hours through infiltration and/or a drain. Trenches are commonly used for drainage areas less than 5 acres in size.

Caution: To avoid an infiltration trench being classified as a Class V injection well, it is strongly recommended that the length of the trench be at least 2 times greater than the depth of the trench.

For more information, see the following pages in this Manual.

Dry wells (a.k.a. infiltration tubes, french drains, soak-away pits or soak holes)

A dry well or soak away pit is a smaller variation of an infiltration trench. It is a subsurface storage facility (a structural chamber or an excavated pit backfilled with a coarse stone aggregate) that receives and temporarily stores stormwater runoff. Discharge of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. Due to their size, dry wells are typically designed to handle stormwater runoff from smaller drainage areas, less than one acre in size (e.g. roof tops).

For more information, see the following pages in this Manual.

Underground infiltration systems

This picture shows an infiltration system in native sandy soils

Underground TrueNorthSteel infiltration system in native sandy soils

Several underground infiltration systems, including pre-manufactured pipes, vaults, and modular structures, have been developed as alternatives to infiltration basins and trenches for space-limited sites and stormwater retrofit applications. Underground infiltration systems are occasionally the only stormwater BMP options on fully developed sites or highly urban and ultra-urban environments as they can be located under other land uses such as parking lots or play areas. These systems are similar to infiltration basins and trenches in that they are designed to capture, temporarily store and infiltrate the design volume of stormwater over several days. Underground infiltration systems are generally applicable to small development sites (typically less than 10 acres) and should be installed in areas that are easily accessible to routine and non-routine maintenance. These systems should not be located in areas or below structures that cannot be excavated in the event that the system needs to be replaced or invasive maintenance is required to maintain performance.

Underground infiltration systems and dry wells have been installed below parking lots and other impervious surfaces on sites where insufficient space exists for a surface infiltration system. They are designed to temporarily store stormwater runoff before slowly infiltrating the water into the subsurface (Connecticut, 2004). There is limited information on the effectiveness of these systems in removing pollutants.

One concern is that underground infiltration may meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) definition of a Class V injection well. Class V injection wells are defined as any bored, drilled, or driven shaft, or any dug hole that is deeper than its widest surface dimension. Class V injection wells can also be an improved sinkhole, or a subsurface fluid distribution system (from U.S. EPA, June 2003). The U.S. EPA administers Class V injection well permits in Minnesota. Minimum requirements for installing, permitting, and operating a Class V well is defined by the USEPA.

A second concern pertains to the overall pollutant removal effectiveness of those underground infiltration systems that do not meet the definition of a Class V injection well. The document released by the Transport Research Synthesis titled “Issues of Concern Related to Underground Infiltration Systems for Stormwater Management and Treatment” provides a good overview of the concerns related to underground infiltration systems (MNDOT, 2009). Issues identified in this report include the following.

  • There is potential that an underground infiltration system meets the criteria of a Class V injection well.
  • There is insufficient knowledge of the fate of pollutants in the subgrade below the buried infiltration systems.
  • Roadways and parking lots with high volumes of traffic have higher concentrations of certain pollutants, including heavy metals and PAHs.
  • Underground systems do not allow for the pollutant removal that is accomplished through biological activity and vegetation uptake.
  • The minimum separation requirement of 3 feet between the bottom of the infiltration system and the seasonally high groundwater elevation may be insufficient for adequate pollutant removal. Additional study is recommended.
  • Maintenance of underground systems is critical for effective pollutant removal. However, access for maintenance is challenging. There are concerns that the difficult access is preventing owners from properly maintaining these systems.

For more information, see the following pages in this Manual.

Bioinfiltration basin

photo of a bioinfiltration BMP

Bioinfiltration basin (Source: CDM Smith)
Applications and treatment capabilities for infiltration trenches - dry well, and underground infiltration.
Applications Treatment capabilities2, 3
Residential Yes TSS High4
Commercial Yes TN Low/Medium5
Ultra-urban Limited7 TP Medium/high6
Industrial Yes1 Chloride Low
Highway/road Yes Metals High
Recreational Yes Oils and grease High
    Pathogens High
1Unless the infiltration practice is located in an industrial area with exposed significant materials or from vehicle fuelling and maintenance areas. Infiltration BMPs are PROHIBITED in these areas; 2This is only for the portion of flow that enters the infiltration basin; by-passed runoff does not receive treatment; 3 Low = < 30%; Medium = 30-65%; High = 65 -100%); 4Assumes adequate pre-treatment; 5This assumes no underdrain; 6 Certain soil mixes can leach P; 7 Due to a size restriction Sources: EPA Factsheet, 1999; Davis et al., 2001, 2003, 2006; Hsieh and Davis, 2005; Hong et al., 2006; Hunt et al., 2006; NPRPD, 2007; Li and Davis, 2009; Diblasi et al., 2009; Passeport et al., 2009; Brown et at., 2011a, b; Komlos et al., 2012; Denich et al., 2013; Li and Davis, 2013; California Stormwater BMP 

Bioinfiltration basins, often called rain gardens, use soil (typically engineered media or mixed soil) and native vegetation to capture runoff and remove pollutants. Both the media and underlying soil typically have high infiltration rates that allow captured water to infiltrate within a required drawdown time, usually 48 hours. Bioinfiltration systems, which lack an underdrain and are designed for infiltration, differ from biofiltration systems, which have an underdrain and are designed primarily for filtration. For more information, see the following pages in this Manual.

Permeable pavement

photo of permeable pavement

Permeable pavement (Source: CDM Smith)
Applications and treatment capabilities for permeable pavement
Applications Treatment capabilities2, 3
Residential Yes TSS High4
Commercial Yes TN Medium/High
Ultra-urban Yes Nitrate Low/Medium
Industrial Yes1 TP Medium/High
Retrofit Yes Chloride Low
Highway/road Yes Metals High
Recreational Yes Oils and grease High
    Pathogens 5
1Unless the infiltration practice is located in an industrial area with exposed significant materials or from vehicle fuelling and maintenance areas. Infiltration BMPs are PROHIBITED in these areas; 2This is only for the portion of flow that enters the infiltration basin; by-passed runoff does not receive treatment; 3Low = < 30%; Medium = 30-65%; High = 65 -100%); 4Assumes adequate pre-treatment; 5Insufficient information  Source: Schueler, 1987; Pratt et al, 1999; Adams, 2003; Brattebo and Booth, 2003; Adams, 2003; Bean et al, 2007; SEMCOG, 2008; International Stormwater Database, 2012. 

Permeable pavements are paving surfaces that allow stormwater runoff to filter through surface voids into an underlying stone reservoir for infiltration and/or storage. They are suitable for driveways, trails, parking lots, and roadways with lighter traffic. The most commonly used permeable pavement surfaces are pervious concrete, porous asphalt, and permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP). All permeable pavements have a similar design layering system, consisting of a surface pavement layer, an underlying stone aggregate reservoir layer, optional underdrains for filtration and geotextile over non-compacted soil subgrade. Discharge of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. The drainage area leading to permeable pavements should not exceed twice the surface area of the final pavement surface.

For more information, see the following pages in this Manual.

Tree box/Tree trench

photo of tree box

Tree box (Source: CDM Smith)
Applications and treatment capabilities for tree box/tree trench
Applications Treatment capabilities2, 3
Residential Yes TSS High4
Commercial Yes TN Low/Medium
Ultra-urban Yes TP Medium/High5
Industrial Yes1 Chloride Low
Highway/road No Metals High
Recreational Yes Oils and grease High
    Pathogens High
1Unless the infiltration practice is located in an industrial area with exposed significant materials or from vehicle fuelling and maintenance areas. Infiltration BMPs are PROHIBITED in these areas; 2This is only for the portion of flow that enters the infiltration basin; by-passed runoff does not receive treatment; 3Low = < 30%; Medium = 30-65%; High = 65 -100%); 4Assumes adequate pre-treatment; 5Certain soil mixes can leach P.  Source: see [1] 

Tree trenches are a system of trees that are connected by an underground infiltration structure. The system consists of a stormwater tree trench or box lined with geotextile fabric with structural stone, gravel or soil boxes in which the trees are placed. Tree systems consist of an engineered soil or rock layer designed to treat stormwater runoff via filtration through plant and soil/rock media, and through evapotranspiration from trees. Discharge of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. Tree species are carefully selected to survive both inundation and drought conditions in urban environments where they will be potentially affected by chloride and other traffic concerns. Tree trenches and boxes drainage areas should be less than five acres depending on the size of each trench. Irrigation, whether manual or automated, is strongly encouraged during the tree’s establishment period.

For more information, see the following pages in this Manual.

Trees - general

Tree boxes/tree trenches

Dry swale with check dams

photo concrete check dams

Dry swale with impermeable concrete check dams. Photo courtesy Limnotech.
Applications and treatment capabilities for dry swale with check dams
Applications Treatment capabilities2, 3
Residential Yes TSS High4
Commercial Yes TN Low/Medium
Ultra-urban Limited6 TP Low/Medium5
Industrial Yes1 Chloride Low
Highway/road Yes Metals High
Recreational Yes Oils and grease High
    Pathogens Medium
1Unless the infiltration practice is located in an industrial area with exposed significant materials or from vehicle fuelling and maintenance areas. Infiltration BMPs are PROHIBITED in these areas; 2This is only for the portion of flow that enters the infiltration basin; by-passed runoff does not receive treatment; 3Low = < 30%; Medium = 30-65%; High = 65 -100%); 4Assumes adequate pre-treatment; 5Certain soil mixes can leach P; 6Due to a size restriction. Source: see [2] 

Similar to vegetated swales designed for stormwater conveyance, dry swales with check dams are designed as linear, multi-celled stormwater infiltration BMP’s. By incorporating earthen or structural check dams, runoff is retained and infiltrated along a series of narrow, shallow basins or cells. Coarse vegetation such as decorative plantings or even turf grass slow runoff movement. This system is designed to move, store, and infiltrate runoff from impervious surfaces such as linear roadways or parking lots. Dry swales are best designed for sites under one acre in size.

For more information see the following sections in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual.

High gradient stormwater step-pool swale with check dams

Stormwater step pool with impermeable check dams

Step pool with impermeable check dam. Courtesy of Limnotech.
Applications and treatment capabilities for step pool with check dams
Applications Treatment capabilities3, 4
Residential Yes TSS Medium5
Commercial Yes TN Low
Ultra-urban Limited1 TP Medium6
Industrial Yes2 Chloride Low
Highway/road Yes Metals Medium
Recreational Yes Oils and grease Low
    Pathogens Low
1Due to size restriction; 2Unless the infiltration practice is located in an industrial area with exposed significant materials or from vehicle fuelling and maintenance areas. Infiltration BMPs are PROHIBITED in these areas; 3This is only for the portion of flow that enters the infiltration basin; by-passed runoff does not receive treatment; 4Low = < 30%; Medium = 30-65%; High = 65 -100%); 5Assumes adequate pre-treatment; 6Certain soil mixes can leach P. Source: see [3] 

Stormwater step pools are defined by its design features that address higher energy flows due to more dramatic slopes than dry or wet swales. Using a series of pools, riffle grade control, native vegetation and a sand seepage filter bed, flow velocities are reduced, treated, and, where applicable, infiltrated. to shallow groundwater. The physical characteristics of the stormwater step pools are similar to Rosgen A or B stream classification types, where “bedform occurs as a step/pool, cascading channel which often stores large amounts of sediment in the pools associated with debris dams” (Rosgen, 1996). These structures feature surface/subsurface runoff storage seams and an energy dissipation design that is aimed at attenuating the flow to a desired level through energy and hydraulic power equivalency principles (Anne Arundel County, 2009). Stormwater step pools are designed with a wide variety of native plant species depending on the hydraulic conditions and expected post-flow soil moisture at any given point within the stormwater step pool.

For more information see the following sections in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual.

Non-structural infiltration practices

image of filter strip

The vegetated filter strip in this photo is pretreatment for a bioswale. Photo courtesy of Alisha Goldstein, U.S. EPA.

The practices briefly described in this section are not considered infiltration structures because they do not capture a design volume of water and infiltrate that water at the point of capture. These practices can result in significant volumes of water being infiltrated, however.

Harvest and use/reuse systems

A stormwater harvest and reuse system is a constructed system that captures and retains stormwater for beneficial use at a different time or place than when or where the stormwater was generated. The most common use of retained water is irrigation, but captured water may be used for other purposes, such as indoor toilet flushing. The volume of water potentially infiltrated is a function of the storage capacity of the system. Volumes are restricted to relatively small amounts when tanks are used for storage. Tank storage is commonly used in more urban areas where surface space is restricted. If constructed ponds or wetlands are used for storage, significant volumes of water can be infiltrated through irrigation.

For more information, see the following sections.

Vegetated filter strips

Vegetated filter strips are vegetated areas where stormwater runoff can be directed. As water flows over the filter strip, some infiltration can occur. Infiltration is enhanced by the following conditions.

  • Coarse-textured soils
  • Native perennial vegetation
  • Increased surface roughness
  • Decreased land slope
  • Spreading the runoff over a larger area

For more information see Overview for pretreatment vegetated filter strips and Design, construction, operation and maintenance specifications for pretreatment vegetated filter strips.

Enhanced turf

Infiltration can be enhanced on soils that have been improved or amended. This manual contains limited information on enhanced turf and does not provide guidance for design, construction, maintenance, and assessment of enhanced turf. Information on use of compost in soil and credits associated with improved turf can be found on the Turf page. A discussion of alleviating compaction from construction activities can be found here.

Warning: Enhanced turf cannot be used to meet requirements of the Construction Stormwater General permit because infiltrated water does not represent an instantaneous volume.

Swales with no check dams

Similar to vegetated filter strips, water can infiltrate into soils underlying swales. The amount of infiltration is typically very low, but can be enhanced by employing the same practices that enhance infiltration in vegetated filter strips.

Unit processes for different infiltration BMPs

The following table provides a summary of unit processes for the different infiltration BMPs.

Unit processes of stormwater treatment techniques‏‎
Unit processes of stormwater treatment techniques (Adapted from WEF, 2008)
Control Infiltration basin Infiltration trench Bioinfiltration Permeable pavement Tree box/tree trench Enhanced turf
Peak flow attenuation X X X X    
Runoff volume reduction X X X X X  
Infiltration X X X X X X
Dispersion            
Evapotranspiration     X   X  
Runoff collection and usage     X1 X1    
Sedimentation X X X      
Flotation X   X      
Laminar separation            
Swirl concentration            
Sorption X X X X    
Precipitation X X X X    
Coagulation X X X X    
Filtration     X      
Plant metabolism     X   X X
Nitrification/denitrification X X X      
Organic compound degradation X X X X    
Pathogen die off X X   X    
Temperature reduction X X X X    
Disinfection X X X X    
1 If underdrain is present

Information tables

The following tables describe and differentiate different characteristics of stormwater infiltration BMPs.

Overview table

The following table provides a brief description and schematic of each stormwater infiltration BMP.

Stormwater infiltration BMPs - overview
Stormwater BMP General Overview Illustration
Infiltration Basin A natural or constructed impoundment that captures, temporarily stores and infiltrates the design volume of water into the surrounding naturally permeable soil over several days. In the case of a constructed basin, the impoundment is created by excavation or embankment. Infiltration basin icon.png
Bioinfiltration Basin Often called rain gardens, bioinfiltration basins use engineered or mixed soils and plantings to capture and infiltrate runoff. Pollutants are removed using highly permeable soils that are able to draw the basin down in less than 48 hours. Bioinfiltration icon.png
Infiltration Trench Synonym: Infiltration Gallery A shallow excavated trench that is backfilled with a coarse stone aggregate allowing for the temporary storage of runoff in the void space of the material. Discharge of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil.

 

Infiltration trench icon.png
Dry Well Synonym: Infiltration Tube, French Drain, Soak‐Away Pits, Soak Holes A smaller variation of an infiltration trench. It is a subsurface storage facility (a structural chamber or an excavated pit backfilled with a coarse stone aggregate) that receives and temporarily stores stormwater runoff. Discharge of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. Due to their size, dry wells are typically designed to handle stormwater runoff from smaller drainage areas. Dry well icon.png
Underground Infiltration Several underground infiltration systems, including pre‐manufactured pipes, vaults, and modular structures, have been developed as alternatives to infiltration basins and trenches for space‐limited sites and stormwater retrofit applications. These systems are similar to infiltration basins and trenches in that they are designed to capture, temporarily store and infiltrate the design volume of stormwater over several days. Discharge of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. Underground infiltration icon.png
Dry Swale with Check Dams Similar to vegetated swales designed for stormwater conveyance, dry swales with check dams are designed as linear, multi‐celled stormwater infiltration BMPs. By incorporating earthen, structural or rock check dams, runoff is retained and infiltrated along a series of narrow, shallow basins or cells. Coarse vegetation such as decorative plantings or even turf grass slow runoff movement. This system is designed to move, store, and infiltrate runoff from impervious surfaces such as linear roadways or parking lots. Swale check icon.png
Permeable Pavement Permeable pavements are paving surfaces that allow stormwater runoff to filter through surface voids into an underlying stone reservoir for infiltration and/or storage. The most commonly used permeable pavement surfaces are pervious concrete, porous asphalt, and permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP). All permeable pavements have a similar structure, consisting of a surface pavement layer, an underlying stone aggregate reservoir layer, optional underdrains and geotextile over uncompacted soil subgrade. Discharge of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. Permeable pavement icon.png
Tree Trench/Tree Box A system of trees that are connected by an underground infiltration structure. The system consists of a trench lined with geotextile fabric with structural stone, gravel or soil boxes in which the trees are placed. Tree systems consist of an engineered soil layer designed to treat stormwater runoff via filtration through plant and soil media, and through evapotranspiration from trees. Discharge of this stored runoff occurs through infiltration into the surrounding naturally permeable soil. Tree trench icon.png

Contributing drainage area table

The following table provides a summary of recommended contributing drainage area for each stormwater infiltration BMP.

Contributing drainage area is defined as the total area, including pervious and impervious surfaces, contributing to a best management practice (BMP). It is assumed that in most cases, with the exception of green roofs and many permeable pavement systems, impervious surfaces will constitute more than 50 percent of the contributing area to the BMP and that most of this impervious is directly connected impervious. The recommended contributing area to a BMP may be modified for the following conditions.

  • The recommended contributing area may be increased if pervious surfaces constitute the majority of the contributing area and soils are hydrologic soil group (HSG) A or B
  • The recommended contributing area should be decreased if impervious surfaces contribute more than 80 percent of the contributing area or if the entire impervious surface is directly connected and routed to the BMP
  • The recommended contributing area should be decreased or may be increased based on pollutant loading (decrease with higher pollutant loads)

Runoff coefficients may be calculated for an area contributing to a BMP. Runoff coefficients greater than about 0.55 are typical of urban areas having 50 percent or more impervious surface. Typical runoff coefficients are shown on these pages ([4], [5]) and discussed here. To see how runoff curve number is associated with impervious percentages, see at this link.

Stormwater infiltration BMPs - contributing drainage area
Stormwater infiltration BMPs - contributing drainage area
Stormwater BMP Recommended contributing area Notes
Infiltration Basin 50 acres or less A natural or constructed impoundment that captures, temporarily stores and infiltrates the design volume of water into the surrounding naturally permeable soil over several days. In the case of a constructed basin, the impoundment is created by excavation or embankment.
Bioinfiltration Basin 5 acres or less Bioinfiltration basins must meet the required 48 hour drawdown time and must be sized in order to allow for adequate maintenance. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that bioinfiltration basins be designed to prevent high levels of bounce as submerging vegetation may inhibit plant growth. A maximum wet storage depth of 1.5 feet is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Infiltration Trench 5 acres or less  
Dry well
(variants: infiltration tube, French drain, soak‐away pits, soak holes)		 1 acre or less (rooftop only)  
Underground Infiltration 10 acres or less Though feasible, larger underground infiltration systems may cause groundwater contamination as water is not able to infiltrate through a surface cover. In addition, wind flocculation, UV degradation, and bacterial degradation, which provide additional treatment in surface systems, do not occur in underground systems. Because performance research is lacking for larger features, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that the contributing drainage area to a single device not exceed 10 acres.
Dry Swale with Check Dams 5 acres or less  
Permeable Pavement It is RECOMMENDED that external contributing drainage area not exceed the surface area of the permeable pavement. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that external contributing drainage area not exceed twice the surface area of the permeable pavement It is RECOMMENDED that external drainage area be as close to 100% impervious as possible. Field experience has shown that drainage area (pervious or impervious) can contribute particulates to the permeable pavement and lead to clogging. Therefore, sediment source control and/or pretreatment should be used to control sediment run-on to the permeable pavement section.
Tree Trench/Tree Box up to 0.25 acres per tree  
References: Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maine, Lake Tahoe, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, Ontario, 

Treatment properties table

The following table provides information on pollutant removal mechanism(s), location in the stormwater treatment train, general pollutant removal, and potential applications for each of the stormwater BMPs.

Stormwater infiltration BMPs - treatment properties
Stormwater BMP Illustration Pollutant Removal Mechanism Location in Treatment Train Pollutant Removal 1,2 Potential Application 1
Infiltration Basin Infiltration basin icon.png Sedimentation / Infiltration End

TSS: High

TN: Medium/High TP: Medium/High Chloride: Low Metals: High Oils and Grease: High

Pathogens: High

Residential: Yes

Commercial: Yes Ultra Urban: Limited Industrial: Limited Retrofit: Yes

Highway/Road: Limited
Bioinfiltration Basin Bioinfiltration icon.png Sedimentation / Infiltration Beginning

TSS: High

TN: Low/Medium TP: Medium/High Chloride: Low Metals: High

Oils and Grease: High

Residential: Yes

Commercial: Yes Ultra Urban: Limited Industrial: Limited Retrofit: Yes

Highway/Road: Limited
Infiltration Trench
Synonym: Infiltration Gallery		 Infiltration trench icon.png Infiltration nd

TSS: High

TN: Medium/High TP: Medium/High Chloride: Low Metals: High Oils and Grease: High

Pathogens: High

Residential: Yes

Commercial: Yes Ultra Urban: Yes Industrial: Limited Retrofit: Yes

Highway/Road: Yes
Dry Well
Synonym: Infiltration Tube, French Drain, Soak‐Away Pits, Soak Holes		 Dry well icon.png Infiltration throughout

TSS: High

TN: Medium/High TP: Medium/High Chloride: Low Metals: High Oils and Grease: High

Pathogens: High

Residential: Yes

Commercial: Yes Ultra Urban: Yes Industrial: Limited Retrofit: Yes

Highway/Road: No
Underground Infiltration Underground infiltration icon.png Sedimentation / Infiltration / Flotation/Skimming End

TSS: High

TN: Medium/High TP: Medium/High Chloride: Low Metals: High Oils and Grease: High

Pathogens: High

Residential: Yes

Commercial: Yes Ultra Urban: Yes Industrial: Limited Retrofit: Yes

Highway/Road: Limited
Dry Swale with Check Dams Swale check icon.png Sedimentation / Infiltration Throughout

TSS: High

TN: Low/Medium TP: Low/Medium Chloride: Low Metals: High Oils and Grease: High

Pathogens: Medium

Residential: Yes

Commercial: Yes Ultra Urban: Limited Industrial: Yes Retrofit: Limited

Highway/Road: Yes
Permeable Pavement Permeable pavement icon.png Infiltration Beginning

TSS: High

TN: Medium/High TP: Medium/High Chloride: Low Metals: High

Oils and Grease: High

Residential: Yes

Commercial: Yes Ultra Urban: Yes Industrial: Limited Retrofit: Yes

Highway/Road: Limited
Tree Trench/Tree Box Tree trench icon.png Infiltration, Transpiration Throughout

TSS: High

TN: Medium/High TP: Medium/High Chloride: Low Metals: High Oils and Grease: High

Pathogens: High

Residential: Limited

Commercial: Yes Ultra Urban: Yes Industrial: Limited Retrofit: Yes

Highway/Road: Limited
1 Treatment Capabilities and Potential Applications referenced from Manual Section BMP's for stormwater infiltration
2 Low = < 30%; Medium = 30‐65%; High = 65‐100%

Selection considerations table

The following table provides information on general cost, maintenance requirements, pretreatment needs, and habitat quality for each of the stormwater infiltration BMPs.

Stormwater infiltration BMPs – selection considerations
Stormwater BMP Illustration Cost Maintenance Requirements 3 Pre‐treatment 4 Habitat Quality 5
Infiltration Basin Infiltration basin icon.png Low $0.5‐$1.3 CF Simple‐Intensive Needed Oil/Water Separator, Vegetated Filter, Sediment Basin, Water Quality Inlets Low
Bioinfiltration Basin Bioinfiltration icon.png Low $0.5‐$1.3 CF Simple‐Intensive Needed Oil/Water Separator, Vegetated Filter, Sediment Basin, Water Quality Inlets Medium‐High
Infiltration Trench Synonym: Infiltration Gallery Infiltration trench icon.png Low $1‐$4 CF Medium

Needed

Oil/Water Separator, Vegetated Filter, Sediment

Basin, Water Quality Inlets

 None
Dry Well Synonym: Infiltration Tube, French Drain, Soak‐Away Pits, Soak Holes Dry well icon.png Low $1‐$4 CF Medium

Needed

Oil/Water Separator, Vegetated Filter, Water

Quality Inlets

 None
Underground Infiltration Underground infiltration icon.png High 14 CF Medium Needed Oil/Water Separator, Water Quality Inlets None
Dry Swale with Check Dams Swale check icon.png Low $.5‐$1.3 CF Simple‐Medium Needed Vegetated Filter, Water Quality Inlets Low‐Medium
Permeable Pavement Permeable pavement icon.png Medium 3‐10 CF Medium No Pretreatment Required None
Tree Trench/Tree Box Tree trench icon.png

High

$1.80 ‐ $12.70 CF based on recommended soil volume

of 1,414 CF per tree

 Intensive Needed Oil/Water Separator, Water Quality Inlets Medium
1 Maintenance requirements to be addressed and updated in future section
2 Pretreatment requirements to be revised as per updated section
3 Habitat quality refers to the possible diversity of plantings commonly installed with each BMP

See Infiltration Summary Table

To see all information contained in the previous tables in a single table, click on the following link: Infiltration Summary Table

Related pages for stormwater infiltration

Related pages for infiltration BMPs