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Stormwater pollutant removal, stormwater credits

Schematic showing pollutant load reductions for infiltrated and filtration in Bioretention basin (with an underdrain)

Example schematic showing how pollutant load reductions are calculated for a bioretention basin with an underdrain. In this case, total volume, TSS and phosphorus credits are 100 percent for infiltrated water, while credits for filtered water (water captured by the underdrain) are 60 percent for TSS and are dependent on the media for phosphorus.

Credit refers to the stormwater runoff volume or pollutant reduction achieved toward meeting a runoff volume or water quality goal. Examples of goals include meeting the 1 inch volume reduction requirement in the Construction Stormwater General Permit and meeting TMDL pollutant reduction requirements. Credits can be achieved either by an individual BMP or cumulatively with multiple BMPs.

The following pages provide information on stormwater volume and pollutant credits, pollutant removal achieved by individual BMPs, methods for calculating volume and pollutant reductions (credits), and example calculations.