Phase 1 of 3 of Hasting Sunrise Sewer Renewal and Green Rainwater Infrastructure project involved the Installation of new Dry Wells and Bio Retention Systems and included curb, gutter, and concrete letdown structures. The sewer separation, the drywells, and bio retention systems increase the capacity for heavier rainfall and eliminate CSOs by conveying rainfall and sewage through separate pipes, and by using plants, trees, and soil to absorb and filter pollutants.
The bioretention system also involves aesthetic features which enhance the surroundings. The letdown structures increase pedestrian safety at the intersections surrounding the elementary school.
Installation of:
The following excerpt can be seen in its original form on the City of Vancouver's LinkedIn profile page.
Vancouver is blessed with abundant rain fall which has shaped our ecosystems and culture.
But in cities, rainwater runoff can lead to poor water quality in the aquatic environment, harm ecosystems and contribute to swim advisories on beaches. Rainwater becomes runoff when it flows over hard urban surfaces like roads and roofs. It can pick up pollutants such as hydrocarbons, metals, and other harmful chemicals, and carry them into our pipe system or waterways such as Still Creek, and ultimately into the ocean.
Vancouver now has more than 300 green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) sites and counting. GRI are nature-based drainage solutions which use plants and soil to naturally filter pollutants from rainwater runoff, and improve perviousness in our streets by allowing rain to soak into the ground closer to where it falls, preventing it from overwhelming the city’s pipe system during rain events.
Have you seen green rainwater infrastructure assets in your neighbourhood?
Learn more about Green Rainwater Infrastructure.