Bioretention

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-003321",
  "term": "Bioretention",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Landscaping features adapted to provide on-site removal of pollutants from stormwater runoff. Surface runoff is directed into shallow, landscape depressions, which are designed to incorporate many of the pollutant removal mechanisms that operate in forested or other natural (prairies, wetlands, etc) ecosystems. Includes rain gardens, sidewalk planters, curb extensions and other plant or soil systems designed to infiltrate or evapotranspirate stormwater.\n\n2. A stormwater management practice that is designed to provide both temporary surficial water storage and runoff retention subsurface in soil media. Runoff is directed to shallow depressions where it is infiltrated, filtered or evapotranspirated. These systems are typically designed with a soil media selected to promote infiltration and runoff retention and are vegetated with plants picked to withstand both inundation and drought. Bioretention systems also are used to filter runoff to trap and in some cases degrade pollutants such as oils and greases. This practice is often categorized under filtration although it has additional functions. Some systems are built with underdrain or overdrain systems to convey excess runoff off-site.",
  "subject": "Ecosystems",
  "references": [
    "EPA Stormwater Discharges from Developed Sites; Glossary from Owner/Developer Long Questionnaire; 4/16/2010 DRAFT VERSION Quoted on NAHB website",
    "EPA Guidance for Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Glossary at http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/chesbay502/pdf/chesbay_glossary.pdf; Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/bioretention/"
}