Design Specification No 3: Grass Channels

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Grass channels can provide a modest amount of runoff filtering and volume attenuation within the stormwater conveyance system resulting in the delivery of less runoff and pollutants than a traditional system of curb and gutter, storm drain inlets and pipes. The performance of grass channels will vary depending on the underlying soil permeability. Grass channels, however, are not capable of providing the same stormwater functions as dry swales as they lack the storage volume associated with the engineered soil media (see Specification No. 10). Their runoff reduction performance can be boosted when compost amendments are added to the bottom of the swale (See Stormwater Design Specification No. 4). Grass channels are a preferable alternative to both curb and gutter and storm drains as a stormwater conveyance system, where development density, topography and soils permit. Grass channels can also be used to treat runoff from the managed turf areas of turf-intensive land uses, such as sports fields and golf courses, and drainage areas with combined impervious and turf cover (e.g., roads and yards).

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