Filters

Alternative stormwater filtration options

Filters are designed like a bioretention but without the plants. They use 100% sand for their media mix and have a defined pretreatment area.

They often have underdrains included, and filter stormwater without relying as heavily on infiltration.

They require a two cell design: a sedimentation basin, and a filtration area
They have proven pollutant removal
They are ideal for commercial and industrial sites because of their ability to remove hydrocarbons and metals that tend to be present at those sites
They are not as common as bioretention, despite their pollutant removal abilities: they have fewer cobenefits, such as aesthetics and habitat potential for native species
They typically serve drainage areas less than one acre

Related Resources

Design Spec

Developed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, this design specification (Version 1.8, 2011) provides guidance on the design...