DATE: April 22, 2009

CONTACT: Marguerite Porter, 864-878-1394 ext. 111
marguer@clemson.edu

WRITER: Peter Hull, 843-554-7226, ext. 118
phull@clemson.edu

Pickens County officials discuss stormwater management at Carolina Clear workshop

PICKENS – Carolina Clear, the stormwater education and awareness program of the Clemson University Restoration Institute, hosted a bioretention workshop and roundtable discussion April 15 for Pickens-area engineers, developers and city officials.

As part of the workshop, officials activated a bioretention unit that was installed in the parking lot of Easley City Hall, where the workshop was held.

The workshop was sponsored by Pickens County Stormwater and Carolina Clear, and hosted by Land Planning Associates, the city of Easley and Filterra Inc.

Bioretention areas are stormwater management practices that typically consist of an excavated basin, porous media and vegetation. They allow infiltration of runoff (stormwater), settling of sediment, uptake of nutrients and removal of other pollutants, such as bacteria and metals.

Generally, they intercept stormwater and allow for some treatment to occur before polluted runoff meets waterways, such as nearby rivers and lakes.

They typically are used as treatment cells in parking-lot islands or in residential areas, and are increasingly popular solutions for runoff (stormwater) management and water quality protection.

The workshop’s 34 attendees learned about bioretention basics from Cal Sawyer, Extension water quality coordinator and associate director of the Clemson University Center for Watershed Excellence.

Terri Reid, regional sales manager for Filterra, manufacturer of the bioretention equipment used at the Easley City Hall project, presented an overview of the device, activation and maintenance.

The group also held a roundtable discussion on stormwater management in the Upstate.

Easley Mayor Larry Bagwell, who attended the workshop, said that his city wants to lead by example.

“The city is willing to explore innovative ideas to protect our waterways, just as we expect developers and companies to do,” Bagwell said.

Scottie Ferguson, Pickens County Stormwater manager, said these types of systems and devices will help others learn from Pickens’ experience and incorporate their own innovation solutions.

“Between our sensitive river ecosystems and the drinking water reservoirs in the Upstate, it is important that alternative stormwater management devices be considered within development plans,” Ferguson said.

Carolina Clear

Carolina Clear is a comprehensive approach to inform and educate communities about water quality, water quantity and the cumulative effects of stormwater. Carolina Clear addresses the special significance of South Carolina’s water resources and the role they play in the state’s economy, environmental health, and overall quality of life. On the Web at www.clemson.edu/carolinaclear.