Technical Implementation

Create and line catchment area

A containment area serves to catch overflow waste water where it can be treated naturally with green infrastructure methods; in this case, a rain garden with vetiver grass and biochar.

Produce the biochar

Biochar is produced by burning plant material under very low oxygen conditions. Biochar retains contaminants, increases water retention, and enhances microorganism diversity, making soils more fertile.

Fill catchment with biochar

Biochar provides habitat for beneficial soil microbes to thrive. These beneficial microbes also treat the wastewater. The soil serves as a filtration system. The biochar for this project was produced on site.

Plant vetiver grass in the rain garden

Vetiver grass is has extensive root systems which rapidly uptake water and nutrients. Filtered water eventually leaves the vetiver grass through natural plant processes. Vetiver is hearty and grows quickly, making it a good choice for green infrastructure installations.