Researchers wrap up proposal to study new stormwater management technique

By Shelby Ruud

Researchers at Utah State University are finishing a proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency and the city of Logan that will allow the study of bioswales, which are landscape elements designed to remove pollutants from stormwater using vegetation.

There is currently one bioswale in Logan. If approved, the researchers will study the effectiveness of the bioswale this summer and submit their findings in the fall. If the research confirms the benefits of bioswales, more could be implemented in Logan within the next few years.

“Bioswales are an alternate to the cement storm drains we have now,” said Ryan Dupont, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at USU. “Bioswales are a low-cost, passive way to get rid of pollutants in stormwater.”

According to Dupont, stormwater from urban areas carries various harmful pollutants to rivers and lakes. These pollutants include heavy metals and hazardous organics from roadways, parking lots and asphalt rooftops.

“We’re seeing a big impact on the water quality in our rivers, so there’s pressure to make things different,” Dupont said.

Bioswales can also help with the lack of snowfall experienced this year, according to Dupont.

“There’s not much snowpack, and that could mean serious trouble for irrigation and city water needs,” he said. “Bioswales allow us to build up groundwater supply because we can capture the water and store it below the city.”

Bioswales are also visually-pleasing, according to Hailey Wall, a student in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at USU.

“Since the bioswales incorporate plants, they look better compared to the usual cement storm drains,” she said. “They are improving the aesthetics of our city.”

Dupont said the EPA has already confirmed that they will approve the proposal and recommend the plan for funding from the city.