FocalPoint for Education in Baltimore, MD

In Baltimore, a local elementary school decided it was time to augment its stormwater runoff techniques. Located on a small parcel of land in an urban setting,  there were few permeable surface areas for stormwater to penetrate.

Aware of a grant opportunity, the school decided to take advantage and submit an application for the stormwater management updates. However, there was a stipulation set by the grant. The project must incorporate an educational component.

After investigating various options, it became clear to the design team that a FocalPoint Biofiltration system was the perfect fit for the grant application. In addition to fulfilling the stormwater requirements, the team included a few modifications to enhance the educational experience of the new system. To satisfy this need, the engineers designed a raised micro-bioretention planter. The planter design was complete with concrete steps and features to encourage learning.

Additional Project Details

The school has an angled roof that directs stormwater to one central rain spout. Captured stormwater is then filtered into a cistern for treatment. Overflow is discharged down a rain chain, through a pipe, and then into a trough which evenly distributes flow across the planter system. The FocalPoint high-flow media works in combination with the plantings in the bed to filter the captured runoff. Below the planter, we incorporated R-Tank modules. These modules increase the storage capacity for rainwater.

Due to the small footprint capability of the FocalPoint high-flow media, water quality treatment for the entire project was achieved in the raised planter bed. Not only is the micro-bioretention system serving as an effective means for stormwater management, but also teachers at the elementary school are using it as an interactive tool for their classrooms. In conclusion, the school is happy about its improved curb appeal, new educational tools, and improved stormwater management.