Thermal Pollution Mitigation in Cold Water Stream Watersheds Using Bioretention

Abstract

This study examines the use of bioretention as a strategy to reduce the thermal impact associated with urban stormwater runoff in developing cold water stream watersheds. Temperature and flow data were collected during ten controlled trials at a bioretention facility located in Blacksburg, Virginia. It was determined that bioretention has the ability to reduce the temperature of thermally charged stormwater runoff received from an asphalt surface. Significant reductions in average and peak temperatures were observed. However, this facility was unable to consistently reduce the temperature below the threshold for trout health. The ability of bioretention to reduce runoff flow rates could also serve to reduce the thermal impact. Based on these results it was concluded that bioretention appears to have the capability to reduce the thermal impact of urban stormwater runoff on cold water stream ecosystems.