Stormwater Solutions For Harbors – Protecting Winter Island Park Habitats

The client contacted Ferguson Waterworks for assistance finding stormwater solutions for harbors.  Particularly, they wanted to further protect Winter Island Park, a seaside historical recreation site. To explain, untreated stormwater flowed off approximately 2.5 acres of impervious buildings and parking lots. This runoff then emptied directly into Salem Harbor. As a result of the runoff’s sediment, bacteria, metals, oils, and greases, the quality of the seawater was impacted negatively. Consequently, this affected important shellfish, waterfowl habitats, and fisheries. Not to mention, surrounding parking lots were experiencing severe ponding.

The client desired cost-effective stormwater solutions for harbors. They needed a system that filters stormwater, increases water quality, and fits into a limited footprint.

After careful consideration, it was decided that the FocalPoint Biofiltration System would be the best solution to treat the polluted runoff and slow the discharge rate into the harbor. It was chosen because it combines next-generation biofiltration media with a high-performance underdrain to deliver all the advantages of a traditional bioretention system, in a footprint up to 90% smaller. This was key for the project because of the limited footprint available. A domed overflow riser with a filter insert was added to the installation to collect any floatables and mulch. Overall, the installation took less than a day.

FocalPoint Biofiltration System reduced parking lot water ponding and bank erosion. In addition, it significantly removed several pollutants, further protecting the surrounding habitats. There have been several major storms since the biofiltration system was installed and FocalPoint has performed exactly as designed. The client was elated that the stormwater solutions helped improve the harbor’s water quality while maintaining the integrity of the historical Winter Island Park.