Overview
LVS Bio-Retention Soil is designed specifically to absorb, infiltrate, and filter stormwater runoff into the ground where it can safely recharge our groundwater systems reducing or eliminating surface flooding and potential related damage. The goal of a bioretention basin is to capture and divert stormwater runoff displaced from impervious surfaces. Well-designed basins also filter out untreated pollutants that otherwise might flow directly into waterways. Many bioretention basins are large in scale and while they can have attractive plantings, these utilitarian designed basins are generally located out of sight, at the low end of a parking lot or downslope from a building or road. LVS Bio-Retention Soil is also designed to be used in Rain Gardens. Rain Gardens are basically smaller versions of bioretention basins and usually planted with a more ornamental and colorful planting design. Rain Gardens are used for both new construction and retrofitting older properties to bring them into stormwater compliance. These esthetically pleasing rain garden features are typically designed to blend into the greater landscape design of the property.
A stormwater management plan is now a requirement with all new construction that creates impervious surfaces. Water must be contained on site or at least slowed down to prevent harmful flooding and pollutant movement. Bio-Retention basins and Rain Gardens are part of the building code and are required for most building projects including renovations and expansions.
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Ingredients
LVS Bio-Retention Soil is manufactured for specific performance criteria, made from a mixture of ASTM C-33 Coarse Sand, Native Soil and STA Certified Compost components blended at specific ratios that provide specific infiltration and water holding capacity.
Analytical
LVS Bio-Retention Soil is generally light brown in color, has a light bulk density, and can feel spongy. Often on the sandy side with lower clay content, neutral pH range, and an average 5% organic matter content by weight, Bio-Retention Soil weighs between 1800 to 2400 lbs./cubic yard. Current testing is always available. A specification is available for download.
Benefits
LVS Bio-Retention Soil captures, infiltrates, and filters stormwater, preventing damaging surface flooding while also supporting plantings that assist with this process while providing ecologically friendly wildlife habitats and light pollutant absorption.
Benefits at a Glance
- Organic Matter
- Nutrients
- Biology
- Water Holding Capacity
- Improves Soil Structure and Porosity
Applications
Bio-Retention Soils are often installed in depths ranging from 12-48″. In basins with deeper depths the soil should be installed in 12” lifts with each lift lightly compacted. The best way to install Bio-Retention Soil when site conditions allow, is to use an excavator from outside the basin, a telebelt or slinger truck. Track skid steers can also be used if other methods are not available.
See our soils at work
