Approaches to stormwater treatment have changed dramatically in recent years. The concerns associated with increased localized flood risk, pollutant transport to regulated receiving waters and cost of new and redeveloped storm-drain infrastructures, have ushered in a whole new set of criteria that contractors, designers and governmental regulators must meet for new projects and retrofits. Chief among these new considerations is Low Impact Development (LID), which, through a variety of small-scale site design techniques, controls runoff discharge, volume, frequency and quality, mimicking a site’s pre-development hydrologic conditions, i.e. natural site.

Tree box filters are highly adaptable and can be used in most development scenarios. In urban areas, tree box filters that are an integrated part of a street landscape can transform isolated street trees into stormwater filtration devices, or can be designed to convert entire non-functional streetscapes into large stormwater or combined-sewer-flow filtration systems.

Kristar, an innovator in stormwater-management solutions, has introduced the TREEPOD™ Biofilter module, which uses non-proprietary filtration and design, with improved material and technology to advance the effectiveness of the standard tree box filter (TBF). The TBF is a proven, land-based water treatment option and is used throughout the United States. It is especially useful in settings where space is at a premium, yet vegetated controls are desired. Kristar has developed an LID-based solution that makes installation, maintenance and repair easier and more cost effective.

The use of trees and native plant materials can dramatically enhance site aesthetics, improving the quality of life and greening neighborhoods, while adding value to the property. Intended for both new suburban construction and urban retrofits, TREEPOD Biofilters apply the natural ability of soils and landscaping to effect filtration and utilize microbial activity and uptake by plants and soils to provide water quality treatment.

The Kristar TREEPOD™ features an optional internal high-flows bypass, potentially eliminating the need for a downstream catch basin. With the incorporation of an internal junction that connects filter with stormwater piping or storage, the system provides compact, versatile treatment of stormwater runoff easily integrated with storage structures.

Several TREEPODs may be linked to pretreat runoff conveyed to an underground storage system allowing captured rainwater to be released to the soil bed at rates that mimic pre-development or for use to supplement irrigation. The result is an aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly way to reduce the impact on a municipal stormwater conveyance system, while limiting a development’s impact on receiving waters.

A concern with the basic tree-box filter design has been soil maintenance and replacement. Kristar has addressed this by using a soil “recipe”, based on non-proprietary studies, which Kristar will make available to local landscape and soil companies. Having soil readily available from local providers speeds delivery and eliminates long-distance transportation costs – thereby reducing the system’s carbon footprint.

The Kristar TREEPOD™ also offers pre-filtration capabilities. An easily accessible pre-filtration chamber means simpler maintenance less often. Gross pollutants and debris are captured prior to stormwater run-off entering the soil filtration chamber. Routine annual inspection and maintenance will ensure that the filter will operate indefinitely.

The Kristar TREEPOD Biofilter can help meet both stormwater and landscape requirements, making it both multifunctional and multibeneficial.

Kristar Enterprises, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of stormwater management products that address the control of pollutants from storm water runoff. From the beginning of construction, to the installation of permanent control devices, to their ongoing maintenance handled by their Drainage Protection Systems division, Kristar offers a complete “treatment train” approach.

Founded in 1993, Kristar is committed to continuing to provide innovative storm water solutions throughout the United States. SLDT