Gravel Wetland Design Workshop

The subsurface gravel wetland is a recent innovation in Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater design. It approximates the look and function of a natural wetland, effectively removing sediments and other pollutants commonly found in runoff, while enhancing the visual appeal of the landscape and adding buffers or greenscape to urban areas. This workshop provides stormwater management professionals with the most up to date characteristics of successful gravel wetland designs and installations. This full-day training includes field visits to a variety of on-the ground gravel wetland installations throughout the UNH campus and the region. Participants will learn key design principles necessary to successfully design, evaluate, specify, and install gravel wetland systems for stormwater management.

The subsurface gravel wetland evaluated and recommended by the UNHSC is a horizontal-flow filtration system that should not be confused with stormwater wetlands that function more like ponds. Instead, it relies on a dense root mat, crushed stone, and an anaerobic, microbe rich environment to improve water quality. Like other filtration systems, it demonstrates a tremendous capacity to reduce peak flow and improve water quality.