Ongoing Upkeep in Bio-Retention Area

Back in the 1990's, an oil spill caused by Colonial Pipeline affected many of the streams in our area, including the one that runs through Runnymede Park. As mitigation for the damage, several ecological enhancement projects were developed. One of these projects was the bio-retention area (the depressed mulched area planted with shrubs) near the stream by the pool. This project is now in the 4th year of a 5 year monitoring effort overseen by CH2M Hill.

The bio-retention area is design to capture storm water runoff from the parking lot, which can contain significant oils, sediments, and heavy metals. The storm water infiltrates through the porous soils prior to draining back into the stream. The tree buffer along the stream helps to stabilize the stream banks with additional root mass, filters and slows runoff, and creates habitat for wildlife, connecting the forested buffers in Runnymede Park upstream and downstream from the property.

This fall, CH2M Hill will be replacing dead trees, mulching, and flagging new trees and shrubs for mowing. Please respect this area and make sure children do not play in or destroy any of the vegetation.