03/30/2005 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Protection Guidelines Rain Gardens (Infiltration Basins) Rainwater on it's way to the storm drain picks up pollutants such as oil from our cars and lawnmowers and nutrient rich fertilizer and grass clippings from lawns and hard surfaces. Storm sewers eventually empty this stormwater into our lakes and rivers, where the excess nutrients cause algae blooms and pol- lutants adversely affect wildlife. Up to 70% of pollutants enter our water bodies through stormwater run- off, half of which comes from households. These are the very same lakes and streams we use for our drinking water, fishing, swimming, boating, and other recreational activities. Benefits of rain gardens: The shallow basin of the rain garden captures stormwater from down spouts and hard surfaces allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the ground. When planted with native plant materials, rain gardens help filter pollutants from stormwater and slow it down which reduces soil erosion. Other benefits Include: • Stormwater retention reduces runoff of pollutants and nutrients into our lakes and streams. • Filtered water recharges the groundwater. • Deep - rooted native plants stabilize soil to prevent erosion during large storm events. • Diverse plantings with many species of native plants creates an attractive functional garden that is more resistant to drought, flood, insects and disease. • Planting native wildflowers attracts a variety of wildlife including butterflies and birds. • In the winter, native grasses and wildflowers provide interesting texture as well as habitat. 'TYPICAL RAIN GARDEN 1 Shredded Mulch I For more Information contact City of Lino Lakes, Marty Asieson, Environmental Coordinator (651) 982 -2435 Rice Creek Watershed District (763) 398 -3070 Source used to construct this page: www.anokanaturalresources.com/habitatirainwatergarden BRUGGEMAN PROP ERTIES B u i l d i n g C o m m u n i t i e s S i n c e 1 9 5 9 Page 5