Design Handbook

for

Low Impact Development

Best Management Practices

Prepared by:

9/2011

Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District

1995 Market Street
Riverside, CA 92501
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1
What is Low Impact Development? .................................................................................................................. 1
About this Handbook ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Selecting appropriate LID BMPs ...................................................................................................................... 2
Who should be involved in the selection, siting and design of LID BMPs? ..................................................... 3
Many of the BMP fact sheets reference the Engineering Authority (EA). Who is the EA for my project? ... 3
Do I need to do additional studies? ................................................................................................................... 3
Designing the BMPs ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Can I make my BMP smaller? .......................................................................................................................... 4
Can I place my BMP underground? .................................................................................................................. 4
What are Drawdown Times? ............................................................................................................................. 4
What is the tributary drainage area? .................................................................................................................. 4
What are pervious and impervious areas? ......................................................................................................... 4
2.0 Sizing Calculations ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Calculating VBMP ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Calculating QBMP ............................................................................................................................. 12
3.0 BMP Fact Sheets ........................................................................................................................ 16
3.1 Infiltration Basins
3.2 Infiltration Trenches
3.3 Permeable Pavement
3.4 Harvest and Use
3.5 Bioretention Facilities
3.6 Extended Detention Basins
3.7 Sand Filter Basins

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Infiltration Testing Guidelines

Appendix B: Underdrain Guidelines
Appendix C: Basin Guidelines
Appendix D: Isohyetal Map for Santa Ana and Santa Margarita Watersheds
Appendix E: Pollutant Removal Effectiveness Table
Appendix F: Calculation Worksheets for VBMP and QBMP

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
-i-
 Riverside County
C De
esign Hand
dbook for

Low Impacct Develop

pment Bestt Managem
ment Practtices

1.0 In
ntroductio
on

What is Low Impacct Developm

ment?
According to the Statte Water Resources Con
ntrol Board, Low Impact Developmeent (LID) is:

a susstainable prractice thaat benefits water sup pply and

contributees to water quality prottection. Unllike tradition nal storm
water ma anagement, which colle lects and coonveys storrm water
runoff thrrough storm m drains, pippes, or otheer conveyan nces to a
ntralized storrm water facility, LID takes a differeent approachh by using siite design
cen
andd storm wateer managem ment to main ntain the sittes pre-deveelopment runnoff rates
andd volumes. The goal off LID is to mimicm a sitees predeveloopment hyddrology by
usin
ng design teechniques th hat infiltratee, filter, storre, evaporatte, and deta
ain runoff
1
closse to the sou
urce of rainfa
all.

When im mplemented d correctly on a site, LID providees two prim mary benefitts: 1) The post-
constructtion site hyydrology will more clo osely mimic the pre-deevelopment hydrology, thus
reducing the downsstream erosion that maay occur du e to increased runoff from imperrvious
surfaces;; and 2) Pollu
utants in run
noff from the
e site will bee significantlly reduced.

Additionaally, the Caliifornia Storm

mwater Quality Associattion (CASQA A) LID Manuaal2 identifiess that
a properly and effecttively design ned site will incorporate two forms o
of LID: LID P
Principles an
nd LID
BMPs. Whereas LID Principless focus on planning a nd designin ng a site inn a manner that
es the causes, or driverss, of project impacts (so metimes refferred to as site design)), this
minimize
Handboook discusses LID BMPs which w are im
mplementedd to help mitigate any impacts thaat are
otherwise unavoidab ble.

1
State Waater Resources Control Boardd, Low Impact Development Sustainable Storm Water Management, 2010;
http://w
www.waterboaards.ca.gov/waater_issues/pro ograms/low_im
mpact_develop
pment/index.shtml
2
Californiaa Stormwater Quality Association, Low Im mpact Developmment Manual for Southern California: Tecchnical
Guidancce and Site Plan
nning Strategiees, April 2010

Riverside Cou
unty - Low Impactt Development BM
MP Design Handbo
ook rev. 9/2011
Page 1
About this Handbook
This Handbook supplements the Riverside County Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) by
providing guidance for the planning, design and maintenance of Low Impact Development (LID)
BMPs which may be used to mitigate the water quality impacts of developments within
Riverside County.

This Handbook is the culmination of over five years of research, wherein manuals, studies, and
experts from across the country were consulted to identify the most effective LID BMPs and
designs. Although there are many types of BMPs that can be considered LID, this research
found that the BMPs that are likely to be the most effective for the life of the project are those
that are integrated into the design of the site and passively remove pollutants from runoff
(without human intervention) through natural processes such as infiltration, biofiltration, and
evapotranspiration. Further, it was found that BMPs are only effective as a function of how
well they are maintained. Proprietary BMPs, underground BMPs or BMPs that require
complicated maintenance equipment and procedures are all much less likely to be
appropriately maintained, therefore, less reliable for the protection of water quality.

Based on that research, this Handbook contains detailed information and designs for seven (7)
LID BMPs that are designed to encourage replication of the site's natural hydrologic processes.
This includes maximizing direct or incidental infiltration and evapotranspiration, and using
vegetation and other biological processes to filter and absorb pollutants. For each BMP,
pertinent information is provided such as the maximum tributary drainage area, siting
considerations, design procedures, and maintenance requirements. This Handbook also
includes detailed guidance for infiltration testing, and basin considerations. By following these
standardized designs and procedures, the citizens of Riverside County can be assured that
water quality will be protected to the maximum extent practicable.

Selecting appropriate LID BMPs

LID BMPs are a highly effective and naturally-based form of Treatment Control BMPs. Before
selecting any particular BMPs for a site, refer to the WQMP applicable to the project (based on
the watershed the project is located in). The WQMP may specify particular types of LID or
Treatment Control BMPs that can or must be considered for use on the project. Such
considerations may include whether or not the LID BMP will maximize on-site retention of
runoff, or be based on the types of pollutants that the site may generate, types of pollutants
that are impairing the downstream receiving waters, and which BMPs are effective at
addressing those pollutants. Generally infiltration BMPs have advantages over other types of
BMPs, including reduction of the volume and rate of runoff, as well as full treatment of all
potential pollutants potentially contained in the stormwater runoff. It is recognized however
that infiltration may not be feasible on sites, such as those with high groundwater, low
infiltration rates, or located on compacted engineered fill. In those situations, harvest and use,
bioretention and/or biotreatment based BMPs that provide opportunity for evapotranspiration
and incidental infiltration may be a more feasible option. The WQMP may specify criteria that
can be used to determine when particular BMPs are considered feasible.
Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
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Who should be involved in the selection, siting and design of LID BMPs?
Everyone involved with the project site development, including owners, architects, engineers,
and geologists, should be informed about the proposed/required BMPs as early as possible in
the planning of a project. This reduces the chance of costly redesign, the need for additional
testing and produces a better and more integrated site overall. For most basins and all
infiltration BMPs, it is important that the responsible engineer/geologist be made aware of the
location of BMPs, so they can make design recommendations including setbacks and perform
the appropriate infiltration testing, if required. Landscape architects will need to know the
locations and types of proposed BMPs as these might change the types of plants that can be
used. Owners must be made aware of the long term maintenance and total cost of ownership
for the BMPs in order to make informed decisions during the BMP selection process.

Many of the BMP fact sheets reference the Engineering Authority (EA). Who is the EA
for my project?
The engineering authority for a project is the public agency responsible for reviewing and
approving the proposed project. Usually the EA is the City/County wherein the project is
located.

Do I need to do additional studies?

Most infiltration BMPs and basins will require a geotechnical report prepared by either a
licensed geotechnical engineer, civil engineer or certified engineering geologist. The report
must provide characterization of site specific soil conditions, recommendations of any required
testing, and site specific recommendations for setbacks as well as commentary on slope
stability and potential offsite impacts. See Infiltration Testing Requirements and Basin
Guidelines in Appendices A and C, respectively, for more information.

Designing the BMPs

The BMPs in this Handbook are designed based on volume. Volume based BMPs are designed
to capture a particular volume of stormwater runoff (referred to as VBMP), and either infiltrate
that volume, re-use the water, or slowly and naturally filter pollutants from that stormwater,
and discharge the volume within a specified drawdown time.

This Handbook contains worksheets to assist the designer in determining the required VBMP
based on the location of the site. While there are likely significant direct or indirect volume
reduction benefits associated with each of the included LID BMPs, these sizing worksheets are
not intended to meet the requirements listed in the Hydraulic Conditions of Concern (HCOC)
section of the WQMP.

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Can I make my BMP smaller?
The worksheets in this Handbook calculate the minimum required size for each LID BMP based
on the amount of runoff reaching the BMP. However, early and aggressive implementation of
LID Principles (site design) during the planning stages of a project will translate directly to less
runoff, and in turn will help minimize the required size of the BMPs. To further reduce the
required size, consider looking for additional ways to increase the percentage of landscaped
areas and porous surfaces on the site, and opportunities to drain impervious areas into
pervious areas.

Can I place my BMP underground?

Under most circumstances, in areas of new development or significant redevelopment, the use
of underground treatment control BMPs in lieu of the LID BMPs in this Handbook is not
justifiable.

What are Drawdown Times?

Volume based BMPs are usually associated with a required drawdown time. The drawdown
time refers to the amount of time the design volume takes to pass through the BMP. The
specified or incorporated drawdown times are to ensure that adequate contact or detention
time has occurred for treatment, while not creating vector or other nuisance issues. It is
important to abide by the drawdown time requirements stated in the fact sheet for each
specific BMP.

What is the tributary drainage area?

The tributary drainage area is the entire area that drains to the proposed onsite BMP. While
small sites could be tributary to a single BMP, usually the site is broken up into several drainage
management areas (DMAs), each draining to a discrete BMP. Although it is usually desirable to
address offsite flows separately, if flows from offsite areas commingle with onsite flows they
shall also be included in the sizing calculation. At the beginning of each fact sheet, the
maximum (or minimum) tributary drainage area for each BMP is listed. The tributary areas for
each BMP will be required to be clearly shown on one or more drainage exhibits. Such exhibits
shall be clearly labeled to show which areas drain to which BMP.

What are pervious and impervious areas?

Project sites are made up of both pervious and impervious surfaces. The pervious portion of a
site is where stormwater has the opportunity to infiltrate into the ground, such as but not
limited to landscaped or natural areas. Impervious areas are where water has no opportunity
to infiltrate and immediately becomes surface runoff. When a site is developed, the
percentage of impervious area typically increases from the natural state. This higher
impervious percentage increases the volume and flow rate of stormwater runoff.

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2.0 Sizing Calculations
The following section includes sizing calculations for three regions: Santa Ana, Santa Margarita
and Whitewater. These calculations are based on approved methodologies within the currently
active Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits for each of these three
watershed regions of Riverside County. In this manual, all BMP designs are sized based on the
design capture volume, VBMP. However, there may be circumstances when flow based
Treatment Control BMPs are utilized and therefore this section also includes guidelines for
calculating the design flow rate, QBMP.

2.1 Calculating VBMP

Volume based BMPs, including all of the BMPs in this manual, are sized to capture and treat the
design capture volume, VBMP. As the method for calculating and documenting the design
capture volume varies by watershed, the designer must first know which watershed the
proposed project is within, and then follow the corresponding guidelines below.
The watershed a particular project is within can be determined from the Locate my Watershed
tool available at:
www.rcflood.org/npdes/

2.1.1 Santa Ana Watershed (including the San Jacinto sub-watershed)

In order to meet Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) requirements, in the Santa
Ana Watershed the design capture volume (VBMP) is based on capturing the volume of runoff
generated from an 85th percentile, 24-hour storm event. Follow the steps below to calculate
VBMP in the Santa Ana Watershed. For convenience, these steps have also been integrated into
an excel worksheet that has been provided in Appendix F of this Handbook.

1) Delineate Drainage Management Areas (DMAs) draining to the BMP as described in the
WQMP. Wherever possible, use separate DMAs for each surface type (e.g., landscaping,
pervious paving, or roofs). Assign each DMA a unique ID code and determine its area in
square feet. Multiple DMAs can be combined to individual downstream BMPs.

2) Compile a list of DMAs draining to each volume based BMP using the VBMP calculation
worksheet provided in Appendix F to this Handbook. An example of the table from that
worksheet is provided below. Account for all areas that will contribute runoff to the
proposed BMP, including runoff from off-site areas that commingle with on-site runoff.
Enter the unique DMA ID, area, and post-project surface type for each DMA, into the
first three columns of the table. The remaining steps describe the process for filling in
the remaining parts of the table.

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 Effective
DMA Post- Imper- DMA DMA
DMA Area Project vious Runoff Area LID BMP Name/Identifier
Type/ (square Surface Fraction, Factor, Runoff
ID feet) Type IF C Factor
Design Proposed
Design Capture Volume on
Storm Depth Volume Plans
(in) (cubic feet) (cubic feet)

= AT Total = [A] [B] [C]

3) Determine the effective impervious fraction (If) for each DMA, and fill in the fourth
column of the table described in Step 2.

For DMAs comprised of a single post-project surface type (as described in the WQMP,
most DMAs should be designed in this manner), the effective Impervious Fraction
should be derived from the following table:

Surface Type Effective Impervious

Fraction, If
Roofs 1.00
Concrete or Asphalt 1.00
Grouted or Gapless Paving Blocks 1.00
Compacted Soil (e.g. unpaved parking) 0.40
Decomposed Granite 0.40
Permeable Paving Blocks w/ Sand Filled Gap 0.25
Class 2 Base 0.30
Gravel or Class 2 Permeable Base 0.10
Pervious Concrete / Porous Asphalt 0.10
Open and Porous Pavers 0.10
Turf block 0.10
Ornamental Landscaping 0.10
Natural (A Soil) 0.03
Natural (B Soil) 0.15
Natural (C Soil) 0.30
Natural (D Soil) 0.40

If a single DMA contains mixed post-project surface types, a composite or area-weighted

average effective impervious fraction should be used. The following equation can be
used for determining an area-weighted average:

+ + [ ]

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 4) Calculate a runoff factor, C, using the following equation, and enter this value into the
fifth column of the table described in Step 2:
= 0.858 0.78 + 0.774 + 0.04

5) For each tabulated DMA, multiply the area by the runoff factor, and enter the resulting
value in the sixth column of the table described in Step 2. Enter the sum of the sixth
column in the field identified with [A] in the table.

6) Determine the Design Storm Depth (D85) by locating the project site on the full sized
Isohyetal Map for the 85th Percentile 24-hour Storm Event, contained in Appendix D of
this Handbook. These values were determined throughout Riverside County using rain
gauges with the greatest periods of record. Use township, range and section
information to locate the project site, and interpolate the closest value for the site.
Enter this value (inches) in
the field identified with
[B] in the table from
Step 2.

Tip: Make a clear acetate copy

of the township, range and
section grid to use as an
overlay on other sections of
the map.

7) Determine the Design Capture Volume or VBMP using the equation below:

[A] [B]
V ft =
12 inft

Enter this value in the field identified with [C] in the table from Step 2. This is the
volume to be used in the design of BMPs presented in this Handbook.

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2.1.2 Santa Margarita Watershed
In order to meet RWQCB requirements, in the Santa Margarita Watershed, the design capture
volume (VBMP) is based on capturing the volume of runoff generated from an 85th percentile,
24-hour storm event. Follow the steps below to calculate VBMP in the Santa Margarita
Watershed. For convenience, these steps have also been integrated into an excel worksheet
that has been provided in Appendix F of this Handbook.

1) Determine the tributary drainage area to the BMP, AT. This includes all areas that will
contribute runoff to the proposed BMP, including pervious areas, and runoff from off-
site areas that commingle with on-site runoff. Calculate this area in acres.

2) Locate the project site on the full sized Isohyetal Map for the 85th Percentile 24-hour
Storm Event contained in Appendix D of this Handbook. These values were determined
throughout Riverside County using rain gauges with the greatest periods of record. Use
township, range and section information to locate the project site, and interpolate the
closest value, D85, for the site.

NOTE: The use of the Isohyetal Map in Appendix D of this Handbook requires the use of BMPs identified
in this LID BMP Design Handbook. This Isohyetal Map cannot be used with older BMP designs.

Tip: Make a clear acetate copy

of the township, range and
section grid to use as an overlay
on other sections of the map.

3) Determine the effective impervious fraction (If) for the area tributary to the BMP, using
the following table:

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
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 Surface Type Effective Impervious
Fraction, If
Roofs 1.00
Concrete or Asphalt 1.00
Grouted or Gapless Paving Blocks 1.00
Compacted Soil (e.g. unpaved parking) 0.40
Decomposed Granite 0.40
Permeable Paving Blocks w/ Sand Filled Gap 0.25
Class 2 Base 0.30
Gravel or Class 2 Permeable Base 0.10
Pervious Concrete / Porous Asphalt 0.10
Open and Porous Pavers 0.10
Turf block 0.10
Ornamental Landscaping 0.10
Natural (A Soil) 0.03
Natural (B Soil) 0.15
Natural (C Soil) 0.30
Natural (D Soil) 0.40

If the area tributary to the BMP contains mixed post-project surface types, a composite
or area-weighted average effective impervious fraction should be used. The following
equation can be used for determining an area-weighted average:

+ + [ ]

4) Calculate a runoff factor, C, using the following equation:

= 0.858 0.78 + 0.774 + 0.04

5) Determine unit storage volume, VU. This is found by multiplying the Design Storm Depth
found in Step 2 by the runoff coefficient found in Step 4.
V =D C

6) Determine VBMP using the equation below or the worksheet provided in Appendix F of
this Handbook. This is the volume to be used in the design of selected BMPs presented
in this Handbook. Multiply the BMP tributary drainage area, AT, by the unit storage
volume, VU, to give the BMP design storage volume.
V in acac A ac 43,560 ft ac
V ft =
12 inft

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Page 9
2.1.3 Whitewater Watershed

In order to meet RWQCB requirements, in the Whitewater Watershed the design capture
volume (VBMP) is based on the CASQA methodology referenced in Section F.1.c.v.4.a.ii of the
MS4 permit. The Palms Springs Thermal Airport rain gauge was used as the reference gauge.
Follow the steps below to calculate VBMP in the Whitewater Watershed. For convenience, these
steps have also been integrated into an excel worksheet that has been provided in Appendix F
of this Handbook.

7) Determine the tributary drainage area, AT. This includes all areas that will contribute
runoff to the proposed BMP, including pervious areas, and runoff from offsite areas that
commingle with site runoff. Calculate this area in acres.

8) Determine the effective impervious fraction (If) for the area tributary to the BMP, using
the following table:

Surface Type Effective Impervious

Fraction, If
Roofs 1.00
Concrete or Asphalt 1.00
Grouted or Gapless Paving Blocks 1.00
Compacted Soil (e.g. unpaved parking) 0.40
Decomposed Granite 0.40
Permeable Paving Blocks w/ Sand Filled Gap 0.25
Class 2 Base 0.30
Gravel or Class 2 Permeable Base 0.10
Pervious Concrete / Porous Asphalt 0.10
Open and Porous Pavers 0.10
Turf block 0.10
Ornamental Landscaping 0.10
Natural (A Soil) 0.03
Natural (B Soil) 0.15
Natural (C Soil) 0.30
Natural (D Soil) 0.40

If the area tributary to the BMP contains mixed post-project surface types, a composite
or area-weighted average effective impervious fraction should be used. The following
equation can be used for determining an area-weighted average:

+ + [ ]

9) Calculate a runoff factor, C, using the following equation:

= 0.858 0.78 + 0.774 + 0.04

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 10) Determine 85th percentile unit storage volume, VU. This is found by multiplying the
runoff coefficient found in Step 3 by 0.40.
V = 0.4 C

11) Determine the design capture volume, VBMP using the equation below or the worksheet
provided in Appendix F of this Handbook. This is the volume to be used in the design of
selected BMPs presented in this Handbook.
V in acac A ac 43,560 ft ac
V ft =
12 inft

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2.2 Calculating QBMP
While the BMPs in this Handbook are designed based on VBMP as discussed in 2.1 above, in
some circumstances flow based BMPs may be used. Flow-based BMPs are sized to treat the
design flow rate. As the method for calculating and documenting the design flow rate varies by
watershed, the designer must first know which watershed the proposed project is within, and
then follow the corresponding guidelines below.

The watershed a particular project is within can be determined from the Locate my Watershed
tool available at:
www.rcflood.org/npdes/

2.2.1 Santa Ana Watershed (including the San Jacinto sub-watershed)

In the Santa Ana Watershed, QBMP is the runoff flow rate resulting from a design rainfall
intensity of 0.2 inches per hour. Follow the steps below to calculate and document QBMP in the
Santa Ana Watershed. For convenience, these steps have also been integrated into a worksheet
that has been provided in Appendix F of this Handbook.

1) Delineate Drainage Management Areas (DMAs) draining to the BMP, as described in the
WQMP. Wherever possible, use separate DMAs for each surface type (e.g., landscaping,
pervious paving, or roofs). Assign each DMA a unique code and determine its size in
square feet. Multiple DMAs can be combined to individual downstream BMPs.

2) Compile a list of DMAs draining to each flow based BMP using the QBMP calculation
worksheet provided in Appendix F to this Handbook. An example of the table from that
worksheet is provided below. Account for all areas that will contribute runoff to the
proposed BMP, including runoff from off-site areas that commingle with on-site runoff.
Enter the unique DMA ID, area, and post-project surface type for each DMA, into the
first three columns of the table. The remaining steps describe the process for filling in
the remaining parts of the table.
Effective
DMA Post- Imper- DMA DMA
DMA Area Project vious Runoff Area LID BMP Name/Identifier
Type (square Surface Fraction, Factor, Runoff
/ID feet) Type IF C Factor

Design
Rainfall Minimum Proposed
Intensity Flow (cfs) Flow (cfs)

= AT Total = [A] 0.2 [B]

3) Determine the effective impervious fraction (If) for each DMA, and fill in the fourth
column of the table described in Step 2.

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 For DMAs comprised of a single post-project surface type (as described in the WQMP,
most DMAs should be designed in this manner), the effective Impervious Fraction
should be derived from the following table:

Surface Type Effective Impervious

Fraction, If
Roofs 1.00
Concrete or Asphalt 1.00
Grouted or Gapless Paving Blocks 1.00
Compacted Soil (e.g. unpaved parking) 0.40
Decomposed Granite 0.40
Permeable Paving Blocks w/ Sand Filled Gap 0.25
Class 2 Base 0.30
Gravel or Class 2 Permeable Base 0.10
Pervious Concrete / Porous Asphalt 0.10
Open and Porous Pavers 0.10
Turf block 0.10
Ornamental Landscaping 0.10
Natural (A Soil) 0.03
Natural (B Soil) 0.15
Natural (C Soil) 0.30
Natural (D Soil) 0.40

If a single DMA contains mixed post-project surface types, a composite or area-weighted

average effective impervious fraction should be used. The following equation can be
used for determining an area-weighted average:

+ + [ ]

4) Calculate a runoff factor, C, using the following equation, and enter this value into the
fifth column of the table described in step 2:

= 0.858 0.78 + 0.774 + 0.04

5) For each tabulated DMA, multiply the area by the runoff factor. Enter the resulting value
in the sixth column of the table described in Step 2. Enter the sum of the sixth column in
the field identified with [A] in the table.

6) Determine the BMP Design Flow Rate (QBMP) using the equation:
0.2 [ ]
QBMP =
43,560

Enter QBMP in the field identified with [B] in the table.

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2.2.2 Santa Margarita and Whitewater Watersheds
In the Santa Margarita and Whitewater Watershed regions of Riverside County, QBMP is the
runoff flow rate resulting from a design rainfall intensity of 0.2 inches per hour. Follow the
steps below to calculate QBMP for both the Santa Margarita and Whitewater watersheds.

1) Determine the tributary drainage area, AT, that drains to the proposed BMP. This
includes all areas that will contribute runoff to the proposed BMP, including pervious
areas, impervious areas, and runoff from offsite areas that commingle with site runoff,
whether or not they are directly or indirectly connected to the BMP. Calculate this area
in units of acres.

2) Determine the effective impervious fraction (If) for the area tributary to the BMP, using
the following table:

Surface Type Effective Impervious

Fraction, If
Roofs 1.00
Concrete or Asphalt 1.00
Grouted or Gapless Paving Blocks 1.00
Compacted Soil (e.g. unpaved parking) 0.40
Decomposed Granite 0.40
Permeable Paving Blocks w/ Sand Filled Gap 0.25
Class 2 Base 0.30
Gravel or Class 2 Permeable Base 0.10
Pervious Concrete / Porous Asphalt 0.10
Open and Porous Pavers 0.10
Turf block 0.10
Ornamental Landscaping 0.10
Natural (A Soil) 0.03
Natural (B Soil) 0.15
Natural (C Soil) 0.30
Natural (D Soil) 0.40

If the area tributary to the BMP contains mixed post-project surface types, a composite
or area-weighted average effective impervious fraction should be used. The following
equation can be used for determining an area-weighted average:

+ + [ ]

3) Calculate a runoff factor, C, using the following equation:

= 0.858 0.78 + 0.774 + 0.04

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 4) Determine the BMP Design Flow Rate using the equation:
QBMP = C x I x AT

Where,

AT = Tributary Area to the BMP, in acres

I = Design Rainfall Intensity, 0.2 inch/hour is used for this Handbook

C = Runoff Factor, found in Step 3

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3.0 BMP Fact Sheets

This section provides fact sheets for the following seven types of BMPs:

3.1 - Infiltration Basins

3.2 - Infiltration Trenches
3.3 - Permeable Pavement
3.4 - Harvest and Use
3.5 - Bioretention Facilities
3.6 - Extended Detention Basins
3.7 - Sand Filter Basins

For portability, the fact sheets for each BMP, as well as Calculation worksheets for sizing and
documenting the design of these BMPs, are provided as separate downloadable files on the LID
Handbook page at www.rcflood.org/NPDES/developers.aspx

BEFORE selecting any particular BMP for use on your project, review the requirements of the
applicable WQMP, and the discussions in sections 1 and 2 of this Handbook. These provide
important context and instructions that may dictate that particular BMPs be used.

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3.1 INFILTRATIONBASIN

TypeofBMP LID Infiltration

TreatmentMechanisms Infiltration,Evapotranspiration(whenvegetated),Evaporation,and
Sedimentation

MaximumTreatmentArea 50acres

OtherNames BioinfiltrationBasin

Description

An Infiltration Basin is a flat earthen basin

designed to capture the design capture volume,
VBMP. The stormwater infiltrates through the
bottomofthebasinintotheunderlyingsoilover
a 72 hour drawdown period. Flows exceeding
VBMP must discharge to a downstream
conveyance system. Trash and sediment
accumulate within the forebay as stormwater
passes into the basin. Infiltration basins are
highly effective in removing all targeted Figure 1 Infiltration Basin
pollutantsfromstormwaterrunoff.
SeeAppendixA,andAppendixC,Section1ofBasinGuidelines,foradditionalrequirements.

SitingConsiderations
Theuseofinfiltrationbasinsmayberestrictedbyconcernsovergroundwatercontamination,
soilpermeability,andcloggingatthesite.SeetheapplicableWQMPforanyspecificfeasibility
considerationsforusinginfiltrationBMPs.WherethisBMPisbeingused,thesoilbeneaththe
basin must be thoroughly evaluated in a geotechnical report since the underlying soils are
criticaltothebasinslongtermperformance.Toprotectthebasinfromerosion,thesidesand
bottomofthebasinmustbevegetated,preferablywithnativeorlowwateruseplantspecies.
Inaddition,thesebasinsmaynotbeappropriateforthefollowingsiteconditions:
Industrialsitesorlocationswherespillsoftoxicmaterialsmayoccur
Siteswithverylowsoilinfiltrationrates
Siteswithhighgroundwatertablesorexcessivelyhighsoilinfiltrationrates,where
pollutantscanaffectgroundwaterquality
Siteswithunstabilizedsoilorconstructionactivityupstream
Onsteeplyslopingterrain
Infiltration basins located in a fill condition should refer to Appendix A of this
Handbookfordetailsonspecialrequirements/restrictions

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 INFILTRATION BASIN BMP FACT SHEET
Setbacks

Always consult your geotechnical engineer for site specific recommendations regarding
setbacks for infiltration trenches. Recommended setbacks are needed to protect buildings,
existingtrees,walls,onsiteornearbywells,streams,andtanks.Setbacksshouldbeconsidered
earlyinthedesignprocesssincetheycanaffectwhereinfiltrationfacilitiesmaybeplacedand
how deep they are allowed to be. For instance, depth setbacks can dictate fairly shallow
facilities that will have a larger footprint and, in some cases, may make an infiltration basin
infeasible.Inthatinstance,anotherBMPmustbeselected.

Infiltrationbasinstypicallymustbesetback:
10feetfromthehistorichighgroundwater(measuredverticallyfromthebottomofthe
basin,asshowninFigure2)
5feetfrombedrockorimpermeablesurfacelayer(measuredverticallyfromthebottom
ofthebasin,asshowninFigure2)
FromallexistingmaturetreedriplinesasindicatedinFigure2(toprotecttheirroot
structure)
100feethorizontallyfromwells,tanksorsprings
Setbacks to walls and foundations must be included as part of the Geotechnical Report. All
other setbacks shall be in accordance with applicable standards of the Districts Basin
Guidelines(AppendixC).

Figure 2 Setback Requirements

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 INFILTRATION BASIN BMP FACT SHEET

Forebay

Aconcreteforebayshallbeprovidedtoreducesedimentcloggingandtoreduceerosion.The
forebayshallhaveadesignvolumeofatleast0.5%VBMPandaminimum1foothighconcrete
splashwall/berm.Fullheightnotchtypeweir(s),offsetfromthelineofflowfromthebasin
inlet to prevent short circuiting, shall be used to outlet the forebay. It is recommended that
twoweirsbeusedandthattheybelocatedonoppositesidesoftheforebay(seeFigure2).

Overflow

FlowsexceedingVBMPmustdischargetoanacceptabledownstreamconveyancesystem.Where
an adequate outletis present, an overflow structure may be used. Where anembankment is
present,anemergencyspillwaymaybeusedinstead.Overflowsmustbeplacedjustabovethe
designwatersurfaceforVBMPandbeneartheoutletofthesystem.Theoverflowstructureshall
be similar to the Districts Standard Drawing CB 110. Additional details may be found in the
DistrictsBasinGuidelines(AppendixC).

Figure3InfiltrationBasin

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 INFILTRATION BASIN BMP FACT SHEET
LandscapingRequirements
Basin vegetation provides erosion protection, improves sediment removal and assists in
allowing infiltration to occur. The basin surface and side slopes shall be planted with native
grasses.Properlandscapemanagementisalsorequiredtoensurethatthevegetationdoesnot
contributetowaterpollutionthroughpesticides,herbicides,orfertilizers.Landscapingshallbe
in accordance with County of Riverside Ordinance 859 and the Districts Basin Guidelines
(AppendixC),orotherguidelinesissuedbytheEngineeringAuthority.

Maintenance
Normal maintenance of an infiltration basin includes the maintenance of landscaping, debris
and trash removal from the surface of the basin, and tending to problems associated with
standingwater(vectors,odors,etc.).Significantponding,especiallymorethan72hoursafter
an event, may indicatethat the basin surface is no longer providing sufficient infiltration and
requiresaeration.SeetheDistrictsBasinGuidelines(AppendixC)foradditionalrequirements
(i.e.,fencing,maintenanceaccess,etc.).
Table1InspectionandMaintenance

Schedule InspectionandMaintenanceActivity
Maintainvegetationasneeded.Useoffertilizers,pesticidesandherbicidesshould
bestrenuouslyavoidedtoensuretheydontcontributetowaterpollution.If
appropriatenativeplantselectionsandotherIPMmethodsareused,suchproducts
shouldntbeneeded.Ifsuchprojectsareused,
o Productsshallbeappliedinaccordancewiththeirlabeling,especially
inrelationtoapplicationtowater,andinareassubjectedtoflooding.
Ongoingincludingjust o Fertilizersshouldnotbeappliedwithin15daysbefore,after,or
beforeannualstorm duringtherainseason.
seasonsandfollowing Removedebrisandlitterfromtheentirebasintominimizecloggingandimprove
rainfallevents. aesthetics.
Checkforobviousproblemsandrepairasneeded.Addressodor,insects,and
overgrowthissuesassociatedwithstagnantorstandingwaterinthebasinbottom.
Thereshouldbenolongtermpondingwater.
Checkforerosionandsedimentladenareasinthebasin.Repairasneeded.Clean
forebayifneeded.
Revegetatesideslopeswhereneeded.
Inspectionofhydraulicandstructuralfacilities.Examinetheinletforblockage,the
embankmentandspillwayintegrity,aswellasdamagetoanystructuralelement.
Checkforerosion,slumpingandovergrowth.Repairasneeded.
Checkbasindepthforsedimentbuildupandreducedtotalcapacity.Scrapebottom
Annually.Ifpossible, asneededandremovesediment.Restoretooriginalcrosssectionandinfiltration
scheduletheseinspections rate.Replantbasinvegetation.
within72hoursaftera Verifythebasinbottomisallowingacceptableinfiltration.Useadiscorother
significantrainfall. methodtoaeratebasinbottomonlyifthereisactualsignificantlossofinfiltrative
capacity,ratherthanonaroutinebasis1.
Nowatershouldbepresent72hoursafteranevent.Nolongtermstandingwater
shouldbepresentatall.Noalgaeformationshouldbevisible.Correctproblemas
needed.
1. CAStormwaterBMPHandbookforNewDevelopmentandSignificantRedevelopment

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 INFILTRATION BASIN BMP FACT SHEET
Table2DesignandSizingCriteriaforInfiltrationBasins

DesignParameter InfiltrationBasin
DesignVolume VBMP
ForebayVolume 0.5%VBMP
Drawdowntime(maximum) 72hours
Maximumtributaryarea 50acres2
Mustbesufficienttodrainthebasinwithinthe
requiredDrawdowntimeoverthelifeoftheBMP.
Minimuminfiltrationrate
TheWQMPmayincludespecificrequirementsfor
minimumtestedinfiltrationrates.
MaximumDepth 5feet
Spillwayerosioncontrol Energydissipatorstoreducevelocities1
BasinSlope 0%
Freeboard(minimum) 1foot1
HistoricHighGroundwaterSetback(max) 10feet
Bedrock/impermeablelayersetback(max) 5feet
Treesetbacks Maturetreedriplinemustnotoverhangthebasin
Setbackfromwells,tanksorsprings 100feet
Setbackfromfoundations AsrecommendedinGeotechnicalReport
1.VenturaCountysTechnicalGuidanceManualforStormwaterQualityControlMeasures
2. CAStormwaterBMPHandbookforNewDevelopmentandSignificantRedevelopment
Note: The information contained in this BMP Factsheet is intended to be a summary of design
considerationsandrequirements.Additionalinformationwhichappliestoalldetentionbasinsmay
be found in the Districts Basin Guidelines (Appendix C). In addition, information herein may be
supersededbyotherguidelinesissuedbythecopermittee.

INFILTRATIONBASINSIZINGPROCEDURE

1. FindtheDesignVolume,VBMP.
a) EntertheTributaryArea,AT.
b) EntertheDesignVolume,VBMP,determinedfromSection2.1ofthisHandbook.
2. DeterminetheMaximumDepth.
a) Enter the infiltration rate. The infiltration rate shall be established as described in
AppendixA:InfiltrationTesting.
b) EnterthedesignFactorofSafetyfromTable1inAppendixA:InfiltrationTesting.
c) ThespreadsheetwilldetermineD1,themaximumallowabledepthofthebasinbasedon
theinfiltrationratealongwiththemaximumdrawdowntime(72hours)andtheFactor
ofSafety.
D1=[(t)x(I)]/12s

Where I=siteinfiltrationrate(in/hr)
s=safetyfactor
t=drawdowntime(maximum72hours)

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 INFILTRATION BASIN BMP FACT SHEET
d) Enterthedepthoffreeboard.
e) Enter the depth to the historic high groundwater level measured from the top of the
basin.
f) Enterthedepthtothetopofbedrockorotherimpermeablelayermeasuredfromthe
finishedgrade.
g) ThespreadsheetwilldetermineD2,thetotalbasindepth(includingfreeboard,ifused)
of the basin, based on restrictions to the depth by groundwater and an impermeable
layer.
D2=Depthtogroundwater(10+freeboard)(ft);
or
D2=Depthtoimpermeablelayer(5+freeboard)(ft)
Whicheverisleast.

h) Thespreadsheetwilldeterminethemaximumallowableeffectivedepthofbasin,DMAX,
basedonthesmallestvaluebetweenD1andD2.DMAXisthemaximumdepthofwater
onlyanddoesnotincludefreeboard.DMAXshallnotexceed5feet.

3. BasinGeometry

a) Enterthebasinsideslopes,z(nosteeperthan4:1).
b) Entertheproposedbasindepth,dBexcludingfreeboard.
c) Thespreadsheetwilldeterminetheminimumrequiredsurfaceareaofthebasin:

As=VBMP/dB

WhereAs=minimumarearequired(ft2)
VBMP=volumeoftheinfiltrationbasin(ft3)
dB=proposeddepthnottoexceedmaximumallowabledepth,DMAX(ft)

d) Entertheproposedbottomsurfacearea.Thisareashallnotbelessthantheminimum
requiredsurfacearea.

4. Forebay
Aconcreteforebaywithadesignvolumeofatleast0.5%VBMPandaminimum1foothigh
concretesplashwallshallbeprovided.Fullheightrectangularweir(s)shallbeusedtooutlet
the forebay. The weir(s) must be offset from the line of flow from the basin inlet. It is
recommended that two weirs be used and that they be located on opposite sides of the
forebay(seeFigure2).

a) Thespreadsheetwilldeterminetheminimumrequiredforebayvolumebasedon0.5%
VBMP.
b) Entertheproposeddepthoftheforebayberm/splashwall(1footminimum).
c) Thespreadsheetwilldeterminetheminimumrequiredforebaysurfacearea.
d) Enterthewidthofrectangularweirtobeused(minimum1.5inches).Weirwidthshould
beestablishedbasedona5minutedrawdowntime.

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 Infiltration Basin - Design Procedure BMP ID Required Entries
Legend:
(Rev. 03-2012) Calculated Cells
Company Name: Date:
Designed by: County/City Case No.:
Design Volume
a) Tributary area (BMP subarea) AT = acres

b) Enter VBMP determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook VBMP= ft3
Maximum Depth
a) Infiltration rate I= in/hr

b) Factor of Safety (See Table 1, Appendix A: "Infiltration Testing" FS =

from this BMP Handbook)
c) Calculate D1 D1 = I (in/hr) x 72 hrs D1 = ft
12 (in/ft) x FS
d) Enter the depth of freeboard (at least 1 ft) ft

e) Enter depth to historic high ground water (measured from top of basin) ft

f) Enter depth to top of bedrock or impermeable layer (measured from top of basin) ft

g) D2 is the smaller of:

Depth to groundwater - (10 ft + freeboard) and D2 = ft

Depth to impermeable layer - (5 ft + freeboard)

h) DMAX is the smaller value of D1 and D2 but shall not exceed 5 feet DMAX = ft
Basin Geometry
a) Basin side slopes (no steeper than 4:1) z= :1
b) Proposed basin depth (excluding freeboard) dB = ft

c) Minimum bottom surface area of basin (AS= VBMP/dB) AS = ft2

d) Proposed Design Surface Area AD = ft2
Forebay
a) Forebay volume (minimum 0.5% VBMP) Volume = ft3
b) Forebay depth (height of berm/splashwall. 1 foot min.) Depth = ft

c) Forebay surface area (minimum) Area = ft2

d) Full height notch-type weir Width (W) = in

Notes:
3.2 INFILTRATION TRENCH
Type of BMP LID - Infiltration

Treatment Mechanisms Infiltration, Evapotranspiration (when vegetated), Evaporation

Maximum Drainage Area 10-acres

Other Names None

Description
Infiltration trenches are shallow excavated areas that are filled with rock material to create a
subsurface reservoir layer. The trench is sized to store the design capture volume, VBMP, in the
void space between the rocks. Over a period of 72 hours, the stormwater infiltrates through
the bottom of the trench into the surrounding soil. Infiltration basins are highly effective in
removing all targeted pollutants from stormwater runoff.

Figure 1 shows the components of an infiltration trench. The section shows the reservoir layer
and observation well, which is used to monitor water depth. An overflow pipe that is used to
bypass flows once the trench fills with stormwater is also shown.

Site Considerations
Location
The use of infiltration trenches may be restricted by concerns over groundwater contamination,
soil permeability, and clogging at the site. See the applicable WQMP for any specific feasibility
considerations for using infiltration BMPs. Where this BMP is being used, the soil beneath the
basin must be thoroughly evaluated in a geotechnical report since the underlying soils are
critical to the basins long term performance. These basins may not be appropriate for the
following site conditions:
Industrial sites or locations where spills of toxic materials may occur.
Sites with very low soil infiltration rates.
Sites with high groundwater tables or excessively high soil infiltration rates, where
pollutants can affect groundwater quality.
Sites with unstabilized soil or construction activity upstream.
On steeply sloping terrain.
Infiltration trenches located in a fill condition should refer to Appendix A of this
Handbook for details on special requirements/restrictions.
This BMP has a flat surface area, so it may be challenging to incorporate into steeply sloping
terrain.

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 INFILTRATION TRENCH BMP FACT SHEET

Setbacks
Always consult your geotechnical engineer for site specific recommendations regarding setbacks for
infiltration trenches. Recommended setbacks are needed to protect buildings, walls, onsite or nearby
wells, streams, and tanks. Setbacks should be considered early in the design process as they
affect where infiltration facilities may be placed and how deep they are allowed to be. For
instance, depth setbacks can dictate fairly shallow facilities that will have a larger footprint and,
in some cases, may make an infiltration trench infeasible. In that instance, another BMP must
be selected.

In addition to setbacks recommended by the geotechnical engineer, infiltration trenches must

be set back:
10 feet from the historic high groundwater mark (measured vertically from the bottom
of the trench, as shown in Figure 1)
5 feet from bedrock or impermeable surface layer (measured vertically from the bottom
of the trench, as shown in Figure 1)
From all mature tree drip lines as indicated in Figure 1
100 feet horizontally from wells, tanks or springs
Setbacks to walls and foundations must be included as part of the Geotechnical Report.

Figure 1 Section View of an Infiltration Trench

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 INFILTRATION TRENCH BMP FACT SHEET

Sediment Control
Infiltration BMPs have the risk of
becoming plugged over time. To
prevent this, sediment must be
removed before stormwater enters
the trench. Both sheet and
concentrated flow types have
requirements that should be
considered in the design of an
infiltration trench.

When sheet type flows approach the

trench along its length (as illustrated
in Figure 2), a vegetated filter strip
should be placed between the trench

and the upstream drainage area. The Figure 2 Plan View, Sheet Type Flows
filter strip must be a minimum of 5
feet wide and planted with grasses (preferably native) or covered with mulch.

Concentrated flows require a different approach. A 2004 Caltrans BMP Retrofit Report found
that flow spreaders recommended in many water quality manuals are ineffective in distributing
concentrated flows. As such, concentrated flows should either be directed toward a traditional
vegetated swale (as shown on the right side of Figure 3) or to catch basin filters that can
remove litter and sediment. Catch basins must discharge runoff as surface flow above the
trench; they cannot outlet directly into the reservoir layer of the infiltration trench. If catch
basins are used, the short and long term costs of the catch basin filters should be considered.

Figure 3 Plan View, Concentrated Flows

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 INFILTRATION TRENCH BMP FACT SHEET

Additional Considerations

Class V Status
In certain circumstances, for example, if an infiltration trench is deeper than its widest surface
dimension, or includes an assemblage of perforated pipes, drain tiles, or other similar
mechanisms intended to distribute fluids below the surface of the ground, it would probably be
considered by the EPA to be a Class V injection well. Class V injection wells are subject to
regulations and reporting requirements via the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program.
To ensure that infiltration trenches are not considered Class V wells, the design procedure in
this manual requires that the trench not be deeper than it is wide.

Geotechnical Report
A geotechnical report must be included for all infiltration trenches. Appendix A of this
Handbook entitled Infiltration Testing Guidelines, details which types of infiltration tests are
acceptable and how many tests or boring logs must be performed. A Geotechnical Report must
be submitted in support of all infiltration trenches. Setbacks to walls and foundations must be
included in the Geotechnical Report.

Observation Wells
One or more observation wells should be provided. The observation well consists of a vertical
section of perforated pipe, 4 to 6 inches in diameter, installed flush with top of trench on a foot
plate and have a locking, removable cap.

Overflow
An overflow route is needed to bypass storm flows larger than the VBMP or in the event of
clogging. Overflow systems must connect to an acceptable discharge point such as a
downstream conveyance system.

Maintenance Access
Normal maintenance of an infiltration trench includes maintenance of the filter strip as well as
debris and trash removal from the surface of the trench and filter strip. More substantial
maintenance requiring vehicle access may be required every 5 to 10 years. Vehicular access
along the length of the swale should be provided to all infiltration trenches. It is preferred that
trenches be placed longitudinally along a street or adjacent to a parking lot area. These
conditions have high visibility which makes it more likely that the trench will be maintained on
a regular basis.

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 INFILTRATION TRENCH BMP FACT SHEET

Inspection and Maintenance

Schedule Inspection and Maintenance Activity

Every two weeks, or as - Maintain adjacent landscaped areas. Remove clippings
often as necessary to from landscape maintenance activities.
maintain a pleasant - Remove trash & debris
appearance
- Check for surface ponding. If ponding is only above the
trench, remove, wash and replace pea gravel. May be
needed every 5-10 years.
3 days after
- Check observation well for ponding. If the trench
Major Storm Events
becomes plugged, remove rock materials. Provide a
fresh infiltration surface by excavating an additional 2-4
inches of soil. Replace the rock materials.

Design and Sizing Criteria

Design Parameter Design Criteria

Design Volume VBMP
Design Drawdown time 72 hrs
Maximum Tributary Drainage Area 10 acres
Maximum Trench Depth 8.0 ft
Width to Depth Ratio Width must be greater than depth
AASHTO #3 or 57 material or a clean, washed
Reservoir Rock Material
aggregate 1 to 3-in diameter equivalent
Minimum of 5 feet in the direction of flow for all
Filter Strip Width
areas draining to trench
Filter Strip Slope Max slope = 1%
Filter Strip Materials Mulch or grasses (non-mowed variety preferred)
Historic High Groundwater Mark 10 ft or more below bottom of trench
Bedrock/Impermeable Layer Setback 5 ft or more below bottom of trench

Tree Setbacks Mature tree drip line must not overhang the
trench
Trench Lining Material As recommended in Geotechnical Report

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 INFILTRATION TRENCH BMP FACT SHEET

Infiltration Trench Design Procedure

1. Enter the area tributary to the trench, maximum drainage area is 10 acres.

2. Enter the Design Volume, VBMP, determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook.

3. Enter the site infiltration rate, found in the geotechnical report.

4. Enter the factor of safety from Table 1 of Appendix A, Infiltration Testing.

5. Determine the maximum reservoir layer depth, DMAX. The value is obtained by taking the
smaller of two depth equations but may never exceed 8 feet. The first depth, D1 is related
to the infiltration rate of the soil. The second depth, D2, is related to required setbacks to
groundwater, bedrock/impermeable layer. These parameters are shown in Figure 1.

Calculate D1.
72
=
12 100

Where:
I = site infiltration rate (in/hr), found in the geotechnical report
FS = factor of safety, refer to Appendix A - Infiltration Testing
n = porosity of the trench material, 40%

Calculate D2. Enter the depth to the seasonal high groundwater and
bedrock/impermeable layer measured from the finished grade. The spreadsheet checks
the minimum setbacks shown in Figure 1 and selects the smallest value. The equations
are listed below for those doing hand calculations.

Minimum Setbacks (includes 1 foot for pea gravel):

= Depth to historic high groundwater mark - 11 feet
= Depth to impermeable layer - 6 feet

D2 is the smaller of the two values.

DMAX is the smaller value of D1 and D2, and must be less than or equal to 8 feet.

6. Enter the proposed reservoir layer depth, DR. The value must be no greater than DMAX.

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 INFILTRATION TRENCH BMP FACT SHEET

7. Find the required surface area of the trench, AS. Once DR is entered, the spreadsheet will
calculate the corresponding depth of water and the minimum surface area of the trench.

= 100 =

Where:
= minimum area required (ft2)
AS
VBMP = BMP storage volume (ft3)
Design dW = Depth of water in reservoir layer (ft)

8. Enter the proposed design surface area; it must be greater than the minimum surface
area.

9. Calculate the minimum trench width. This is to ensure that EPAs Class V Injection well
status is not triggered. The total trench depth (shown in Figure 1) includes the upper foot
where the overflow pipe is located. The minimum surface dimension is DR + 1 foot.

Additional Items
The following items detailed in the preceding sections should also be addressed in the design.

Sediment Control

Geotechnical Report

Observation well(s)

Overflow

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 INFILTRATION TRENCH BMP FACT SHEET

Reference Material

California Stormwater Quality Association. California Stormwater BMP Handbook New

Development and Redevelopment. 2003.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Stormwater BMP Best Management
Practice Design and Maintenance Manual for Publicly Maintained Storm Drain Systems. Los
Angeles, CA, 2009.

LandSaver Stormwater Management System. Tech Sheet - Porosity of Structural Backfill. 2006.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water, Washington D.C. Storm Water
Technology Fact Sheet Vegetated Swales. 1999.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Memorandum on Clarification

on Which Stormwater Infiltration Practices/technologies Have the Potential to Be Regulated as
"Class V" Wells by Underground Injection Control Program. By Linda Boornazian and Steve
Heare. Washington D.C., 2008.

Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program. Land Development Guidelines

Biofilter Fact Sheet. Ventura, CA, 2001.

Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program. Technical Guidance Manual

for Stormwater Quality Control Measures. Ventura, CA, 2002.

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 BMP ID Required Entries
Infiltration Trench - Design Procedure Legend:
Calculated Cells
Company Name: Date:
Designed by: County/City Case No.:
Design Volume

Enter the area tributary to this feature, Max = 10 acres At= acres

Enter VBMP determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook VBMP= ft3

Calculate Maximium Depth of the Reservoir Layer

Enter Infiltration rate I= in/hr

Enter Factor of Safety, FS (unitless) FS =

Obtain from Table 1, Appendix A: "Infiltration Testing" of this BMP Handbook
n= 40 %
Calculate D1. D1 = I (in/hr) x 72 hrs D1 = ft
12 (in/ft) x (n /100) x FS

Enter depth to historic high groundwater mark (measured from finished grade) ft
Enter depth to top of bedrock or impermeable layer (measured from finished grade) ft

D2 is the smaller of:

Depth to groundwater - 11 ft; & Depth to impermeable layer - 6 ft D2 = ft

DMAX is the smaller value of D1 and D2, must be less than or equal to 8 feet. DMAX = ft
Trench Sizing
Enter proposed reservoir layer depth DR, must be DMAX DR = ft

Calculate the design depth of water, dW

Design dW = (DR) x (n/100) Design dW= ft
Minimum Surface Area, AS AS= VBMP AS = ft2
dW

Proposed Design Surface Area AD = ft2

Minimum Width = DR + 1 foot pea gravel ' ft

Sediment Control Provided? (Use pulldown)

Geotechnical report attached? (Use pulldown)

If the trench has been designed correctly, there should be no error messages on the spreadsheet.

Riverside County Best Management Practice Design Handbook

JANUARY 2010 DRAFT PRELIMINARY DRAFT - SUBJECT TO REVISION
3.3 Permeable Pavement
Type of BMP LID - Infiltration
Treatment Mechanisms Infiltration, Evaporation
Maximum Drainage Area 10 acres
Other Names porous pavement, pervious concrete, pervious asphalt, pervious gravel
pavement, cobblestone block, modular block, modular pavement

Description
Permeable pavements can be either pervious asphalt and concrete surfaces, or permeable
modular block. Unlike traditional pavements that are impermeable, permeable pavements
reduce the volume and peak of stormwater runoff as well as mitigate pollutants from
stormwater runoff, provided that the underlying soils can accept infiltration. Permeable
pavement surfaces work best when they are designed to be flat or with gentle slopes. This
factsheet discusses criteria that apply to infiltration designs.

The permeable surface is placed on top of a reservoir layer that holds the water quality
stormwater volume, VBMP. The water infiltrates from the reservoir layer into the native
subsoil. Tests must be performed according to the Infiltration Testing Section in Appendix
A to be able to use this design procedure.

In some circumstances, permeable pavement may be implemented on a project as a

source control feature. Where implemented as a source control feature (sometimes
referred to as a self-retaining area), the pavement is not considered a BMP that would
be required to be designed and sized per this manual. Where permeable pavement
receives runoff from adjacent tributary areas, the permeable pavement may be
considered a BMP that must be sized according to this manual. Consult the Engineering
Authority and the WQMP for any applicable requirements for designing and sizing
permeable pavement installations.

Siting Considerations
The WQMP applicable to the project location should be consulted, as it may include
criteria for determining the applicability of this and other Infiltration-based BMPs to the
project.

Permeable pavements can be used in the same manner as concrete or asphalt in low
traffic parking lots, playgrounds, walkways, bike trails, and sports courts. Most types of
permeable pavement can be designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
requirements. Permeable pavements should not be used in the following conditions:

Downstream of erodible areas

Downstream of areas with a high likelihood of pollutant spills
Industrial or high vehicular traffic areas (25,000 or greater average daily traffic)
Areas where geotechnical concerns, such as soils with low infiltration rates, would
preclude the use of this BMP.

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Sites with Impermeable Fire Lanes
Oftentimes, Fire Departments do not allow alternative pavement types including
permeable pavement. They require traditional impermeable surfaces for fire lanes. In this
situation, it is acceptable to use an impermeable surface for the fire lane drive aisles and
permeable pavement for the remainder of the parking lot.

Where impermeable fire lanes are used in the design, the impermeable surface must slope
towards the permeable pavement, and the base layers shall remain continuous
underneath the two pavement types, as shown in Figure 1. This continuous reservoir layer
helps to maintain infiltration throughout the pervious pavement site, and can still be
considered as part of the total required storage area.

Figure 1: Impermeable Fire Lanes

Also, while a seal coat treatment may be used on the impermeable fire land, traditional
seal coat treatments shall not be used on permeable pavement.

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 PERMEABLE PAVEMENT BMP FACT SHEET

Setbacks
Always consult your geotechnical engineer for site specific recommendations regarding
setbacks for permeable pavement. Recommended setbacks are needed to protect
buildings, walls, onsite wells, streams and tanks.

Figure 2: Permeable Pavement Setback Requirements

A minimum vertical separation of 10 feet is required from the bottom of the reservoir
layer to the historic high groundwater mark, see Figure 2. A minimum vertical separation
of 5 feet is required from the bottom of the reservoir layer to any impermeable layer in
the soil. If the historic high groundwater mark is less than 10 feet below the reservoir layer
section, or less than 5 feet from an impermeable layer, the infiltration design is not
feasible.

Design and Sizing Criteria

To ensure that the pavement structural section is not compromised, a 24-hour drawdown
time is utilized for this BMP instead of the longer drawdown time used for most volume
based BMPs.

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 PERMEABLE PAVEMENT BMP FACT SHEET

Reservoir Layer Considerations

Even with proper maintenance, sediment will begin to clog the soil below the permeable
pavement. Since the soil cannot be scarified or replaced, this will result in slower
infiltration rates over the life of the permeable pavement. Therefore, the reservoir layer is
limited to a maximum of 12 inches in depth to ensure that over the life of the BMP, the
reservoir layer will drain in an adequate time.
Note: All permeable pavement BMP installations (not including Permeable Pavement as a
source control BMP i.e. a self-retaining area) must be tested by the geotechnical engineer
to ensure that the soils drain at a minimum allowable rate to ensure drainage.. See the
Infiltration Testing Section of this manual for specific details for the required testing and
applied factors of safety.

Sloping Permeable Pavement

Ideally permeable pavement would be level, however most sites will have a mild slope. If
the tributary drainage area is too steep, the water may be flowing too fast when it
approaches the permeable pavement, which may cause water to pass over the pavement
instead of percolating and entering the reservoir layer. If the maximum slopes shown in
Table 1 are complied with, it should address these concerns.

Table 1: Design Parameters for Permeable Pavement

Design Parameter Permeable Pavement
Maximum slope of permeable pavement 3%
Maximum contributing area slope 5%

Regardless of the slope of the pavement surface design, the bottom of the reservoir layers
shall be flat and level as shown in Figure 3. The design shown ensures that the water
quality volume will be contained in the reservoir layer. A terraced design utilizing non-
permeable check dams may be a useful option when the depth of gravel becomes too
great as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Sloped Cross Sections for Permeable Pavement

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 PERMEABLE PAVEMENT BMP FACT SHEET

Figure 4: Permeable Pavement with Non-permeable Check Dams

In Figure 4, the bottom of the gravel reservoir layer is incorrectly sloped parallel to the
pavement surface. Water would only be allowed to pond up to the lowest point of the
BMP. Additional flows would simply discharge from the pavement. Since only a portion of
the gravel layer can store water, this design would result in insufficient capacity. This is not
acceptable.
VBMP

Figure 5: Incorrect Sloping of Permeable Pavement

To assure that the subgrade will empty within the 24 hour drawdown time, it is important
that the maximum depth of 12 inches for the reservoir layer discussed in the design
procedure is not exceeded. The value should be measured from the lowest elevation of
the slope (Figure 4).

Minimum Surface Area

The minimum surface area required, AS, is calculated by dividing the water quality volume,
VBMP, by the depth of water stored in the reservoir layer. The depth of water is found by
multiplying the void ratio of the reservoir aggregate by the depth of the layer, bTH. The
void ratio of the reservoir aggregate is typically 40%; the maximum reservoir layer depth is
12.

Sediment Control
A pretreatment BMP should be used for sediment control. This pretreatment BMP will
reduce the amount of sediment that enters the system and reduce clogging. The
pretreatment BMP will also help to spread runoff flows, which allows the system to
infiltrate more evenly. The pretreatment BMP must discharge to the surface of the
pavement and not the subgrade. Grass swales may also be used as part of a treatment
train with permeable pavements.

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 PERMEABLE PAVEMENT BMP FACT SHEET

Liners and Filter Fabric

Always consult your geotechnical engineer for site specific recommendations regarding
liners and filter fabrics. Filter fabric may be used around the edges of the permeable
pavement; this will help keep fine sediments from entering the system. Unless
recommended for the site, impermeable liners are not to be used below the subdrain
gravel layer.

Overflow
An overflow route is needed in the permeable pavement design to bypass storm flows
larger than the VBMP or in the event of clogging. Overflow systems must connect to an
acceptable discharge point such as a downstream conveyance system.

Roof Runoff
Permeable pavement can be used to treat roof runoff. However, the runoff cannot be
discharged beneath the surface of the pavement directly into the subgrade, as shown in
Figure 6. Instead the pipe should empty on the surface of the permeable pavement as
shown in Figure 7. A filter on the drainpipe should be used to help reduce the amount of
sediment that enters the permeable pavement.

Figure 6: Incorrect Roof Drainage

Figure 7: Correct Roof Runoff Drainage

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 PERMEABLE PAVEMENT BMP FACT SHEET

Infiltration
Refer to the Infiltration Testing Section (Appendix A) in this manual for recommendations
on testing for this BMP.

Pavement Section
The cross section necessary for
infiltration design of permeable
pavement includes:
The thickness of the layers of
permeable pavement, sand and
bedding layers depends on
whether it is permeable modular
block or pervious pavement. A
licensed geotechnical or civil engineer is
Figure 8: Infiltration Cross Section
required to determine the thickness of these
upper layers appropriate for the pavement type and expected traffic loads.
A 12 maximum reservoir layer consisting of AASHTO #57 gravel vibrated in place
or equivalent with a minimum of 40% void ratio.

Inspection and Maintenance Schedule Modular Block

Schedule Activity
Keep adjacent landscape areas maintained. Remove
Ongoing clippings from landscape maintenance activities.
Remove trash and debris
Remove and reset modular blocks, structural section and
Utility Trenching and
reservoir layer as needed. Replace damaged blocks in-kind.
other pavement repairs
Do not pave repaired areas with impermeable surfaces.
After storm events Inspect areas for ponding
2-3 times per year Sweep to reduce the chance of clogging
Sand between pavers may need to be replaced if infiltration
As needed
capacity is lost

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 PERMEABLE PAVEMENT BMP FACT SHEET

Inspection and Maintenance Schedule Pervious Concrete/Asphalt

Schedule Activity
Keep adjacent landscape areas maintained. Remove clippings
Ongoing from landscape maintenance activities.
Remove trash and debris
Replace structural section and reservoir layer in kind.
Utility Trenching other
Re-pave using pervious concrete/asphalt. Do not pave repaired
pavement repairs
areas with impermeable surfaces.
After storm events Inspect areas for ponding
Vacuum the permeable pavement to reduce the chance of
2-3 times per year
clogging
Remove and replace damaged or destroyed permeable
As needed
pavement

Design Procedure Permeable Pavement

1. Enter the Tributary Area, AT.

2. Enter the Design Volume, VBMP, determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook.

3. Enter the reservoir layer depth, bTH for the proposed permeable pavement. The
reservoir layer maximum depth is 12 inches.

4. Calculate the Minimum Surface Area, AS, required.

V (ft )
A (ft) =
(0.4 b (in))12(inft)
Where, the porosity of the gravel in the reservoir layer is assumed to be 40%.

5. Enter the proposed surface area and ensure that this is equal to or greater than the
minimum surface area required.

6. Enter the dimensions, per the geotechnical engineers recommendations, for the
pavement cross section. The cross section includes a pavement layer, usually a
sand layer and a permeable bedding layer. Then add this to the maximum
thickness of the reservoir layer to find the total thickness of the BMP.

7. Enter the slope of the top of the permeable pavement. The maximum slope is 3%.

8. Enter whether sediment control was provided.

9. Enter whether the geotechnical approach is attached.

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 10. Describe the surfaces surrounding the permeable pavement. It is preferred that a
vegetation buffer is used around the permeable pavement.
11. Check to ensure that vertical setbacks are met. There should be a minimum of 10
feet between the bottom of the BMP and the top of the high groundwater table,
and a minimum of 5 feet between the reservoir layer the top of the impermeable
layer.

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Reference Materials Used to Develop this Fact Sheet:

Adams, Michelle C. "Porous Asphalt Pavement with Recharge Beds: 20 Years and Still
Working." Stormwater Magazine May-June 2003.

Atlanta Regional Commission, et. al. Georgia Stormwater Management Manual. 1st
Edition. Vol. 2. Atlanta, 2001. 3 vols.

Bean, E. Z., et al. "Study on the Surface Infiltration Rate of Permeable Pavements." Water
and Environment Specialty Conference of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering.
Saskatoon, 2004. 1-10.

California Department of Transportation. CalTrans Standard Plans. 15 September 2005.

May 2010 <http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/project_plans/HTM/stdplns-met-
new99.htm>.

Camp Dresser and McKee Inc.; Larry Walker Associates. California Stormwater Best
Management Practice Handbook for New Development and Redevelopment. California
Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA), 2004.

Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA). "Specifier's Guide for Pervious
Concrete Pavement Design, Version 1.2." 2010.

County of Los Angeles Public Works. Stormwater Best Management Practice Design and
Maintenance Manual. Los Angeles, 2009.

Program, Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management. Technical Guidance

Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures. Ventura, 2002.

Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership and the City of Roseville. Stormwater Quality
Design Manual for the Sacramento and South Placer Regions. County of Sacramento,
2007.

Taylor, Chuck. "Advanced Pavement Technology." Riverside, 2008.

Tennis, Paul D., Michael L. Leming and David J. Akers. Pervious Concrete Pavements. Silver
Spring: Portland Cement Association and National Ready Mixed Concrete Association,
2004.

Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume
3 - Best Management Practices. Vol. 3. Denver, 2008. 3 vols.

Urbonas, Ben R. Stormwater Sand Filter Sizing and Design: A Unit Operations Approach.
Denver: Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, 2002.

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 BMP ID Required Entries
Permeable Pavement - Design Procedure Legend:
Calculated Cells
Company Name: Date:
Designed by: County/City Case No.:
Design Volume

Enter the area tributary to this feature AT= acres

Enter VBMP determines from Section 2.1 of this Handbook VBMP= ft3

Permeable Pavement Surface Area

Reservoir Layer Depth, bTH bTH= inches
Minimum Surface Area Required, A S
VBMP (ft3) AS= ft2
AS (ft) =
(0.4 x bTH (in)) / 12(in/ft) Proposed Surface Area = ft2

Permeable Pavement Cross Section

Per the Geotechnical (A) in
Engineer's (B) in
Recommendations (C) in

Reservoir Layer (D) in

Total Permeable Pavement Section in

Slope of Permeable Pavement %

Sediment Control Provided? (Use pulldown)

Geotechnical report attached? (Use pulldown)
Describe Surrounding Vegetation:

Notes:

If the permeable pavement has been designed correctly, there should be no error messages on the spreadsheet.

Riverside County Best Management Practice Design Handbook

JUNE 2010
3.4 Harvest and Use BMPs
Type of BMP LID Harvest and Use
Treatment Mechanisms Volume Reduction
Minimum Tributary Drainage Area This BMP is generally limited by the cistern / detention storage
size.
Other Names Cistern, Above-Ground Cistern, Underground Detention

Description
Harvest and use BMPs include both above-ground and underground cisterns / vaults. Such
BMPs collect and temporarily store runoff for later non-potable uses including the following:

Irrigation
Toilet flushing
Other non-potable uses, such as industrial processes

Above-ground cisterns collect and temporarily store runoff from rooftops or other above-
ground impervious surfaces. Underground cisterns include subsurface tanks, vaults and
oversized pipes that temporarily store runoff for later use. These systems can include pipes
that divert runoff to the cistern, an overflow system for when the cistern is full, a pump, and a
distribution system to supply the intended uses.

Siting Considerations
The primary feasibility consideration for harvest and use BMPs is the presence of a
consistent and reliable demand that is sufficient to drain the BMPs between storms.
When designing harvest and use systems for stormwater management, a reliable
method of quickly regenerating storage capacity (through the use of the captured
stormwater) must exist to ensure that there will be adequate storage capacity for
subsequent storms in the wet season.
Other feasibility considerations include potential conflicts with health and plumbing
codes. Applicable health codes focus mainly on the potential impacts of long-term
standing water in the BMP facility.
For above-ground cisterns, the facilities should be installed on a level surface, either on
consolidated and stable native soil, or on a concrete pad. A geotechnical analysis is
required to ensure stability.
For underground detention facilities, pretreatment must be provided where necessary
or as directed by the Engineering Authority, to prevent accumulation of sediments
within the BMP. These facilities should be installed on consolidated and stable native
soil. A geotechnical analysis is required to ensure stability.

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 HARVEST AND USE BMP FACT SHEET

Key Design Elements

All cisterns must:
o Have provisions for mosquito prevention and abatement.
o Have mechanisms to keep debris and animals from entering the cistern, and
have a mechanism to easily clean any/all screens.
o Have provisions for safe overflow of runoff when the cistern is full. Overflow
shall be directed to an appropriate area as approved by the Engineering
Authority. Dispersion within vegetated areas is preferred.
o Have adequate access to maintain and/or replace the cistern and all associated
equipment such as pumps. For underground cisterns / vaults, this includes
access adequate to remove any/all accumulated sediment.
o Be designed in a manner that allows for supplemental potable water to be used
when there is insufficient harvested water to fully meet required demands.
o Include measures acceptable to the local water supplier to prevent harvested
storm water from being introduced into the potable water supply.

See the following figures for examples of common elements of above-ground and underground
cisterns. The proposed design elements and configurations must be approved by the
Engineering Authority.

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 HARVEST AND USE BMP FACT SHEET

Figure 1 Common Design Elements of Underground Cistern

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 HARVEST AND USE BMP FACT SHEET

Figure 2 Common Design Elements of Above-ground Cistern

Graphic courtesy of BRAE

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 HARVEST AND USE BMP FACT SHEET

Design and Sizing Criteria

1. Assess whether there is sufficient and reliable (year-round) demand for non-potable use
of the runoff from the area tributary to the BMP. Consider seasonal variations in
demand for harvested water, such as irrigation needs during the wet season, periodic
facility closures (such as for schools), etc. Verify with the Engineering Authority (EA) and
the applicable WQMP for applicability requirements / restrictions for this BMP. The
following potential on-site uses for harvested rainwater are typically assessed:

a. Irrigation use
b. Toilet use
c. Other non-potable uses (i.e. industrial use)

2. If there is a sufficient on-site demand for harvested rainwater acceptable to the

Engineering Authority, determine the Design Capture Volume, VBMP, determined from
Section 2.1 of this Handbook.

3. Size the cistern to hold and allow for the use of the Design Capture Volume, in
accordance with any manufacturer specifications.

Inspection and Maintenance Schedule

Schedule Activity
Check for debris and sediment on screens and overflow facilities and remove
where observed.
Annually before Verify proper operation of all pumps.
the wet season Check integrity of downspout connections to harvest and use BMPs
Check locking mechanisms on facility entry covers
Check integrity of mosquito screens
Check for long-term standing water in the facility. If standing water is
observed more than 72 hours after the last storm event, monitor water
levels, and verify that the water is being drawn down through the intended
use of the water. If water is not properly being drawn down ensure that all
After storm events
pumps distribution systems are functioning correctly. Under no
circumstances shall water retained within a cistern be pumped or otherwise
drained in a manner that could allow a discharge to a street or storm drain.
Remove debris and sediment from screens and overflow facilities

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3.5 BioretentionFacility

TypeofBMP LIDBioretention

TreatmentMechanisms Infiltration,Evapotranspiration,Evaporation,Biofiltration

MaximumDrainageArea ThisBMPisintendedtobeintegratedintoaprojectslandscapedareaina
distributedmanner.Typically,contributingdrainageareastoBioretention
Facilitiesrangefromlessthan1acretoamaximumofaround10acres.

OtherNames RainGarden,BioretentionCell,BioretentionBasin,BiofiltrationBasin,
LandscapedFilterBasin,PorousLandscapeDetention

Description
Bioretention Facilities are shallow, vegetated basins underlain by an engineered soil media.
Healthyplantandbiologicalactivityintherootzonemaintainandrenewthemacroporespace
in the soil and maximize plant uptake of pollutants and runoff. This keeps the Best
Management Practice (BMP) from becoming clogged and allows more of the soil column to
functionasbothasponge(retainingwater)andahighlyeffectiveandselfmaintainingbiofilter.
In most cases, the bottom of a Bioretention Facility is unlined, which also provides an
opportunityforinfiltrationtotheextenttheunderlyingonsitesoilcanaccommodate.Whenthe
infiltration rate of the underlying soil is exceeded, fully biotreated flows are discharged via
underdrains. Bioretention Facilities therefore will inherently achieve the maximum feasible
level of infiltration and evapotranspiration and achieve the minimum feasible (but highly
biotreated)dischargetothestormdrainsystem.

SitingConsiderations
Thesefacilitiesworkbestwhentheyaredesignedinarelativelylevelarea.UnlikeotherBMPs,
BioretentionFacilitiescanbeusedinsmallerlandscapedspacesonthesite,suchas:
Parkingislands
Medians
Siteentrances
Landscaped areas on the site (such as may otherwise be required through minimum
landscaping ordinances), can often be designed as Bioretention Facilities. This can be
accomplishedby:

Depressinglandscapedareasbelowadjacentimpervioussurfaces,ratherthanelevating
thoseareas
GradingthesitetodirectrunofffromthoseimpervioussurfacesintotheBioretention
Facility,ratherthanawayfromthelandscaping
Sizing and designing the depressed landscaped area as a Bioretention Facility as
describedinthisFactSheet

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BioretentionFacilitiesshouldhowevernotbeuseddownstreamofareaswherelargeamounts
of sediment can clog the system. Placing a Bioretention Facility at the toe of a steep slope
shouldalsobeavoidedduetothepotentialforcloggingtheengineeredsoilmediawitherosion
fromtheslope,aswellasthepotentialfordamagingthevegetation.

DesignandSizingCriteria
TherecommendedcrosssectionnecessaryforaBioretentionFacilityincludes:

Vegetatedarea
18'minimumdepthofengineeredsoilmedia
12' minimum gravel layer depthwith 6' perforated pipes(added flowcontrol features
suchasorificeplatesmayberequiredtomitigateforHCOCconditions)

While the 18inch minimum engineered soil media depth can be used in some cases, it is
recommendedtouse24inchesorapreferred36inchestoprovideanadequaterootzonefor
the chosen plant palate. Such a design also provides for improved removal effectiveness for
nutrients. The recommended ponding depth inside of a Bioretention Facility is 6 inches;
measuredfromtheflatbottomsurfacetothetopofthewatersurfaceasshowninFigure1.

BecausethisBMPisfilledwithanengineeredsoilmedia,porespaceinthesoilandgravellayer
isassumedtoprovidestoragevolume.However,severalconsiderationsmustbenoted:

Surcharge storage above the soil surface (6 inches) is important to assure that design
flowsdonotbypasstheBMPwhenrunoffexceedsthesoilsabsorptionrate.
IncaseswheretheBioretentionFacilitycontainsengineeredsoilmediadeeperthan36
inches,theporespacewithintheengineeredsoilmediacanonlybecountedtothe36
inchdepth.
A maximum of 30 percent pore space can be used for the soil media whereas a
maximumof40percentporespacecanbeuseforthegravellayer.

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Figure 1: Standard Layout for a Bioretention Facility

 BIORETENTION FACILITY BMP FACT SHEET

EngineeredSoilMediaRequirements
Theengineeredsoilmediashallbecomprisedof85percentmineralcomponentand15percent
organiccomponent,byvolume,drummixedpriortoplacement.Themineralcomponentshall
beaClassAsandyloamtopsoilthatmeetstherangespecifiedinTable1below.Theorganic
componentshallbenitrogenstabilizedcompost1,suchthatnitrogendoesnotleachfromthe
media.
Table1:MineralComponentRangeRequirements
PercentRange Component
7080 Sand
1520 Silt
510 Clay

Thetripticket,orcertificateofcompliance,shallbemadeavailabletotheinspectortoprove
theengineeredmixmeetsthisspecification.

VegetationRequirements
Vegetative cover is important to minimize erosion and ensure that treatment occurs in the
Bioretention Facility. The area should be designed for at least 70 percent mature coverage
throughout the Bioretention Facility. To prevent the BMP from being used as walkways,
Bioretention Facilities shall be planted with a combination of small trees, densely planted
shrubs,andnaturalgrasses.Grassesshallbenativeorornamental;preferablyonesthatdonot
needtobemowed.Theapplicationoffertilizersandpesticidesshouldbeminimal.Tomaintain
oxygen levels for the vegetation and promote biodegradation, it is important that vegetation
not be completely submerged for any extended period of time. Therefore, a maximum of 6
inchesofpondedwatershallbeusedinthedesigntoensurethatplantswithintheBioretention
Facilityremainhealthy.

A2to3inchlayerofstandardshreddedagedhardwoodmulchshallbeplacedasthetoplayer
inside the Bioretention Facility. The 6inch ponding depth shown in Figure 1 above shall be
measuredfromthetopsurfaceofthe2to3inchmulchlayer.

CurbCuts
ToallowwatertoflowintotheBioretentionFacility,1footwide(minimum)curbcutsshould
beplacedapproximatelyevery10feetaroundtheperimeteroftheBioretentionFacility.Figure
2showsacurbcutinaBioretentionFacility.CurbcutflowlinesmustbeatorabovetheVBMP
watersurfacelevel.

1
For more information on compost, visit the US Composting Council website at: http://compostingcouncil.org/

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 BIORETENTION FACILITY BMP FACT SHEET

Figure2:CurbCutlocatedinaBioretentionFacility

To reduce erosion, a gravel pad shall be placed

at each inlet point to the Bioretention Facility.
The gravel should be 1 to 1.5inch diameter in
size. The gravel should overlap the curb cut
openingaminimumof6inches.Thegravelpad
inside the Bioretention Facility should be flush
with the finished surface at the curb cut and
extendtothebottomoftheslope.

Inaddition,placeanapronofstoneorconcrete,
a foot square or larger, inside each inlet to
prevent vegetation from growing up and
blockingtheinlet.SeeFigure3.
Figure3:ApronlocatedinaBioretentionFacility

TerracingtheLandscapedFilterBasin
ItisrecommendedthatBioretentionFacilitiesbelevel.Intheeventthefacilitysiteslopesand
lacksproperdesign,waterwouldfillthelowestpointoftheBMPandthendischargefromthe
basin without being treated. To ensure that the water will be held within the Bioretention
Facilityonslopedsites,theBMPmustbeterracedwithnonporouscheckdamstoprovidethe
requiredstorageandtreatmentcapacity.
TheterracedversionofthisBMPshallbeusedonnonflatsiteswithnomorethana3percent
slope.Thesurchargedepthcannotexceed0.5feet,andsideslopesshallnotexceed4:1.Table2
belowshowsthespacingofthecheckdams,andslopesshallberoundedup(i.e.,2.5percent
slopeshalluse10'spacingforcheckdams).

Table2:CheckDamSpacing
6CheckDamSpacing
Slope Spacing
1% 25'
2% 15'
3% 10'

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 BIORETENTION FACILITY BMP FACT SHEET

RoofRunoff
Roof downspouts may be directed towards Bioretention Facilities. However, the downspouts
mustdischargeontoaconcretesplashblocktoprotecttheBioretentionFacilityfromerosion.
RetainingWalls
ItisrecommendedthatRetainingWallType1A,perCaltransStandardB33orequivalent,be
constructedaroundtheentireperimeteroftheBioretentionFacility.Thispracticewillprotect
the sides of the Bioretention Facility from collapsing during construction and maintenance or
fromhighserviceloadsadjacenttotheBMP.Wheresuchserviceloadswouldnotexistadjacent
totheBMP,anengineeredalternativemaybeusedifsignedbyalicensedcivilengineer.

SideSlopeRequirements

BioretentionFacilitiesRequiringSideSlopes
The design should assure that the Bioretention Facility does not present a tripping hazard.
BioretentionFacilitiesproposednearpedestrianareas,suchasareasparalleltoparkingspaces
oralongawalkway,musthaveagentleslopetothebottomofthefacility.Sideslopesinsideof
aBioretentionFacilityshallbe4:1.AtypicalcrosssectionfortheBioretentionFacilityisshown
inFigure1.

BioretentionFacilitiesNotRequiringSideSlopes
Wherecarspark perpendicular to the Bioretention Facility, side slopes are not required. A 6
inchmaximumdropmaybeused,andtheBioretentionFacilitymustbeplantedwithtreesand
shrubstopreventpedestrianaccess.Inthiscase,acurbisnotplacedaroundtheBioretention
Facility,
but wheel stops shall be used to prevent vehicles from entering the Bioretention Facility, as
showninFigure4.

Figure 4: Bioretention Facility Layout without Side Slopes

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 BIORETENTION FACILITY BMP FACT SHEET

PlanterBoxes
Bioretention Facilities can also be placed above ground as planter boxes. Planter boxes must
haveaminimumwidthof2feet,amaximumsurchargedepthof6inches,andnosideslopes
arenecessary.Planterboxesmustbeconstructedsoastoensurethatthetopsurfaceofthe
engineered soil media will remain level. This option may be constructed of concrete, brick,
stone or other stable materials that will not warp or bend. Chemically treated wood or
galvanizedsteel,whichhastheabilitytocontaminatestormwater,shouldnotbeused.Planter
boxesmustbelinedwithanimpermeablelineronallsides,includingthebottom.Duetothe
impermeableliner,theinsidebottomoftheplanterboxshallbedesignedandconstructedwith
acrossfall,directingtreatedflowswithinthesubdrainlayertowardthepointwheresubdrain
exits the planter box, and subdrains shall be oriented with drain holes oriented down. These
provisionswillhelpavoidexcessivestagnantwaterwithinthegravelunderdrainlayer.Similar
to the inground Bioretention Facility versions, this BMP benefits from healthy plants and
biologicalactivityintherootzone.Planterboxesshouldbeplantedwithappropriatelyselected
vegetation.

Figure5:PlanterBox
Source:LATeamEffort
Overflow
An overflow route is needed in the Bioretention Facility design to bypass stored runoff from
stormeventslargerthanVBMPorintheeventoffacilityorsubdrainclogging.Overflowsystems
mustconnecttoanacceptabledischargepoint,suchasadownstreamconveyancesystemas
showninFigure1andFigure4.Theinlettotheoverflowstructureshallbeelevatedinsidethe
BioretentionFacilitytobeflushwiththepondingsurfaceforthedesigncapturevolume(VBMP)
as shown in Figure 4. This will allow the design capture volume to be fully treated by the
BioretentionFacility,andforlargereventstosafelybeconveyedtodownstreamsystems.The
overflowinletshallnotbelocatedintheentranceofaBioretentionFacility,asshowninFigure
6.

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 BIORETENTION FACILITY BMP FACT SHEET

UnderdrainGravelandPipes
AnunderdraingravellayerandpipesshallbeprovidedinaccordancewithAppendixB
Underdrains.

Figure6:IncorrectPlacementofanOverflowInlet.

InspectionandMaintenanceSchedule
The Bioretention Facility area shall be inspected for erosion, dead vegetation, soggy soils, or
standing water. The use of fertilizers and pesticides on the plants inside the Bioretention
Facilityshouldbeminimized.

Schedule Activity
Keepadjacentlandscapeareasmaintained.Removeclippingsfrom
landscapemaintenanceactivities.
Removetrashanddebris
Ongoing
Replacedamagedgrassand/orplants
Replacesurfacemulchlayerasneededtomaintaina23inchsoil
cover.
Afterstormevents Inspectareasforponding
Annually Inspect/cleaninletsandoutlets

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 BioretentionFacilityDesignProcedure

1) Entertheareatributary,AT,totheBioretentionFacility.

2) EntertheDesignVolume,VBMP,determinedfromSection2.1ofthisHandbook.

3) Selectthetypeofdesignused.TherearetwotypesofBioretentionFacilitydesigns:the
standarddesignusedformostprojectsitesthatincludesideslopes,andthemodified
design used when the BMP is located perpendicular to the parking spaces or with
planterboxesthatdonotusesideslopes.

4) Enter the depth of the engineered soil media, dS. The minimum depth for the
engineeredsoilmediacanbe18'inlimitedcases,butitisrecommendedtouse24'ora
preferred36'toprovideanadequaterootzoneforthechosenplantpalette.Engineered
soilmediadeeperthan36'willonlygetcreditfortheporespaceinthefirst36'.

5) EnterthetopwidthoftheBioretentionFacility.

6) Calculate the total effective depth, dE, within the Bioretention Facility. The maximum
allowableporespaceofthesoilmediais30%whilethemaximumallowableporespace
forthegravellayeris40%.Gravellayerdeeperthan12'willonlygetcreditforthepore
spaceinthefirst12'.

a. Forthedesignwithsideslopesthefollowingequationshallbeusedtodetermine
thetotaleffectivedepth.Where,dPisthedepthofpondingwithinthebasin.
0.3 w ft d ft 4 d ft 0.4 1 ft d ft 4d ft w ft 8d ft
d ft
w ft
Thisaboveequationcanbesimplifiedifthemaximumpondingdepthof0.5is
used. The equation below is used on the worksheet to find the minimum area
requiredfortheBioretentionFacility:
0.7 ft
d ft 0.3 d ft 0.4 x 1 ft 0.5 ft
w ft

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b. For the design without side slopes the following equation shall be used to
determinethetotaleffectivedepth:
d ft d ft 0.3 d ft 0.4 1 ft

The equation below, using the maximum ponding depth of 0.5', is used on the
worksheettofindtheminimumarearequiredfortheBioretentionFacility:

d ft 0.5 ft 0.3 d ft 0.4 1 ft

7) Calculatetheminimumsurfacearea,AM,requiredfortheBioretentionFacility.Thisdoes
notincludethecurbsurroundingtheBioretentionFacilityorsideslopes.

V ft
A ft
d ft

8) Entertheproposedsurfacearea. Thisareashallnotbelessthantheminimumrequired
surfacearea.

9) Verify that side slopes are no steeper than 4:1 in the standard design, and are not
requiredinthemodifieddesign.

10) Provide the diameter, minimum 6 inches, of the perforated underdrain used in the
Bioretention Facility. See Appendix B for specific information regarding perforated
pipes.

11) Provide the slope of the site around the Bioretention Facility, if used. The maximum
slopeis3percentforastandarddesign.

12) Providethecheckdamspacing,ifthesitearoundtheBioretentionFacilityissloped.

13) DescribethevegetationusedwithintheBioretentionFacility.

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Page 9
ReferencesUsedtoDevelopthisFactSheet
Anderson,DaleV."LandscapedFilterBasinSoilRequirements."Riverside,May2010.

CaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation.CalTransStandardPlans.15September2005.May
2010<http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/project_plans/HTM/stdplnsmetnew99.htm>.

CampDresserandMcKeeInc.;LarryWalkerAssociates.CaliforniaStormwaterBest
ManagementPracticeHandbookforNewDevelopmentandRedevelopment.California
StormwaterQualityAssociation(CASQA),2004.

ContraCostaCleanWaterProgram.StormwaterQualityRequirementsforDevelopment
Applications.3rdEdition.ContraCosta,2006.

CountyofLosAngelesPublicWorks.StormwaterBestManagementPracticeDesignand
MaintenanceManual.LosAngeles,2009.

Kim,Hunho,EricA.SeagrenandAllenP.Davis."EngineeredBioretentionforRemovalofNitrate
fromStormwaterRunoff."WaterEnvironmentResearch75.4(2003):355366.

LATeamEffort.LATeamEffort:FREEPlanterBoxesforBusinesses.2November2009.May
2010<http://lateameffort.blogspot.com/2009/11/freeplanterboxesforbusinessesest.html>.

MontgomeryCountyMarylandDepartmentofPermittingServicesWaterResourcesSection.
Biofiltration(BF).MontgomeryCounty,2005.

Program,VenturaCountywideStormwaterQualityManagement.TechnicalGuidanceManual
forStormwaterQualityControlMeasures.Ventura,2002.

UnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency.StormWaterTechnologyFactSheet
Bioretention.WashingtonD.C,1999.

UrbanDrainageandFloodControlDistrict.UrbanStormDrainageCriteriaManualVolume3
BestManagementPractices.Vol.3.Denver,2008.3vols.

Urbonas,BenR.StormwaterSandFilterSizingandDesign:AUnitOperationsApproach.Denver:
UrbanDrainageandFloodControlDistrict,2002.

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 BMP ID Required Entries
Bioretention Facility - Design Procedure Legend:
Calculated Cells
Company Name: Date:
Designed by: County/City Case No.:
Design Volume

Enter the area tributary to this feature AT= acres

Enter VBMP determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook VBMP= ft3

Type of Bioretention Facility Design

Side slopes required (parallel to parking spaces or adjacent to walkways)

No side slopes required (perpendicular to parking space or Planter Boxes)

Bioretention Facility Surface Area

Depth of Soil Filter Media Layer dS = ft

Top Width of Bioretention Facility, excluding curb wT = ft

Total Effective Depth, dE

dE = (0.3) x dS + (0.4) x 1 - (0.7/wT) + 0.5 dE = ft
dE = [(0.3) x dS + (0.4) x 1] + 0.5 dE = ft

Minimum Surface Area, Am

2
VBMP (ft3) AM = ft2
AM (ft ) =
dE (ft)
Proposed Surface Area A= ft2

Minimum Required Length of Bioretention Facility, L L= ft

Bioretention Facility Properties
Side Slopes in Bioretention Facility z= :1

Diameter of Underdrain inches

Longitudinal Slope of Site (3% maximum) %

6" Check Dam Spacing feet
Describe Vegetation:
Notes:

Riverside County Best Management Practice Design Handbook

JUNE 2010
3.6 Extended Detention Basin

Type of BMP LID - Biotreatment

Treatment Mechanisms Sedimentation, Infiltration, Biofiltration, Evapotranspiration, and

Evaporation

Minimum Tributary Drainage Area 5 acres

Other Names Enhanced Water Quality Basin

Overview

The Extended Detention Basin (EDB) is designed to detain the design volume of
stormwater, V BMP , and maximize opportunities for volume losses through infiltration,
evaporation, evapotranspiration and surface wetting. Additional pollutant removal is
provided through sedimentation, in which pollutants can attach to sediment accumulated
in the basin through the process of settling. Stormwater enters the EDB through a forebay
where any trash, debris, and sediment accumulate for easy removal. Flows from the
forebay enter the basin which is vegetated with native grasses that enhance infiltration
and evapotranspiration, and which is interspersed with gravel-filled trenches that help
further enhance infiltration. Water that does not get infiltrated or evapotranspired is
conveyed to the bottom stage of the basin. At the bottom stage of the basin, low or
incidental dry weather flows will be treated through a sand filter and collected in a
subdrain structure. Any additional flows will be detained in the basin for an extended
period by incorporating an outlet structure that is more restrictive than a traditional
detention basin outlet. The restrictive outlet structure extends the drawdown time of the
basin which further allows particles and associated pollutants to settle out before exiting
the basin, while maximizing opportunities for additional incidental volume losses.

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 EXTENDED DETENTION BASIN BMP FACT SHEET

Figure 1 Extended Detention Basin

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Siting Considerations

Soils: EDBs can be used with almost all soils and geology. However, pollutant removal
effectiveness is greatly improved when the underlying soil permits at least some
infiltration.

Tributary Area: EDBs should only be used where the tributary drainage area is at least 5
acres, since meeting the draw-down requirements (discussed below) for smaller areas
would result in very small outlet orifice diameters which would be prone to clogging.

Proximity to Receiving Waters: All site runoff must be treated to the MEP with
appropriate BMPs before being discharged into Receiving Waters; as such the EDB cannot
be constructed in-line within Receiving Waters.

Setbacks: Due to the infiltration characteristics incorporated into the EDB design, the
lowest pervious point (beneath the filter drain) of the extended detention facility should
be a minimum of 10' above the seasonal high groundwater table. All other setbacks shall
be in accordance with applicable standards of the Basin Guidelines (Appendix C) or other
guidelines issued by the Engineering Authority (EA).

Basin Guidelines: See Section 1 of the Basin Guidelines (Appendix C) for additional
requirements (i.e., fencing, maintenance access, etc.) that may be required by the
Engineering Authority (EA).

Landscaping Requirements

Basin vegetation provides erosion protection, enhances evapotranspiration and

infiltration, and improves pollutant removal. The upper stage basin surface, berms and
side slopes shall be planted with native grasses. Proper landscape management is also
required to ensure that the vegetation does not contribute to water pollution through the
use of pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Landscaping shall be in accordance with
applicable standards of the Basin Guidelines (Appendix C) or other guidelines issued by
the EA.

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Maintenance Guidelines
Schedule Inspection and Maintenance Activity
During every scheduled Maintain vegetation as needed. Use of fertilizers, pesticides and
maintenance check (per below), herbicides should be strongly avoided to ensure they dont contribute
and as needed at other times to water pollution. If appropriate native plant selections and other
IPM methods are used, such products shouldnt be needed. If such
projects are used:
o Care should be taken to avoid contact with the low-
flow or other trenches, and the media filter in the
bottom stage.
o Products shall be applied in accordance with their
labeling, especially in relation to application to water,
and in areas subjected to flooding.
o Fertilizers should not be applied within 15 days before,
after, or during the rainy season.
No ponded water should be present for more than 72 hours to avoid
nuisance or vector problems. No algae formation should be visible.
Correct problems as needed.

Annually. If possible, schedule Remove debris and litter from the entire basin
these inspections before the Inspect hydraulic and structural facilities. Examine the outlet for
beginning of the rain season to clogging, the embankment and spillway integrity, as well as damage
allow for any repairs to occur to any structural element.
before rains occur. Check for erosion, slumping and overgrowth. Repair as needed.
Inspect sand media at the filter drain to verify it is allowing acceptable
infiltration. Scarify top 3 inches by raking the filter drains sand
surface annually.
Check the media filter underdrains (via the cleanout) for damage or
clogging. Repair as needed.
Remove accumulated sediment and debris from the forebay, and
ensure that the notch weir is clear and will allow proper drainage.
Check gravel filled low flow and collector trenches for sediment
buildup and repair as needed.

Every 5 years or sooner Remove the top 3 inches of sand from the filter drain and backfill with
(depending on whether observed 3 inches of new sand to return the sand layer to its original depth.
drain times to empty the basin When scarification or removal of the top 3 inches of sand is no longer
are less than 72 hours). effective, remove and replace sand filter layer.

Whenever substantial sediment Remove accumulated sediment from the bottom of the basin.
accumulation has occurred. Removal should extend to original basin depth.

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Design Summary

Design Parameter Extended Detention Basin

Drawdown time (total) 72 hours 2,3
Minimum drawdown time for 50% VBMP 24 hours 2
Minimum tributary area 5 acres 2
Outlet erosion control Energy dissipaters to reduce velocities1
Forebay volume 3 to 5 % of VBMP3
Basin Invert Longitudinal Slope (min.) 1%
Basin Invert Transverse (cross) Slope (min) 1%
Low-flow trench width (min.) 48 inches
Low-flow trench depth (min.) 24 inches
Slope of low-flow trench along bottom
1%
excavated Surface (max.)
Slope of gravel collector trenches along
1%
bottom excavated surface (max.)
Length to width ratio (min.) 1.5:1
Basin depth (min.) 1 foot 3
Bottom stage volume 0.5 % of VBMP 3
Bottom stage depth (min) 0.33 feet 3
Filter drain depth (min) 2.33 feet 3
1. Ventura Countys Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures
2. CA Stormwater BMP Handbook for New Development and Significant Redevelopment
3. Denver, Colorados UDFCD Drainage Criteria Manual, Volume 3

Note: The information contained in this BMP Factsheet is intended to be a summary of design
considerations and requirements. Additional information which applies to all detention basins
may be found in the Basin Guidelines (Appendix C). In addition, information herein may be
superseded by other guidelines issued by the Engineering Authority.

Design Procedure
These steps correspond to and provide a description of the information required in the EDB Design
Worksheet.

1. Find the Design Volume, VBMP.

a) Enter the tributary area, A T to the BMP. The minimum tributary area is 5 acres.
b) Enter the Design Volume, V BMP , determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook.

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2. Basin Footprint
a) Enter the length and width of the EDB. The length shall be measured between the
inlet to the basin and the outlet structure; and the width shall be measured at the
widest point of the basin invert. The length to width ratio should be 1.5:1 or longer
to prevent short-circuiting and increase the overall effectiveness of the BMP.

b) Enter the internal basin side slopes. See the Basin Guidelines (Appendix C) for side
slope requirements. If variable internal side-slopes are used, enter the steepest
slope that will be used.

c) Using Figure 1 as a guide, enter the proposed basin depth, D B , and the freeboard
depth, D FB . Based on the information provided, the spreadsheet will calculate the
minimum total depth required, D REQ , for this BMP. D REQ is the depth from the
bottom of the underdrain layer in the bottom stage (see step 5c), to the top of the
freeboard. This calculated minimum required depth can be used to determine if
enough elevation difference is available within the design topography to allow for
use of this BMP.

d) Additionally, the basin depth D B is equal to D O, which is the depth from the design
pond water surface elevation to the lowest orifice in the outlet structure. D O is
confirmed by the spreadsheet and is used in the Basin Outlet Design described in
step 6 below. It should be noted that this lowest orifice is a critical elevation in the
design of this BMP. The Volume of the Basin V Basin described in step 3d) is the
volume of water above this lowest orifice. This lowest-orifice also represents the dry
weather ponded water surface discussed in step 5c below. Below this elevation
there must be a minimum of a 4-inch drop down to the surface of the Sand Filter in
the bottom stage.

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3. Basin Design
a) The Total Basin Depth, D TOT , is calculated automatically, and is the sum of the basin
depth D B plus the freeboard depth D FB .

b) Enter the longitudinal slope of the basin invert. This slope must be at least 1% and is
measured along the low flow trench between the forebay and the bottom stage.
Note that the surface of the sand layer in the bottom stage must be level (see Figure
1).

c) Enter the transverse slope of the basin invert. This transverse (cross sectional) slope
must be at least 1% sloped toward the low flow trench.

d) Enter the Volume of the Basin, V Basin . This volume must be the actual volume of
water held within the basin as substantiated by modeling or appropriate volumetric
calculations, and must be equal to or greater than V BMP . This volume must be held
above the lowest orifice in the Basin Outlet Design described in step 6 below.

4. Forebay Design
All flows must enter the basin through the
forebay. The forebay provides a location for the
settlement and collection of larger particles, and
any other trash or debris. A relatively smooth and
level concrete bottom surface should be provided
to facilitate mechanical removal of any
accumulated sediment, trash and debris.

a) Enter the Forebay Volume VFB. This Figure 2: Forebay filled with storm water
volume must be from 3 to 5 percent of
V BMP .

b) A rock or concrete berm must be constructed to detain water before it drains into
the basin. The top of the berm shall be set no higher than the invert of the inlet
conveyance. Enter the Forebay Depth, D FBY .

c) The spreadsheet will calculate the minimum surface area of the forebay, A FB , based
on the provided Forebay Volume and Depth. Ensure that the plans provide for a
forbay area at least this large.

d) Although the forebay will be well submerged in the design event, a full height
rectangular notch-type weir shall be constructed through the berm to prevent
permanent ponding in the forebay, and allow water to slowly and fully drain to the
main body of the basin. This notch should be offset from the inflow streamline to
prevent low-flows from short circuiting. Enter the width, W, of this rectangular notch
weir. The width shall not be less than 1.5 inches to prevent clogging. Additionally,

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immediately outside the notch construct a minimum 1-foot by 1-foot gravel pad to
prevent vegetative growth within the basin invert from blocking the notch.

5. Dry Weather and Low-Flow Management

The basin shall have both a low-flow gravel trench and a network of gravel collector trenches
across the invert of the basin, as well as a bottom stage sand filter to treat low flows and dry
weather flows (see Figure 1).

a) Low Flow Trench: The low-flow gravel trench conveys flow from the forebay to the
bottom stage, while allowing for maximum
incidental infiltration and volume loss. The
trench shall be a minimum of 48 inches wide
by 24 inches deep. This trench shall be
unlined and backfilled with AASHTO No. 2
gravel (or similar) to the finished surface of
the basin invert, and shall not use
underdrains. The bottom excavated surface
of the low-flow trench shall be 1 percent or
flatter to promote infiltration. Figure 3: Gravel filled low-flow trench

b) Collector Trenches: Gravel collector trenches beneath the top stage shall be
arranged as illustrated in Figure 1 of Appendix C with minimal slope (1% maximum)
along their bottom excavated surface to promote infiltration, and must extend from
the low-flow trench to the toe of the basin side slopes. They shall be a minimum of
18-inches wide by 24-inches deep, unlined and backfilled with AASHTO No. 2 gravel
(or similar) to the finished basin invert surface. The gravel collector trenches shall
not use underdrains and shall be constructed with a maximum spacing of 25 feet,
center to center. See Figure 1 of Appendix C.

c) Bottom Stage: A depressed sand filter drain area, referred to as the bottom stage,
must be constructed adjacent to the outlet structure to treat any dry weather flows.
To ensure that dry weather flows are treated through the sand filter and not
discharged through the orifice plate, the top surface of the sand filter must be
depressed at least 4 inches below the lowest orifice in the outlet structure. This
depressed area will create a micro pool of water that is then filtered down through
the sand filter and out through underdrains. Based on the minimum dimensions
described below, the minimum depth of excavation below the lowest orifice in the
outlet structure is 2.33 feet.

i. Enter the Depth of the bottom stage, D BS . As mentioned above, this depth
must be at least 4 inches, and extend down below the lowest orifice in the
outlet structure.

ii. Enter the area of the bottom stage, A BS .

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iii. Based on the D BS and A BS entered, the spreadsheet will calculate V BS . This
volume is the volume of ponded water that will be held below the lowest
orifice in the outlet structure, and above the surface of the sand filter. This
volume must be at least 0.5% of V BMP .

iv. Enter the thickness of the ASTM C-33 sand layer that will be provided, D S . A
minimum thickness of 18 inches is required.

v. Below the sand layer, a minimum 10-inch thick layer of gravel shall be
installed with underdrains to drain the water that has been treated through
the sand filter. The underdrains shall connect into the outlet structure. See
Appendix B for standard underdrain construction. Enter the diameter of the
underdrain pipe (minimum 6 dia.), and the spacing of the underdrains. The
maximum spacing of the underdrains is 20 feet on center, however where
the area of the bottom stage is particularly small (less than 500 square feet),
the underdrain pipes shall be placed at no more than a 10-foot separation
on center.

6. Basin Outlet Design

Figure 4: Basin Outlet Structure with Bottom Stage Shown

Outlet structures for publicly maintained basins shall conform to District Standard Drawings
WQ501 unless approved in advance by the local Engineering Authority (EA). This
standardization is to provide for efficient maintenance. The basin outlet should be sized to
release the design volume, VBMP, within a 72-hour period but 50 percent of VBMP within 24
hours. This is an iterative design process where an appropriate control orifice can be
selected using the following steps:

a. Develop a Stage vs. Discharge Curve for the Outlet Structure

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Estimate the orifice size and outlet plate configuration (number per row, etc.). Based on
D O provided in the Basin Footprint section, the spreadsheet will automatically generate
the stage vs. discharge relationship for this outlet:

Q = C*A*[2*g*(H-H o )]0.5

Where:

Q = discharge (ft3/s) g = gravitational constant (32.2 ft2/s)

C = orifice coefficient H = water surface elevation (ft)

A = area of the orifice (ft) H o = orifice elevation (ft)

The lowest orifice shall be located with its centerline at the top of the bottom stage; at least 4
inches above the surface of the sand filter drain. To help avoid clogging, the minimum orifice
diameter is limited to 3/8 inch. Since the 1/4 inch thickness of the orifice plate will be less than the
orifice diameter, a value for C of 0.66 may be used. If another value for C is used, justification may
be required.

b. Develop a Discharge/Volume vs. Stage Table for the Basin

Based on the shape and size of the basin, develop a relationship between the stage and
the volume of water in the basin. Since the orifice spacing is 4 inches on center for the
standard orifice plate, the stage intervals must also be 4 inches. Enter the basin volume
at each interval starting at the centerline of the lowest orifice.

c. Route the Design Volume through the Basin

The spreadsheet assumes that the Design Volume, V BMP, enters the basin
instantaneously and as such, no inflow/outflow hydrograph is necessary. The drawdown
time for each stage becomes:

t = V i /Q

Where:

t = drawdown time for each stage

V i = the volume at each stage
Q = the flow rate corresponding to the headwater elevation at each stage.

The spreadsheet automatically determines the drawdown time from the sum of the t
values for each stage. If the orifice size and plate configuration estimate meets the
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hydraulic retention time requirements (50% of the volume empties in not less than 24
hours, 100% of the volume empties in no more than 72 hours), the outlet is correctly
sized. If these requirements are not met, select a new orifice size or configuration and
repeat the process starting at Step 6a.

7. Outlet Protection
To prevent the orifices from clogging, trash racks are required where perforated vertical
outlet control plates are used. This allows for easier access to outlet orifices for inspection
and cleaning. Trash racks shall be sized to prevent clogging of the primary water quality
outlet without restricting the hydraulic capacity of the outlet control orifices. The orifice
plate shall be protected with a trash rack conforming to Standard Drawing WQ501 (at end of
this section) with at least six square feet Overflow Structure Similar to Standard Drawing
of open surface area or 25 times the Number WQ 501
total orifice area, whichever is greater. (Photo courtesy of Colorado Association of
The rack shall be adequately secured to Stormwater Floodplain Managers)
prevent it from being removed or
opened when maintenance is not
occurring.

Trash rack with screen

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8. Overflow Outlet
Overflow outlets for publicly maintained basins shall conform to Standard Drawing WQ501
(at end of this section) unless approved in advance by the Engineering Authority (EA).

9. Embankment
Embankments shall be designed in accordance with applicable standards of Riverside
County Flood Control Districts Basin Guidelines (Appendix C) or other guidelines issued
by the Engineering Authority (EA). Where applicable, embankment designs must
additionally conform to the requirements of the State of California Division of Safety of
Dams.

10. Spillway and Overflow Structures

Spillway and overflow structures should be designed in accordance with applicable
standards of the Basin Guidelines (Appendix C) or other guidelines issued by the
Engineering Authority (EA).

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 BMP Subarea Required Entries
Extended Detention Basin Design Procedure Legend:
No. Calculated Cells
Company Name: Date:
Designed by: County/City Case No.:
Design Volume

Tributary Area (BMP Subarea) AT = acres

Enter VBMP, determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook VBMP= ft3

Basin Footprint

Overall Geometry

Length at Basin Bottom Surface Length = ft

Width at Basin Bottom Surface Width = ft

Meets 1.5 : 1 requirement?

Side Slopes per "Basin Guidelines", Sect. 1.2 z= :1

Proposed Basin Depth (with no freeboard) DB = ft

Depth of freeboard (if used) DFB = ft

Minimum Required Allowance for Total Depth (including proposed DREQ = ft

basin depth, freeboard, minimum depth of bottom stage (DBS=0.33')
and minimum filter depth (DFD=2.33'))

Depth from design water surface elevation to lowest orifice DO = ft

 Basin Design

Basin Design

Proposed Total Basin Depth (proposed depth plus freeboard) DTOT = ft

Basin Invert Longitudinal Slope Slope = %

Basin Invert Transverse Slope (1% min) Slope = %

3
Basin Volume VBasin = ft

Bottom Stage

Forebay Design

Forebay Volume (3 - 5% VBMP) VFB = ft3

Forebay Depth (height of berm) DFBY = ft

Minimum Forebay Surface Area AFB = ft2

Rectangular weir (notch) W= in

 Dry Weather and Low-Flow Management

Low-Flow Trench (see graphic below)

Depth (24 inches minimum, gravel filled) Depth = inches

Width (48 inches minimum) Width = inches

Trench Invert Longitudinal Slope Slope = %

Collector Trenches (see graphic below)

Depth (24 inches minimum) Depth = inches

Width (18 inches minimum) Width = inches

Trench Invert Longitudinal Slope Slope = %

Spacing (25 feet on center maximum) S= feet

Transverse Slope
(1% min)

24" (min) 24" (min)

AASHTO No. 2
Coarse aggregate
48" (min)
18" (min)
Low-Flow Trench Collector Trench
Bottom Stage (Sand Filter) Design

Depth of the Bottom Stage (4" minimum ponding) DBS = in

Surface Area of Bottom Stage ABS = ft2

Dry Weather Ponded Volume (above sand layer) VBS = ft3

Is VBS no less than 0.5% VBMP? Enter Depth and Surface Area

Depth of ASTM-C33 sand (18 inch minimum) DBS

Ds = inches

Diameter of Subdrains Subdrain Spacing

= in s= ft. on center
 Basin Outlet Design

Outlet Design

Assume an orifice area. Based on the

information provided above, the spreadsheet
provides discharge vs. stage data. Enter the
volume vs. stage data for each interval. This
information is used to route the volume through
the basin. The size of the orifice is acceptable
when the data shows that less than 50% of
VBMP has drained in 24 hours, and that 100%
drawdown occurs within 72 hours.
All values on this worksheet must be filled out to use this calculator

Flow Rate, Q (cfs) Headwater Elev. Discharge Volume

t (hrs.)
Q=CA[2g(H-Ho)]0.5 / Stage (ft) (cfs) (acre-ft)
0 0.0000 0.0000
Discharge Coefficient, 0.33
0.67
Default, C = 0.66 1.00
1.33
Other, C = 1.67
2.00
Orifice Area (ft2) 2.33
2.67
Orifice Diameter, d; number of orifices per row, n; and 3.00
number of orifice rows, N (from the bottom up). 3.33
3.67
d= inches 4.00
4.33
n= per row 4.67
5.00
N= rows 5.33
5.67
Aeff = 0.000 ft2 per row 6.00
or 6.33
Aeff = 0.000 in2 per row 6.67
7.00
From outflow hydrograph, the time where 50% of VBMP 7.33
has drained from the basin (24 hour minimum): 7.67
8.00
Time (50%) = Error * hrs 8.33
8.67
From outflow hydrograph, the time where 100% VBMP 9.00
has drained from the basin(within 72 hours): 9.33
9.67
Time (100 %) = Error * hrs 10.00
= 0.00
Notes:
3.7 Sand
S Filte
er Basin
Type of BMP
B Treatm
ment
Treatmen
nt Mechanismss Filtration, Biofiltratio
on
Maximum
m Tributary Arrea 25 acrres
Other Na
ames Sand Filter,
F Media Fiilter, Pocket Fi lter

Descripttion
The Sandd Filter Basin
n (SFB) is a basin
b where
the entire invert is construccted as a
stormwater filter, ussing a sand bed above
an underrdrain system m. Stormwater enters
the SFB at its fore ebay where trash and
sedimentt accumulatte or througgh overland
sheet flo
ow. Overland sheet flow w into the
Sand Filter Basin is biofiltered
b through the
vegetated side slo opes or other
o pre-
treatmennt. Flows paass into the sand filter
surcharge zone and are graduaally filtered Sand Filtter (no forebayy) -
through the underllying sand bed. The P
Photo courtesyy of Colorado U
UDFCD
underdraain graduallyy dewaters the sand bed and disccharges the filtered run noff to a neearby
channel, swale, or storm drain.
The prim
mary advantaage of the SFB is its effeectiveness inn removing pollutants w where infiltrration
into the underlying soil is not practical, and
a where site conditions preclud de the use of a
Bioretention Facility . The primaary disadvanntage is a pootential for clogging if ssilts and clayys are
allowed to flow into o the SFB. In
n addition, this BMPs performancce relies heaavily on its b being
regularlyy and properrly maintaine
ed.
While this BMP is noot currently considered an LID BMP,, when desiggned in acco ordance with
h this
manual, a Sand Filterr Basin is con
nsidered to be a highly eeffective Treeatment Con
ntrol BMP.

Siting Co
onsideratio
ons
SFBs should be avoid ded where onsite
o configurations incclude a base flow and/orr where this BMP
would be e put into operation
o while
w constru
uction, gradding or majo or landscaping activities are
taking place in the tributary catchment.
c This BMP h has a flat ssurface area, so it maay be
challengiing to incorp
porate into steeply
s sloping terrain. SSFBs should be set awayy from areass that
could disscharge fine sediments into the basiin such as att the bottom
m of a slope. See Section
n 1 of
Riversidee County Flood
F Control and Water
W Conseervation Diistricts Baasin Guidelines
(Appendix C) for ad dditional re
equirementss (i.e., fencinng, maintennance accesss, etc.) or oother
1
guidelinees issued by the Enginee
ering Authority (EA) .

1
The Enngineering Autthority (EA) may m choose tot alter these guidelines annd may have different/addditional
nts. These entiities, along witth the District, will be referreed to as the EA.
requiremen

Riverside Cou
unty - Low Impactt Development BM
MP Design Handbo
ook rev. 9/2011
Page 1
 SAND FILTER BASIN BMP FACT SHEET

Setbacks
The bottom of the sand filter should remain above the seasonal high groundwater level. Always
consult your geotechnical engineer for additional site specific recommendations.

Figure 1 Plan and Profile Views of SFB Basin

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 SAND FILTER BASIN BMP FACT SHEET

Forebay

A concrete forebay shall be provided to reduce sediment clogging and to reduce erosion. The
forebay shall have a design volume of at least 0.5% VBMP and a minimum 1 foot high concrete
splashwall. Full height notch-type weir(s), offset from the line of flow from the basin inlet to
prevent short circuiting shall be used to outlet the forebay. It is recommended that two weirs
be used and that they be located on opposite sides of the forebay (see Figure 1).

Underdrains

Underdrain piping shall consist of a manifold (collector) pipe with perforated lateral branching.
The lateral branching conveys the filtered water to the manifold where it is discharged into the
outlet structure. See Appendix B for additional information.

Overflow Structure

An overflow must be provided to drain volume in excess of VBMP or to help drain the system if
clogging were to occur. Overflows shall flow to an acceptable discharge point such as a
downstream conveyance system. Overflows must be placed above the water quality capture
volume and near the outlet of the system. The overflow structure shall be similar to the
Districts Standard Drawing CB 110.

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 SAND FILTER BASIN BMP FACT SHEET

Recommended Maintenance

Table 1 - Recommended Inspection and Maintenance Activities for SFBs

Schedule Inspection and Maintenance Activity
Semi-monthly including just before Routine maintenance and inspection.
the annual storm season and Remove debris and litter from the entire basin to minimize filter
following rainfall events. clogging and to improve aesthetics.
Check for obvious problems especially filter clogging and signs of
long term ponding. Repair as needed. Address odor, insects, and
overgrowth issues associated with stagnant or standing water in
the basin bottom. There should be no long-term ponding water.
Check for erosion and sediment laden areas in the basin. Repair as
needed. Clean forebay if needed.
Revegetate side slopes where needed.
Annually. If possible, schedule these Inspection of hydraulic and structural facilities. Examine the
inspections within 72 hours after a overflow outlet for clogging, the embankment and spillway
significant rainfall. integrity, and damage to any structural element.
Check side slopes and embankments for erosion, slumping and
overgrowth.
Inspect the sand media at the filter drain to verify it is allowing
acceptable infiltration. Scarify the top 3 inches by raking the filter
drains sand surface annually.
Check the filter drain underdrains for damage or clogging. Repair
as needed.
Repair basin inlets, outlets, forebays, and energy dissipaters
whenever damage is discovered.
No water should be present 72 hours after an event. No long term
standing water should be present at all. No algae formation should
be visible. Correct problem as needed.
Every 5 years or sooner depending Remove the top 3 inches of sand from the filter drain and backfill
on the observed drain times (no with 3 inches of new sand to return the sand layer to its original
more than 72 hours to empty the depth. When scarification or removal of the top 3 inches of sand is
basin). no longer effective, remove and replace sand filter layer.

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 SAND FILTER BASIN BMP FACT SHEET

Table 2 - Design and Sizing Criteria for SFBs

Design Parameter Extended Detention Basin
Maximum tributary area 25 acres 2
Basin design volume 100% of VBMP
Maximum basin depth 5 feet
Forebay volume 0.5 % of VBMP
Longitudinal Slope 0%
Transverse Slope (min.) 0%
Outlet erosion control Energy dissipaters to reduce velocities1
1. Ventura Countys Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures
2. CA Stormwater BMP Handbook for New Development and Significant Redevelopment

Note: The information contained in this BMP Factsheet is intended to be a summary of design
considerations and requirements. Additional information which applies to all detention basins
may be found in the Districts Basin Guidelines (Appendix C). In addition, information herein
may be superseded by other guidelines issued by the EA.

Design Procedure

1. Enter the Tributary Area, ATRIB

2. Enter the Design Capture Volume, VBMP, determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook
3. SFB Geometry
Determine the minimum sand filter area required. The filtration bed surface shall be flat
with the maximum depth for the reservoir design volume no greater than 5 feet*. The
reservoir design volume does not include the volume of the sand filter. No credit is
given for voids in the sand layer toward the reservoir volume since the sand is part of
the water quality filter and not a reservoir layer. The design storage volume shall equal
100 percent of VBMP. The minimum sand filter area (As) of the basins bottom shall be
determined using the equation:

As = (VBMP/ dB)
Where:
VBMP = Design Volume, ft3
dB = proposed basin depth (5 feet maximum), ft

Once the basin side slopes, proposed basin depth and depth of freeboard are entered,
the spreadsheet will calculate the minimum total depth required to use this BMP. This
is the depth from the top of the basin (including freeboard) down to the bottom of the
underdrain gravel layer. This depth can be used to determine if enough vertical
separation is available between the BMP and its outlet destination.

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 SAND FILTER BASIN BMP FACT SHEET

*Note: The 5 foot maximum depth equates to a minimum filter media infiltration rate of
0.83 inches per hour with a 72 hour drawdown time. Studies have shown that while
initially most filter media will infiltrate at a much higher rate, it is not uncommon for
that rate to decrease significantly over a very short period of time. (Urbonas, 1996)

4. Enter the proposed surface area of the basin.

5. Forebay
Provide a concrete forebay. Its volume shall be at least 0.5% VBMP with a minimum 1
foot high concrete splashwall. Full-height notch-type weir(s) shall be used to outlet the
forebay. The weir(s) must be offset
from the line of flow from the basin
inlet. It is recommended that two Figure 1
weirs be used and that they be located
on opposite sides of the forebay (see
Figure 1). Notches shall not be less
than 1.5 inches in width.

6. Filter Media
Provide, as a minimum, an 18-inch
layer of filter media (ASTM C-33 sand).
Other filter media may be considered
with sufficient supporting documentation. Where a medium level of removal efficiency
is desired for nutrients, the depth of the sand layer must be increased to 36 inches.

5. Underdrains
Underdrains shall be provided per the guidelines outlined in Appendix B.

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 BMP ID Required Entries
Sand Filter Basin (SFB) - Design Procedure Legend:
Calculated Cells
Company Name: Date:
Designed by: County/City Case No.:
Design Volume

Total Tributary area ATRIB = ac

Enter VBMP determined from Section 2.1 of this Handbook VBMP= ft3
Basin Geometry

Basin side slopes (no steeper than 4:1) z= :1

Proposed basin depth (see Figure 1) dB = ft

Depth of freeboard (if used) dfb = ft

Minimum bottom surface area of basin (As = VBMP/dB) As = ft2

Minimum total depth required (includes freeboard, filter media and subdrains) dreq = ft

Proposed Surface Area ft2

Forebay
Forebay volume (minimum 0.5% VBMP) Volume = ft3

Forebay depth (height of berm/splashwall. 1 foot min.) Depth = ft

Forebay surface area (minimum) Area = ft2

Full height notch-type weir Width (W) = in

Filter Media
Description of filter media

Sand (ASTM C-33)

Other (Clarify in "Notes" below)

Media depth, df = inches

Underdrains

Diameter of perforated underdrain in

Spacing of underdrains (maximum 20 feet on center) OK ft

Notes:
 APPENDIX A
Infiltration Testing

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
 APPENDIX A - INFILTRATION TESTING

Infiltration BMPs use the interaction of chemical, physical, and biological processes between soil
and water to filter out sediments and constituents from stormwater. Infiltration BMPs require a
maximum drawdown time to avoid nuisance issues. Since drawdown time is contingent on the
infiltration rate of the underlying soil, tests are used to help establish the vertical infiltration rate
of the soil below a proposed infiltration facility. The tests attempt to simulate the physical
process that will occur when the facility is in operation.

Section 1 - General Requirements

1.1 - Summary of Requirements

The following is a brief summary of the requirements for all infiltration test reports submitted to
the Engineering Authority (EA)1 for the purpose of water quality BMP design. A checklist form
is included at the end of this document.

1. Where infiltration testing is to be performed (as directed by the EA or in the WQMP), the
measured infiltration rate of the underlying soil must be determined using either the
single ring infiltrometer test (as described in ASTM D 5126, Section 4.1.2.1), the double
ring infiltrometer test (ASTM D 3385), the well permeameter method (USBR 7300-89),
or a percolation test per County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health
(RCDEH) test procedures. A general explanation of these test methods can be found in
Section 2 of this appendix. The minimum number of tests required can be found in Table
1 and is dependent upon the type of infiltration test performed.

2. Test pits and borings (ASTM D 1452) may be used to determine the USCS series and
textural class (SM, CL, etc.) of the soil horizons, the thickness of soil and rock strata, and
to estimate the historical high groundwater mark2. Test pits or boring logs must be of
sufficient depth to establish that a minimum of 5 feet of permeable soil exists below the
infiltration facility and that there is a minimum of 10 feet between the bottom of the
infiltration facility and the historical high groundwater mark (Sections 1.7 and 2.5). The
required number of test pits or borings are listed in Table 1.

3. A final report, prepared by a registered civil engineer, geotechnical engineer, certified

engineering geologist or certified hydrogeologist shall be provided to the EA which
demonstrates through infiltration testing and/or soil logs that the proposed facility
location is suitable for the proposed infiltration facility and an infiltration rate shall be
recommended. In addition, any requirements associated with impacts to a landslide,
erosion or steep slope hazard area should also be addressed in the final report. (Section
1.7)
1
County Transportation, Coachella Valley Water District and the City Engineer for incorporated cities within the
County may choose to alter these guidelines and may have different/additional requirements. These entities, along
with the District, will be referred to as the Engineering Authority (EA).

2
The historical high groundwater mark is defined as the groundwater elevation expected due to a normal wet
season and shall be obtained by boring logs or test pits.

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Page 1
 4. Tests may be performed only by individuals trained and educated to perform, understand
and evaluate the field conditions. The individual(s) supervising the field work must be
named in the final report as described in Item 3. (Section 1.7)

5. Preliminary site grading plans shall be provided to the EA showing the proposed BMP
locations along with section views through each BMP clearly identifying the extents of
cut/fill relative to native soil. (See Section 1.1)

6. For sites where infiltration BMPs have been determined to be feasible and will be used,
infiltration tests shall be performed within the boundaries of the proposed infiltration
BMP and at the bottom elevation (infiltration surface) of the proposed infiltration BMP to
confirm the suitability of infiltration. (See Photo 5)

A Note on Infiltration Rate vs. Percolation Rate

A common misunderstanding exists that the percolation rate obtained from a percolation test is
equivalent to the infiltration rate obtained from a single or double ring infiltrometer test.
While the percolation rate is related to the infiltration rate, percolation rates tend to overestimate
infiltration rates and can be off by a factor of ten or more. However, as is discussed in Section
2.3, the percolation rate can be converted to a reasonable estimate of the infiltration rate using
the Porchet Method.

1.2 Applicability of Infiltration BMPs

The WQMP guidance applicable to a project (based on the watershed location of the project),
may include specific criteria for evaluating whether infiltration BMPs are feasible for a particular
project. Where the WQMP requires that infiltration testing be performed as part of an infiltration
feasibility evaluation, a testing method approved by the EA shall be used. The District requires
the use of the methods described in Section 2 herein. The remainder of Section 1 herein describes
requirements that must be implemented whenever an infiltration BMP is to be implemented.

1.3 - Grading Plans

Many projects require a significant amount of grading prior to their construction. It is important
to determine if the BMP will be placed in cut or fill since this may affect the performance of the
BMP or even the soil. As such, preliminary site grading plans showing the proposed BMP
locations are required along with section views through each BMP clearly identifying the extents
of cut or fill. In addition, since it is imperative that any testing be performed at the proper
elevations and locations, it is highly recommended that the preliminary site grading plans be
provided to the engineer/geologist prior to any tests being performed.

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Page 2
1.4 - Cut Condition
Where the proposed infiltration BMP is to be located in a cut condition, the infiltration surface
level at the bottom of the BMP might be far below the existing grade. For example, if the
infiltration surface of a proposed BMP is to be located at an elevation that is currently beneath 15
feet of cut, how can the proposed infiltration surface be tested?

In order to determine an infiltration rate where the proposed infiltration surface is in a cut
condition, the following procedures may be used:

1. The USBR 7300-89, Procedure for Performing Field Permeability Testing by the Well
Permeameter Method (Section 2.4). Note: the result must be converted to an infiltration
rate.
2. The Percolation Test per RCDEH (Section 2.3) may be used. Note: the result must be
converted to an infiltration rate.

Refer also to the WQMP guidance document applicable to the project, which may identify
applicability criteria for infiltration BMPs in cut conditions.

1.5 - Fill Condition

If the bottom of a BMP (infiltration surface) is in a fill location, the infiltration surface may not
exist prior to grading. How then can the infiltration rate be determined? For example, if a
proposed infiltration BMP is to be located in 12 feet of fill, how could one reasonably establish
an infiltration rate prior to the fill being placed?

Unfortunately, no reliable assumptions can be made about the in-situ properties of fill soil. As
such, the bottom, or rather the infiltration surface of the BMP, must extend into natural soil. The
natural soil shall be tested at the design elevation prior to the fill being placed.

In some cases, the extension of the BMP down to natural soil may prove infeasible. In that case,
another BMP must be selected.

1.6 - Factors of Safety

Long term monitoring has shown that the performance of working full-scale infiltration facilities
may be far lower than the rate measured by small-scale testing. There are several reasons for
this:

Over time, the surface of infiltration facilities can become plugged as sedimentary
particles accumulate at the infiltration surface.
Post-grading compaction of the site can destroy soil structure and seriously impact the
facilitys performance.

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Page 3
 Soils and soil strata are rarely homogenous, and variations across a site, and sometimes
even within a BMP footprint, can cause tested infiltration rates to vary widely.
Testing procedures in general are subject to natural variations and errors which can skew
the results.

As such, to obtain an appropriate level of confidence in the final design infiltration rate, factors
of safety shall be applied to the tested infiltration rate, It , in order to determine the design
infiltration rate, Id . These factors are based on such considerations as the type of tests used, the
number of tests performed and whether testing is performed at all. Table 1 provides a complete
matrix of testing requirements versus factors of safety.

1.7 - Infiltration Testing Requirements

Table 1 is a list of infiltration BMPs with test regime options and their corresponding design
factors of safety. The options are summarized below:

Option 1- This test regime includes ring infiltrometer type tests, test pit or boring logs and a
final report. The minimum required number of tests is as described in Table 1. The minimum
required factor of safety for this option is FS=3.

Option 2- This test regime includes percolation type tests, test pit or boring logs and a final
report. The minimum required number of tests is as described in Table 1. The minimum
required factor of safety for this option is FS=3.

Option 3- This test regime includes test pit or boring logs only and a final report. The minimum
required number of tests is as described in Table 1. An expected infiltration rate shall be included
in the final report based on the specifics of the borings or test pits. The minimum required factor
of safety for this option is FS=6. This option may be used for projects with a maximum tributary
area of 5 acres only.

Option 4- This test regime includes a single test pit or boring log at any representative location
on the project site. Plates E-6.1 and E-6.2 of the Riverside County Flood Control and Water
Conservation Districts (RCFCD) Hydrology Manual shall then be used to establish an
approximate infiltration rate based on the appropriate Runoff Index and the Antecedent Moisture
Content (AMC) as defined on page C-3 of the Hydrology Manual. The minimum required factor
of safety for this option is FS=10.

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Page 4
 Table 1 - Infiltration Testing Requirements
Ring Test Pits or Factor
Infiltration Testing Infiltrometer Percolation Boring Final Hydrology of
BMP Options Tests(1) Test(2) Logs(3) Report(4) Manual(5) Safety
2 tests min. 1 boring or
Option
with at least test pit per
1
1 per trench not used trench Required not used FS = 3
4 tests min.
Option with at least 1 boring or
2 two per test pit per
Infiltration not used trench trench Required not used FS = 3
Trench
1 boring or
Option
test pit per
3(7)
not used not used trench Required not used FS = 6
1 boring or
Option
test pit per
4
not used not used site not used only FS = 10
2 tests min. 1 boring or
Option
with at least test pit per
1 (6)
1 per basin not used basin Required not used FS = 3
4 tests min.
Option with at least 1 boring or
2 2 per test pit per
Infiltration not used (6)
basin trench Required not used FS = 3
Basin
1 boring or
Option
test pit per
3(7)
not used not used basin Required not used FS = 6
1 boring or
Option
test pit per
4
not used not used site not used only FS = 10
2 tests min. 1 boring or
Option with at least test pit
1 1 every every
Permeable 10,000 ft2 not used 10,000 ft2 Required not used FS = 3
Pavement 4 tests min. 1 boring or
Option with at least test pit
2 2 every every
not used 10,000 ft2 10,000 ft2 Required not used FS = 3
Table Footnotes:
(1)
Ring Infiltrometer tests per Section 2.2
(2)
Percolation tests per Section 2.3 and Well Permeameter Test per Section 2.4
(3)
Test pits or boring logs per Section 2.5
(4)
Final Report per Section 1.7
(5)
See Plate E-6.2 of the Districts Hydrology Manual
(6)
For basins in excess of 10,000 ft2, provide one (1) ring infiltrometer test or two (2) percolation tests for each
additional 10,000 ft2
(7)
This option may be used for projects with a maximum tributary area of 5 acres only.

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Page 5
1.8 - Final Report

Where a final report is required, a civil engineer, geotechnical engineer, certified engineering
geologist or certified hydrogeologist shall establish whether the location is suitable for the
proposed infiltration facility. At least 5 feet of permeable soil must be present below the
infiltration facility and a minimum of 10 feet between the bottom of the infiltration facility and
the historical high groundwater mark1 is required. The signed/stamped report shall include
discussion and records of the infiltration testing as well as boring log findings. Based on the
results of these tests, the report shall provide an estimate of the infiltration rate found at the
location of each proposed infiltration BMP in units of inches per hour. The factor of safety
specified in Table 1 will be applied to the interpreted test results to determine the design
infiltration rate for each infiltration BMP. Any requirements associated with impacts to an
erosion hazard area, steep slope hazard area, or landslide hazard area should also be addressed in
the report. In addition, the report shall include complete field records with the following
information:

Location of the test site.

Dates of test, start and finish.
Weather conditions, start to finish.
Names(s) of technician(s).
Description of test site, including assessment of boring profile and USCS soil
classification.
Depth to the water table and a description of the soils to a depth of at least 10 feet below
proposed infiltration surface.
Type of equipment used to construct the boreholes or test holes (such as backhoe, hollow
stem auger, etc.)
Areas of the rings (if used) or test hole diameter.
Volume constants for graduated cylinder or Mariotte tube (if used).
Complete field results in tabular format. Sample test data forms, as well as examples,
have been provided following the description of each test in Section 2.
A plot of the infiltration rate versus total elapsed time. An example is provided following
the description of each test in Section 2.
A labeled keymap showing test and boring locations.
Confirmation that the soil was pre-saturated in accordance with the testing methods
described herein.

Section 2 - Accepted Testing Methods

There is a wide range of different methods for measuring the infiltration rate of a given soil with
varying degrees of accuracy and reliability. However, the District will accept only the following
test methods:
1. Single Ring Infiltrometer (Per ASTM D 5126), Section 2.1.1
2. Double Ring Infiltrometer (Per ASTM D 3385), Section 2.1.2
3. Well Permeameter Method (USBR 7300-89), Section 2.4
4. Percolation Test (per County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health
procedure), Section 2.3
1
The historical high groundwater mark is defined as the groundwater elevation expected due to a normal wet
season and shall be obtained by boring logs or test pits.
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Page 6
The following pages of this document provide an overview of these tests. It is recommended that
the original Standards be referenced.

2.1 - Constant Head vs. Falling Head Method

There are two operational techniques used with all four of the testing techniques herein: the
constant head method and the falling head method. With the constant head method, water is
consistently added to both the outer and inner rings (ring infiltrometers) or to the test hole
(pecolation test and well permeameter) to maintain a constant level throughout the testing. The
volume of water needed to maintain the fixed level of the inner ring is measured. Conversely, in
the falling head method, the water level is allowed to fall and the time that the water level takes
to decrease is measured.

2.2 - Overview of Ring Infiltrometer Test Methods

Ring infiltrometers measure the rate of infiltration at the soil surface. Infiltration is influenced
by both saturated hydraulic conductivity as well as capillary effects. The term capillary effects
refers to the ability of dry soil to pull, or wick away, water from a zone of saturation faster than
would occur if the soil were uniformly saturated. The magnitude of the capillary effect is
determined by initial moisture content at the time of testing, the pore size, soil properties
(texture, structure) and a number of other factors. The effects of capillarity are short lived and
can greatly skew test results. As such, it is critical to obtain steady-state infiltration so that
capillary effects are minimized. (ASTM 5126)

The single ring infiltrometer and double ring infiltrometer methods both employ the use of
metal cylinders driven to shallow depths into the test soil. The rings are filled with water and the
rate at which the water moves into the soil is measured. This rate becomes constant when the
saturated hydraulic conductivity for the particular soil has been reached. This is reflected by the
flattening out of the curve generated by sample test data as shown in Figure 2, Plot of
Infiltration Rate vs. Time. While we note that infiltration rate is not exactly the same as
saturated hydraulic conductivity, for the purposes of this guidance document they are
synonymous.

2.2.1 - Single Ring Infiltrometers

Single ring infiltrometer tests using a ring 40 inches or larger in diameter have been shown to
closely match full-scale facility performance (Figures 1 and 2, Photo 1). The cylindrical ring is
driven approximately 12 inches into the soil. Water is ponded within the ring above the soil
surface. The upper surface of the ring is often covered to prevent evaporation. Using the
constant head method, the volumetric rate of water added to the ring, sufficient to maintain a
constant head within the ring is measured. The test is complete and the tested infiltration rate, I t ,
is determined after the flow rate has stabilized. (ASTM D 5126)

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Page 7
 Photo 1 Simple Single Ring Infiltrometer

To help maintain a constant head, a variety of devices may be used. A hook gauge, steel tape or
rule, length of steel, or plastic rod pointed on one end can be used for measuring and controlling
the depth of liquid (head) in the infiltrometer ring. If available, a graduated Mariotte tube or
automatic flow control system may also be used. Care should be taken when driving the ring
into the ground as there can be a poor connection between the ring wall and the soil. This poor
connection can cause a leakage of water along the ring wall and an overestimation of the
infiltration rate.

The volume of liquid used during each measured time interval may be converted into an
incremental infiltration velocity (infiltration rate) using the following equation:

I t = V/(A*t)

Where:
It = tested infiltration rate, in/hr
V = volume of liquid used during time interval to maintain constant
head in the ring, in3
A = internal area of ring, in2
t = time interval, hr.

Final Report - Ultimately, as discussed in Section 1.7, a final report shall be provided and,
based on the test results, an infiltration rate shall be recommended.

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Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
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 Table 2 Sample Test Data Form for Single Ring Infiltrometer Test

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 FIGURE 3 Sample Test Data

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 FIGURE 4 Plot of Sample Test Data for Single Ring Infiltrometer Test

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2.2.2 - Double Ring Infiltrometers

The double ring infiltrometer test (ASTM D 3385) is a well recognized and documented
technique for directly measuring the soil infiltration rate of a site (see Figure 5, 6 and 7; Photos
2, 3, 4 and 5). Double ring infiltrometers were developed in response to the fact that smaller
(less than 40 inch diameter) single ring infiltrometers tend to overestimate vertical infiltration
rates. This has been attributed to the fact that the flow of water beneath the cylinder is not purely
vertical and diverges laterally. Double ring infiltrometers minimize the error associated with the
single-ring method because the water level in the outer ring forces vertical infiltration of water in
the inner ring. Care should be taken when driving the rings into the ground as there can be a poor
connection between the ring wall and the soil. This poor connection can cause a leakage of
water along the ring wall and an overestimation of the infiltration rate. Another potential source
of error is attributed to the size of the cylinders. As such, the use of cylinder sizes less than those
prescribed in ASTM D 3385 is not recommended.

A typical double ring infiltrometer would consist of a 12 inch inner ring and a 24 inch outer ring.
While there are two operational techniques used with the double-ring infiltrometer, the constant
head method and the falling head method, ASTM D3385 mandates the use of the constant head
method. With the constant head method, water is consistently added to both the outer and inner
rings to maintain a constant level throughout the testing. The volume of water needed to
maintain the fixed level of the inner ring is measured. To help maintain a constant head, a
variety of devices may be used. A hook gauge, steel tape or rule, or length of steel or plastic rod
pointed on one end, can be used for measuring and controlling the depth of liquid (head) in the
infiltrometer ring. If available, a graduated Mariotte tube or automatic flow control system may
also be used.

The volume of liquid used during each measured time interval may be converted into an
incremental infiltration velocity (infiltration rate) using the following equation:

I t = V/(A*t)

Where:
I t = tested infiltration rate, in/hr
V = volume of liquid used during time interval to maintain constant
head in the inner ring, in3
A = area of inner ring, in2
t = time interval, hr.

Final Report - Ultimately, as discussed in Section 1.7, a final report shall be provided and,
based on the test results, an infiltration rate shall be recommended.

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 Photo 2 Simple Double Ring Infiltrometer

Photo 3 Pre-fabricated Double Ring Infiltrometer

(Photo courtesy of Turf-Tec International)

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Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
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 Photo 4- Double Ring Infiltrometer Set-up with Mariotte Tubes
(Photo courtesy of Turf-Tec International)

Photo 5 Double Ring Infiltrometer Set-up for Test at Basin Surface Elevation
(Photo courtesy of Turf-Tec International)

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 Table 3 Sample Test Data Form for Double Ring Infiltrometer Test

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 Table 4 Sample Test Data Form for Double Ring Infiltrometer Test

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 FIGURE 8 Plot of Sample Test Data for Double Ring Infiltrometer Test

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2.3 - Percolation Tests

The percolation test is widely used for assessing the suitability of a soil for onsite wastewater
disposal. Depending on the required depth of testing, there are two versions of the percolation
test. For shallow depth testing (less than 10 feet), the procedure would be as shown in Figure 8
(Photo 6). For deep testing (10 feet to 40 feet), the procedure is as shown in Figure 9. For deep
testing, special care must be taken to ensure that caving of the sidewalls does not occur.

This test measures the length of time required for a quantity of water to infiltrate into the soil and
is often called a percolation rate. It should be noted that the percolation rate is related to, but
not equal to, the infiltration rate. While an infiltration rate is a measure of the speed at which
water progresses downward into the soil, the percolation rate measures not only the downward
progression but the lateral progression through the soil as well. This reflects the fact that the
surface area for infiltration testing would include only the horizontal surface while the
percolation test includes both the bottom surface area and the sidewalls of the test hole.
However, there is a relationship between the values obtained by a percolation test and infiltration
rate. Based on the 1Porchet Method, the following equation may be used to convert
percolation rates to the tested infiltration rate, I t :

I t = H r2 60 = H 60 r_
t(r2+2rH avg ) t(r+2H avg )

Where:

It = tested infiltration rate, inches/hour

H = change in head over the time interval, inches
t = time interval, minutes
*
r = effective radius of test hole
H avg = average head over the time interval, inches

An example of this procedure is provided on Page 26 based data form Table 5, Sample
Percolation Test Data. Figure 11 provides a plot of the converted percolation test data.

*Where a rectangular test hole is used, an equivalent radius should be determined based on the
actual area of the rectangular test hole. (i.e., r = (A/)0.5)

Note to the designer: The values obtained using this method may vary from those obtained from
methods considered to be more accurate. The designer is encouraged to explore the derivation of
these equations (Ritzema; Smedema)

Final Report - Ultimately, as discussed in Section 1.7, a final report shall be provided and,
based on the test results, an infiltration rate shall be recommended.

1
H.P. Ritzema, Drainage Principles and Applications, International Institute for Land Reclamation and
Improvement (ILRI), Publication 16, 2nd revised edition, 1994, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

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 Percolation Test Procedure
Only those individuals trained and educated to perform, understand and evaluate the field
conditions and tests may perform these tests. This would include those who hold one of the
following State of California credentials and registrations: Professional Civil and Geotechnical
Engineers, Certified Engineering Geologist and Certified Hyrdrogeologist. The District will only
approve the percolation test method described in this Chapter.

When the percolation testing has been completed, a 3 foot long surveyors stake (lath) shall be
flagged with highly visible banner tape and placed in the location of the test indicating date, test
hole number as shown on the field data sheet, and firm performing the test. Field data shall be
included in the Final Report as described in Section 1.7.

Shallow Percolation Test (less than 10 feet)

Test Preparation

1.) The test hole opening shall be between 8 and 12 inches in diameter or between 7 and 11
inches on each side if square.

2.) The bottom elevation of the test hole shall correspond to the bottom elevation of the
proposed basin (infiltration surface). Keep in mind that this procedure will require the test
hole to be filled with water to a depth of at least 5 times the holes radius.

3.) The bottom of the test hole shall be covered with 2 inches of gravel.

4.) The sides of the hole shall remain undisturbed (not smeared) after drilling and any cobbles
encountered left in place.

5.) Pre-soaking shall be used with this procedure. Invert a full 5 gallon bottle (more if
necessary) of clear water supported over the hole so that the water flow into the hole holds
constant at a level at least 5 times the holes radius above the gravel at the bottom of the hole.
Testing may commence after all of the water has percolated through the test hole or after 15
hours has elapsed since initiating the pre-soak. However, to assure saturated conditions,
testing must commence no later than 26 hours after all pre-soak water has percolated through
the test hole. The use of the continuous pre-soak procedure is no longer accepted. When
sandy soils (as described below) are present, the test shall be run immediately.

Test Procedure

Test hole shall be carefully filled with water to a depth equal to at least 5 times the holes radius
(H/r>5) above the gravel at the bottom of the test hole prior to each test interval.

In sandy soils, when 2 consecutive measurements show that 6 inches of water seeps
away in less than 25 minutes, the test shall be run for an additional hour with
measurements taken every 10 minutes. Measurements shall be taken with a precision of
0.25 inches or better. The drop that occurs during the final 10 minutes is used to calculate
the percolation rate. Field data must show the two 25 minute readings and the six 10
minute readings.

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 In non-sandy soils, obtain at least twelve measurements per hole over at least six hours
with a precision of 0.25 inches or better. From a fixed reference point, measure the drop
in water level over a 30 minute period for at least 6 hours, refilling after every 30 minute
reading. The total depth of the hole must be measured at every reading to verify that
collapse of the borehole has not occurred. The drop that occurs during the final reading is
used to calculate the percolation rate.

Deep Percolation Test (Depths 10-40 feet)

Test Preparation

1.) Borehole diameter shall be either 6 inch or 8 inch only. No other diameter test holes will be
accepted.

2.) The bottom elevation of the test hole shall correspond to the bottom elevation of the
proposed basin (infiltration surface). Keep in mind that this procedure will require the test
hole to be filled with water to a depth of at least 5 times the holes radius.

3.) The bottom of the test hole shall be covered with 2 inches of gravel.

4.) The sides of the hole shall remain undisturbed (not smeared) after drilling and any cobbles
encountered left in place. Special care should be taken to avoid cave-in.

5.) Pre-soaking shall be used with this procedure. Invert a full 5 gallon bottle of clear water
supported over the hole so that the water flow into the hole holds constant at a maximum
depth of 4 feet below the surface of the ground or if grading cuts are anticipated, to the
approximate elevation of the top of the basin but at least 5 times the holes radius (H/r>5). Pre-
soaking shall be performed for 24 hours unless the site consists of sandy soils containing
little or no clay. If sandy soils exist as described below, the tests may then be run after a 2
hour pre-soak. However, to assure saturated conditions, testing must commence no later than
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 26 hours after all pre-soak water has percolated through the test hole. The use of the
continuous pre-soak procedure is no longer accepted. When sandy soils (as described
below) are present, the test shall be run immediately.

Test Procedure

Carefully fill the hole with clear water to a maximum depth of 4 feet below the surface of the ground
or, if grading cuts are anticipated, to the approximate elevation of the top of the basin. However, at a
minimum, the bore hole shall be filled with water to a depth equal to 5 times the holes radius (H/r>5).

In sandy soils, when 2 consecutive measurements show that 6 inches of water seeps
away in less than 25 minutes, the test shall be run for an additional hour with
measurements taken every 10 minutes. Measurements shall be taken with a precision of
0.25 inches or better. The drop that occurs during the final 10 minutes is used to calculate
the percolation rate. Field data must show the two 25 minute readings and the six 10
minute readings.

In non-sandy soils, the percolation rate measurement shall be made on the day following
initiation of the pre-soak as described in Item #5 above. From a fixed reference point,
measure the drop in water level over a 30 minute period for at least 6 hours, refilling after
every 30 minute reading. Measurements shall be taken with a precision of 0.25 inches or
better. The total depth of hole must be measured at every reading to verify that collapse
of the borehole has not occurred. The drop that occurs during the final reading is used to
calculate the percolation rate.
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 Photo 6 Percolation Test Pit. Use of perforated PVC pipe is a variation.

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 Table 5 Sample Test Data Form for Percolation Test

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 Percolation Rate Conversion
Example:
The bottom of a proposed infiltration basin would be at 5.0 feet below natural grade. Percolation
tests are performed within the boundaries of the proposed basin location with the depth of the
test hole set at the infiltration surface level (bottom of the basin). The Percolation Test Data
Sheet (Table 5) is prepared as the test is being performed. After the minimum required number
of testing intervals, the test is complete. 1The data collected at the final interval is as follows:

Time interval, t = 10 minutes Initial Depth to Water, D 0 = 12.25 inches

Final Depth to Water, D f = 13.75 inches Total Depth of Test Hole, D T = 60 inches
2
Test Hole Radius, r = 4 inches

The conversion equation is used:

I t = H 60 r_
t(r+2H avg )

H o is the initial height of water at the selected time interval.

H o = D T - D 0 = 60 12.25 = 47.75 inches

H f is the final height of water at the selected time interval.

H f = D T - D 0 = 60 - 13.75 = 46.25 inches

H is the change in height over the time interval.

H = D = H o - H f = 47.75 46.25 = 1.5 inches

H avg is the average head height over the time interval.

H avg = (H o - H f )/2 = (47.75 46.25)/2 = 47.0 inches

I t is the tested infiltration rate.

I t = H 60 r_ = (1.5 in)(60 min/hr)(4 in) = 0.37 in/hr.

t(r+2H avg ) (10 min)((4 in) + 2(47 in))

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 Data used for conversion to Infiltration rate.

Table 6 Sample Percolation Test Data

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 FIGURE 11 PLOT OF CONVERTED PERCOLATION TEST DATA

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2.4 - Field Permeability Test (Well Permeameter Method USBR 7300-89)

Similar to a constant-head version of the percolation test used for seepage pit design is the Well
Permeameter Method of the United States Bureau of Reclamation. 1USBR 7300-89 is an in-hole
hydraulic conductivity test performed by
drilling test wells with a 6-8 inch diameter
auger to the desired depth. This test measures
the rate at which water flows into the soil
under constant-head flow conditions and is
used to determine field-saturated hydraulic
conductivity. As with the percolation test, the
rate determined with this test is a percolation
rate and is related, but not equal, to the
infiltration rate. Infiltration rate is a measure
of the speed at which water progresses
downward into the soil. A percolation rate
measures not only the downward progression
but the lateral progression through the soil.
However, this procedure uses the following Photo 7 - Typical Well Permeamater Test
equation(s) to establish an infiltration rate: Installation

Condition I: Typical condition (See Figure 12). The distance between the historical high water
mark2 and the water surface in the well is at least three (3) times the height of water in the well.
In addition, there must be at least 10 feet from the bottom of the well to the historical high water
table and at least 5 feet to impervious strata.

2
Q(T /20 ) 2 1 +
ln + + 1
Ks = +
2H 2

Where:

K s = saturated hydraulic conductivity (infiltration rate, inches/hour)

H = height of water in well (inches)
Q = percolation flow rate from selected time interval (cubic inches/hour)
r = effective radius of well (inches)
T = viscosity of water at test temperature, T
20 = viscosity of water at 20C

1
A detailed description of this procedure along with a complete example using the associated equations can be found
in the United States Bureau of Mines and Reclamation (USBR) document 7300-89.
2
The historical high groundwater mark is defined as the groundwater elevation expected due to a normal wet
season and shall be obtained by boring logs or test pits.

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 Figure 12 Site Conditions Govern Procedure to be Used

Condition II: The distance between the historical high groundwater mark1 and the water surface
in the well is less than three (3) times, but at least equal to, the height of water in the well. In
addition, there must be at least 10 feet from the bottom of the well to the historical high water
mark1 and at least 5 feet to impervious strata.

(20 ) ln
=
2 2 1 1 1
6 + 3
Where:

K s = saturated hydraulic conductivity (infiltration rate, inches/hour)

H = height of water in well (inches)
Q = percolation flow rate from selected time interval (cubic inches/hour)
r = effective radius of well (inches)
T = viscosity of water at water temperature, T
20 = viscosity of water at 20 C
T u = unsaturated distance between the water surface and the water table or impervious strata

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Condition III: Unacceptable location. The distance between the historical high groundwater
mark and the water surface in the well is less than the height of water in well. As such, the base
of the BMP would not be 10 feet above the historical high water mark or 5 feet from impervious
strata.

Final Report - Ultimately, as discussed in Section 1.7, a final report shall be provided and,
based on the test results, an infiltration rate shall be recommended.

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 Figure 11 Well Permeameter Test Equipment

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2.5 - Borings and Test Pits
Borings and test pits are used to determine the thickness of soil and rock strata, estimate the
depth to groundwater, obtain soil or rock specimens and perform field tests such as standard
penetration tests (SPTs) or cone penetration tests (CPTs).

Test pits and trenches may be used to evaluate near-surface conditions up to about 15 feet deep
but are often used for performing subsurface exploration at shallower depths. Test pits are often
square in plan view and may be dug with shovels in less accessible areas. Trenches are long and
narrow excavations usually made by a backhoe or bulldozer.

Borings (ASTM D 1452) are generally used to investigate deeper subsurface conditions. A
cylindrical hole is drilled into the ground for the purpose of investigating subsurface conditions,
performing field tests, and obtaining soil, rock, or underground specimens for testing. Borings
can be excavated by hand (e.g., hand auger), although the usual procedure is to use mechanical
equipment to excavate the borings.

Whatever method is used, testing shall be sufficient to establish USCS series and textural class
(SM, CL, etc) of the soil beneath the infiltration surface of the BMP and of sufficient depth to
establish that a minimum of 5 feet of permeable soil exists below the infiltration facility and that
there is a minimum of 10 feet between the bottom of the infiltration facility and the historical
high groundwater mark1.

Photo 8- Auger Boring Rig Photo 9 Test Pit Excavation

1
The historical high groundwater mark is defined as the groundwater elevation expected due to a normal wet
season and shall be obtained by boring logs or test pits.

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 Infiltration Test Requirement Checklist
___ Where infiltration testing is to be performed, the measured infiltration rate of the underlying
soil must be determined using either the single ring infiltrometer test (as described in
ASTM D 5126, Section 4.1.2.1), the double ring infiltrometer test (ASTM D 3385), the
well permeameter method (USBR 7300-89), or a percolation test per County of Riverside
Department of Environmental Health (RCDEH) test procedures. A general explanation of
these test methods can be found in Section 2 of this appendix. The minimum number of
tests required can be found in Table 1 and is dependent upon the type of infiltration test
performed.

___ Test pits and borings (ASTM D 1452) may be used to determine the USCS series and
textural class (SM, CL, etc.) of the soil horizons throughout the depth of boring log or pit,
the thickness of soil and rock strata, and estimate the historical groundwater depth. Test
pits or boring logs must be of sufficient depth to establish that a minimum of 5 feet of
permeable soil exists below the infiltration facility and that there is a minimum of 10 feet
between the bottom of the infiltration facility and the historical high groundwater mark1
(Section 1.7 and 2.5). The required number of test pits or borings is listed in Table 1.

___ A final report, prepared by a registered civil engineer, geotechnical engineer, certified
engineering geologist or certified hydrogeologist shall be provided to the District or other
EA which demonstrates through infiltration testing and/or soil logs that the proposed
facility location is suitable for the proposed infiltration facility and an infiltration rate shall
be recommended. In addition, any requirements associated with impacts to a landslide,
erosion or steep slope hazard area should also be addressed in the final report. (Section 1.7)

___ Tests may be performed only by individuals trained and educated to perform, understand
and evaluate the field conditions. The individual(s) supervising this field work must be
named along with their education or training background in the final report as described in
Item 3. (Section 1.7)

___ Preliminary site grading plans shall be provided to the District or other EA showing the
proposed BMP locations along with section views through each BMP clearly identifying
the extents of cut/fill.

___ All infiltration tests shall be performed within the boundaries of the proposed infiltration
BMP and at the bottom elevation (infiltration surface) of the proposed infiltration facility.
(See Photo 5)

1
The historical high groundwater mark is defined as the groundwater elevation expected due to a normal wet
season and shall be obtained by boring logs or test pits.

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 APPENDIX B
Underdrains

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
 APPENDIX B UNDERDRAINS

Where underdrains are specified, the following information provides guidance for underdrain
requirements.

Underdrain Material Types

Underdrain pipe shall be 6-inch diameter ABS pipe or PVC pipe. ABS pipe shall meet the
requirements of ASTM Designation D-2751, SDR 23.5, and PVC pipe shall meet the
requirements of ASTM Designation D-2665. Perforations shall be as described in ASTM
Designation C-700. It should be noted that placing the pipe such that the perforations are
oriented upward may help to maximize infiltration in unlined BMPs with underdrains. If the
BMP is constructed with an impermeable liner, the perforations should be angled downward to
maximize the volume of water that will be drained from the BMP.

Underdrain Connections
Pipe joints and storm drain structure connections must be adequately sealed to avoid piping
conditions (water seeping through pipe or structure joints). Pipe sections shall be coupled using
suitable connection rings and flanges. Field connections to storm drain structures and pipes shall
be sealed with polymer grout material that is capable of adhering to surfaces. Underdrain pipe
shall be capped (at structure) until completion of site construction. Underdrains connected
directly to a storm drainage structure shall be non-perforated for an appropriate distance from the
structure interface to avoid possible piping problems.

Underdrain Slope
Underdrains must "daylight" or connect to an existing drainage system to achieve positive flow.
All underdrains must be placed with a minimum slope of 0.5% (s = 0.005 ft/ft).

Underdrains Layout and Spacing

Typically, there are two main layouts for underdrains. One is a non-perforated central collector
pipe with perforated lateral feeder pipes, the other is simply a series of longitudinal perforated
pipes. Both layouts connect to a non-perforated outlet pipe before daylighting" or connecting to
an existing drainage system. The minimum spacing is shown below.

Underdrains
BMP Type
Center to Center Spacing
Sand Filter Basin 20

Extended Detention Basins (Bottom stage 500 sq ft. or greater) 20

Extended Detention Basins (Bottom stage < 500 sq ft.) 10

Bioretention Facility 5

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Underdrain Gravel
Gravel bed materials should be used to protect an underdrain pipe and to reduce clogging
potential. Placement of gravel over the underdrain must be done with care. Avoid dropping the
gravel from excessive heights from a backhoe or front-end loader bucket. Spill directly over
underdrain and spread manually.

Recommended construction specifications for gravel used to protect underdrains are as follows:
AASHTO #57 stone preferred
Geotextile fabrics should be avoided because tearing and/or plugging can dramatically
affect performance. If the designer is concerned about the engineered soil media
migrating into the underdrain, a 3-inch thick layer of "pea gravel" may be added to create
a choker course.

Maintenance
Access for cleaning underdrains is required for each system. Clean-outs, with diameters equal to
the underdrain, should extend 6 inches above the media and have a lockable screw cap for easy
access. Cleanouts should be located for every 50 feet of lateral, at the collector drain line
connection, and at any bends.

Underdrain Orifice Plate

When designing a BMP to meet Hydraulic Conditions of Concern (HCOC) criteria in addition to
water quality criteria, it is sometimes necessary to install an orifice plate near the downstream
end of the underdrain system. The orifice plate restricts the opening of the underdrain to mitigate
flows to a specific lower flow threshold. Proper maintenance access should be provided to the
orifice plate location to facilitate maintenance activities, specifically the removal of accumulated
sediment and debris upstream of the orifice plate.

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 APPENDIX C
Basin Guidelines

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
 APPENDIX C BASIN GUIDELINES
This appendix is broken up into two sections. Section 1 presents guidelines and standards for the
design and maintenance of water quality and increased runoff basins used within Riverside
County. Applicable water quality basins include infiltration, sand filter and extended detention
basins but do not include Bioretention BMPs. Section 2 is devoted to guidelines and standards
for debris basins. Regional Basins are only loosely governed by this document and are largely
considered on a case-by-case basis.

These guidelines are intended to be used on both private and public facilities throughout
Riverside County and shall be adhered to for all facilities to be maintained by the Riverside
County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District). It is anticipated that County
Transportation, Coachella Valley Water District and the City Engineer for incorporated cities
within the County may choose to alter these guidelines and may have different/additional
requirements. These entities, along with the District, will be referred to as the Engineering
Authority (EA). Similarly, County or City Planning Departments, Parks Departments and Parks
Districts may also have different/additional requirements. These entities will be referred to as
the Planning Authority (PA). Both the EA and PA should be consulted regarding their specific
requirements.

Section 1- Detention and Water Quality Basins

1.1 General Criteria
Off-line versus In-stream Mitigation All water quality mitigation basins must be flow-
through. In-stream mitigation is extremely difficult to accomplish unless the basin is
designed to accommodate all upstream tributary area and to mitigate for all impacts due to
upstream development. Therefore most EAs will not allow in-stream water quality mitigation
basins. It shall be noted that while flow mitigation BMPs may be allowed to be constructed
within jurisdictional waters, water quality mitigation BMPs will not be permitted.

Dam Safety Compliance Basin designs that would be considered jurisdictional and fall
under the Division of Safety of Dams (DSoD) review are not recommended.

Standard Details - Most EAs would prefer standardization of elements of outlet structures
that are likely to wear (e.g., trash racks). Outflow control structures shall be designed in
accordance with the EA's standards unless site-specific conditions preclude it. The District
requires the use of Standard Drawing WQ501 for most basins. However a modified District
CB110 overflow outlet is recommended for infiltration and sand filter basins. Minor
modifications to provide supplemental hydraulic routing characteristics above the water
quality storage volume are acceptable.

General Sizing Criteria These guidelines relate to the basic features to be included in the
various types of basins and the general geometrics of the basins design criteria. This
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 appendix does not include the volumetric sizing of facilities. Follow the appropriate
increased runoff guidelines or BMP fact sheet sizing.

Geotechnical Reports A geotechnical report prepared by either a licensed geotechnical

engineer, civil engineer or certified engineering geologist is required for all basins. The
minimum content of the Geotechnical report shall include the following:

Slope stability - Discussion shall include the affect the basin may have on the stability
of adjacent slopes as a result of the basins proposed location.

Compaction, cut and fill - Issues due to soil compaction and/or cut and fill conditions
with regards to the safety and effectives of the basin shall be discussed.

Setbacks from buildings, slopes, wells - The report shall include recommendations for
the minimum setback required from buildings, onsite walls, and slopes. In addition,
the report shall determine the location of any pre-existing wells (onsite or offsite) and
clarify that the minimum 100 foot horizontal setback has been maintained.

Embankment design - For embankments over 5 feet in height, the geotechnical report
shall include recommendations as to its construction and clarify that the embankment
meets the requirements herein.

Boring logs - Boring logs shall be provided within the report and a discussion of their
findings included. Any subsurface conditions which may be pertinent to the safety
and effectiveness of the basin shall be discussed.

High Groundwater Level - The historic high groundwater level shall be determined. It
shall be clarified that a minimum 10 foot vertical separation from the bottom of the
basin to the top of the historic high groundwater level will be maintained.

In addition, where infiltration basins are to be utilized on the site the following topics shall be
discussed:

Existing Conditions (i.e., legacy pollutants) - Where existing soil contains unusually
high levels of pollutants, the report shall clarify the extent of the pollution, mitigation
efforts and the viability of using an infiltration BMP effectively as a result.

Infiltration Testing - The use of infiltration BMPs may require an infiltration rate be
established as described in Appendix A, Infiltration Testing Guidelines. An
infiltration testing report may be required and documented as described therein

Parking Lot Detention - Parking lots shall not be used to provide additional surface (above
ground) storage for either water quality BMPs or to address HCOCs.
Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 2
 Seeps and Springs- Intermittent seeps along cut slopes are typically fed by a shallow
groundwater source (interflow) flowing along a relatively impermeable soil stratum. These
flows are precipitation driven and should discontinue after a few weeks of dry weather. No
special provisions are needed when directing these flows through the basin. However, more
continuous seeps and springs, which extend through longer dry periods, are likely from a
deeper groundwater source. When continuous flows are intercepted and directed through
basins, adjustments to the approved facility design may be required to account for the
additional base flow (unless already considered in design).

Privately Owned Basins - All of the criteria herein apply to privately maintained basins
except that retaining walls may be used for a portion of interior slopes. Privately owned
basins are only acceptable for commercial projects, multi-family residential projects and
single family residential communities with a viable maintenance mechanism. Retaining
walls may not be used to support water impounding embankments. Retaining walls shall not
exceed one third of the outside perimeter of the basin. Detailed structural design calculations
must be submitted with every retaining wall proposal. A fence shall be provided along the
top of the wall. The use of retaining walls in a basin requires approval prior to tentative
project approval. The EA or PA may reject the proposed use of retaining walls due to
aesthetic and maintenance concerns relating to nuisance and graffiti abatement.

1.2 - Basin Grading Parameters

Basins must meet the following requirements for side slopes, fencing, and embankments:

Interior Side Slopes - At least 50 percent of the facility perimeter shall have interior sides no
steeper than 4H:1V and in no case steeper than 2H:1V (even if fenced) to minimize safety
risks. Side slopes shall be no steeper than 4H:1V whenever adjacent to down-gradient
external property lines, roadways, sidewalks and trails.

Embankments - Embankment fill slopes (external and internal) may be no steeper than 4:1
with no exceptions. Basin embankment height will be based on the vertical distance from the
design overflow water surface (typically the spillway invert elevation) to the lowest
downstream toe of embankment fill. Basin embankments higher than 5 feet shall require
design by a geotechnical engineer and shall have a top width not less than 20 feet. For
embankments 5 feet or less in height, the minimum top width shall be 6 feet. Embankments
for water quality basins may not exceed 3 feet in height.

Setbacks - All basin grading impacts shall be set back a minimum of 6 feet from down-
gradient external property lines. This requirement applies to both the top of a cut-slope and
the toe of any exterior slope embankment, along with rip-rap energy dissipaters relative to
the property line (excluding road right of way). The cut-slope setback requirement is
intended to avoid situations where future offsite grading/cut-slopes could turn an incised
Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 3
 basin into an embankment-impounded reservoir. For all cases, depending on the amount of
discharge and site characteristics, additional setback may be required unless appropriate
easements are secured from the affected property owner(s).

There shall be a minimum 6 foot setback between a basin and an adjacent slope 4:1 or
steeper measured horizontally from the basin hinge to the toe of the slope.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 4
 Forebay - A forebay shall be placed at each inlet to the basin to allow for the settlement and
collection of larger particles. A relatively smooth concrete bottom surface should be
provided to facilitate mechanical removal of accumulated sediment, trash and debris. A rock
or concrete berm separates the forebay from the remainder of the basin. The forebays
design volume must be from 3 to 5% of the design volume, with the exception of infiltration
and sand filter basins whose forebays should be 0.5% of the design volume. A full height
notch-type weir shall be made through the berm to convey water to the main body of the
basin. This notch shall be offset from the inflow streamline to prevent low-flows from short
circuiting.

Basin Floor Slopes - Surface slopes should be kept at a

minimum to allow for as much infiltration/groundwater
recharge as is possible while still meeting vector
concerns. All detention and extended detention basins
shall have transverse and longitudinal bottom surface
slopes of 1% minimum. For infiltration and sand filter
basins, the basin floor should be level.
Gravel filled low-flow trench

Dry Weather Flow Management All increased runoff or extended detention basins
(excluding infiltration or sand filter basins) shall be designed to accommodate dry weather
flows without impairing wet weather function or creating potential nuisance or maintenance
issues. The basin shall have a network of gravel filled low-flow and collector trenches
covering the entire basin floor area along with a sand filter drain adjacent to the outlet
structure. See Figure 1 on following page.

A 48-inch wide by 24-inch deep low-flow trench conveys flow from the forebay to the filter
drain. With a mild longitudinal slope of at least 1% to promote infiltration, the unlined low-
flow trench shall be filled with 2" gravel (ASTM No. 2 or similar) to the finished surface and
shall not use perforated subdrains.

Collector trenches beneath the top stage shall be arranged in accordance with Figure 1 with a
maximum slope of 0.5% to promote infiltration and must extend from the low-flow channel
to the toe of the basin side slopes. They shall be 18-inches wide by 24-inches deep and filled
with 2" gravel (ASTM No. 2 or similar) to the finished surface. The collector trenches shall
not have perforated subdrains and shall be constructed with a maximum spacing of 25 feet on
center. See Figure 1 on following page.

A sand filter drain shall be constructed at the low point (or bottom-stage) of the basin
adjacent to the outlet structure. To avoid clogging at the lowest orifice of the outlet structure,
the top of the filter drain is offset below the lowest orifice of the outlet structure by 0.33 feet
(4 inches). The sand filter drain shall include an 18 inch layer of sand (fine aggregate per
Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 5
 ASTM C-33) over a 10-inch gravel subdrain system and shall line the entire bottom stage.
The total depth of the sand filter drain, D FD, shall therefore not be less than 2.33 feet. See
Appendix B for standard subdrain construction. The filter drains design volume must be a
minimum of 0.5% of V BMP and the minimum bottom stage area is A BS = V BMP / D BS .

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 6
 Figure 1 Dry Weather Management Features

Outlet Structure and Spillway - Outlet structures shall conform to District Standard
Drawing WQ501 unless approved in advance by the EA. This standardization is important in
order to provide for efficient maintenance.

a. Water Quality Outlet Trash Rack/Screen - The outlets orifice plate shall be protected
with a conforming trash rack with at least six square feet of open surface area or 25 times
the total orifice area, whichever is greater. The rack shall be adequately secured to
prevent it from being removed or opened when maintenance is not occurring.

b. Overflow Outlet - In all basins, a primary overflow

(usually integrated into the control structure) must be
provided to pass flows greater than the design volume
up to the 100-year event. The design must provide
controlled discharge directly into the downstream
conveyance system or an acceptable discharge point.

c. Emergency Overflow - In addition to the above

overflow requirements, basins must have an emergency overflow escape path sized to
safely pass the 100-year tributary developed peak flow in the event of total control
structure failure (e.g., blockage of the control structure outlet pipe) or extreme inflows.
Emergency overflow pathways are intended to control the location of basin overtopping
and direct overflows back into the downstream conveyance system or other acceptable
discharge point.

d. Emergency Overflow Spillway - Basins with constructed embankment over 3 feet in

height and for BMP embankments of any height, or
located on grades in excess of 5% must provide an
emergency overflow spillway structure. The
emergency overflow spillway must be designed to
pass the 100-year developed peak flow, with a
minimum 12 inches of freeboard, directly to the
downstream conveyance system or an acceptable
discharge point. The emergency overflow spillway shall be armored full width,
beginning at a point midway across the berm embankment and extending downstream to
an adequate outlet point. Design of emergency overflow spillways generally requires the
analysis of a broad-crested trapezoidal weir.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 7
 Access Roads and Ramps - Maintenance access road(s) shall be provided to the top of the
control structure and other drainage structures associated with the basin (e.g., inlet/forebay,
emergency overflow or bypass structures). All basins shall have unobstructed access from a
public street (see Section 1.4, Right-of-Way) with commercial size curb cut-outs and
driveway approaches. Flood control basins designed to attenuate the 100 year flood event
shall have an access road around the entire basin. Manhole and catch basin lids should be
within or at the edge of the access road and shall be at least three feet from a property line.
Rims shall be set at the access road grade.

On large, deep basins (at least 1500 square feet bottom area, measured without the ramp, and
over 4 feet deep), an access ramp must extend to the basin bottom at the forebay for removal
of sediment with a trackhoe and truck. This is necessary so truck loading can be done in the
basin bottom.

However, on small deep basins (less than 1500 square feet, but over 4 feet deep), the truck
can remain on the ramp for loading. As such, the ramp may end at an elevation up to 4 feet
above the basin bottom provided the basin side slopes are 4:1 or flatter.

On small shallow basins (less than 1500 square feet bottom area, and 4 feet deep or less), a
ramp to the bottom is not required if the trackhoe can load a truck parked at the basin edge
(trackhoes can negotiate mild interior basin side slopes).

No ramp is required for any basin 4-feet or less in depth if vehicular access is provided to the
top of slope at the forebay and the side slopes are 4:1 or flatter. (Depth trigger for ramp is
measured from top of slope adjacent to forebay invert.)

Design of access roads and ramps shall meet the following design criteria:

a. Maximum grade (measured along ramp centerline) shall be 15% for asphalt or concrete
paving and 10% for soft surface or modular grid paving.
b. Inside turning radius shall be 35 feet, minimum.
c. Fence gates shall be located only on straight sections of road.
d. Access roads shall be constructed with an asphalt, concrete, 3-inch layer of compacted
Class 2 aggregate road base material, decomposed granite or modular grid pavement.
e. Access roads and ramps shall be 15 feet in width on curves, 12 feet on straight sections.
A paved apron shall be provided where access roads connect to paved public roadways.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 8
1.3 - Landscaping
Landscaping will likely be required by the Planning Authority. Landscaping requirements shall
be in accordance with Riverside County Ordinance 859 or equivalent agency ordinance. Care
must be taken to ensure that landscaping does not hinder maintenance operations.

a. Facilities shall be designed so that they do not require mowing. Where mowing cannot be
avoided, facilities shall be designed to require mowing no more than once or twice annually.
A 6-foot minimum width must be provided to allow a mower to pass (see Figure 2).

Figure 2- Landscaping setbacks (Source: King County WLR)

b. Turf and lawn areas are not allowed for publicly maintained basins unless an appropriate
landscape maintenance entity is identified.

c. Planting is restricted on embankments that impound water either permanently or temporarily

during storms (see figure 3). This reduces the likelihood of blown down trees, or the
possibility of channeling or piping of water through the root system, which may contribute to
dam failure on embankments that retain water.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 9
 Figure 3 - Hazardous Landscaping Practices (Source: King County WLR)
Note: This restriction does not apply to cut slopes that form basin banks, only to
embankments.

d. No trees or shrubs may be planted within 10 feet of inlet or outlet pipes or from manmade
drainage structures such as spillways or flow spreaders.

e. Trees with roots that seek water, such as willow or poplar, should be avoided within 50 feet
of pipes or manmade structures.

f. Evergreen trees and others that produce relatively little leaf-fall (such as locust) are preferred
in areas draining to the basin. Trees should be set back so branches do not extend over the
outlet structure area of the basin (to help prevent clogging). Drought tolerant species are
recommended.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 10
g. Trees or shrubs may not be planted on portions of water-impounding embankments taller
than four feet high. Only grasses may be planted on embankments taller than four feet.

1.4 - Additional Requirements

Fencing Criteria - The requirements for slopes and fencing are intended to discourage
access to portions of a basin where steep side slopes (steeper than 4:1) increase the potential
for slipping into the basin, and to allow easy egress for those who have fallen with slopes that
are mild enough (flatter than 4:1 and unfenced) to allow for easy escape. If the basin will
hold water deeper than 2 feet, a physical barrier as demarcation of the basin limits is
required:

a. Where interior slopes are steeper than 4:1, the barrier shall be a fence 6 feet in height (see
District Standard Drawing M-801 for chain link fence details). In joint use ventures
where a special district or agency has agreed to maintain landscape facilities, tubular steel
fencing such as that meeting Valley Wide Recreation and Parks District landscape
standard LC-10 is also acceptable. Functionally equivalent designs may be acceptable on
a case by case basis.

b. Where interior slopes are 4:1 or milder, the physical demarcation shall be (3-foot
minimum height) vinyl or PVC rail fence, post-and-cable, masonry wall, or densely
planted hedges. Functionally equivalent designs may be acceptable on a case by case
basis.

c. If the side slopes undulate, and segments of the slope are steeper than 4:1, the barrier
standard from b. above may be used in place of the 6-foot fence for the short lengths of
slope as specified here: The barriers described in b. may be used for sections of 2:1
slope not to exceed 20 lineal feet and sections of 3:1 slope not exceeding 50 lineal feet.

d. If required, fencing shall be placed at or above the overflow water surface. Side slope and
attendant fencing requirements are not applicable to slopes above the overflow water
surface.

Gates - Vehicular access shall be limited by a double-posted gate if a fence is required, or by

bollards. Access road gates shall be 14 feet in width consisting of two swinging sections 7 feet in
width (see the Districts Standard Drawing M-801 for details). Alternately, two fixed bollards on
each side of the access road and two removable bollards equally located between the fixed
bollards may be used. Additional vehicular access gates may be required as needed to facilitate
maintenance access. Pedestrian access gates (if needed) shall be 4 feet in width.

Signage - All basins to be maintained by the District shall have a sign placed for maximum
visibility from adjacent streets, sidewalks, and paths. The sign shall meet the design and
installation requirements illustrated in Figure 4.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 11
Right-of-Way - Basins shall not be located in a dedicated public road right-of-way. Publicly
maintained basins shall be in a lot dedicated to the public. Any lot not abutting the public right-

Figure 4- Typical Basin Signage

of-way will require a 16.5-foot wide extension of the lot to an acceptable access location.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 12
1.5 - Basins in Recreational Spaces
Any basin site with a bottom surface area larger than one acre will likely be required to
incorporate active use area and shall be designed only after consultation with the PA to establish
site-specific guidance which may increase the total facility footprint.

If multiple uses are being contemplated, consider the following:

Place the active use areas such as ballparks, playing fields, and picnic areas above the
water quality design volume (V BMP ) ponding limit.
Use a multiple-stage detention basin to limit inundation of passive recreational areas to
one or two occurrences a year.
Side slopes shall not exceed 25% (4:1) unless they are existing, natural, and covered with
vegetation.
Locate the basin in a separate lot.
Incorporate a bypass system or emergency overflow pathway that does not present a
safety hazard or discharge into active recreation areas.
The basin shall be landscaped in a manner to enhance passive recreational opportunities
such as trails and aesthetic viewing. Inquire with the PA whether the basin can be
compatible with the open space value and functions.

If the criteria above are met, projects may be able to receive some reduction in required onsite
recreational space if approved in advance of tentative project approval by the PA.

Section 2 - Debris Basins

Debris basins differ from stormwater detention and water quality basins in that they are not
intended to detain flows or to mitigate pollutants (other than debris). They are simply utilized to
collect large debris from storm flows for later removal. The guidelines in this section apply to
debris basins only.

Site access Debris basins shall have unobstructed access from a public street (see Section
1.4, Right-of-Way) with commercial size curb cut-outs and driveway approaches.
Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 13
 Fencing The entire facility shall be enclosed with 6-foot high chain link fencing and 14-
foot high double drive gates. Where the perimeter fencing crosses a streambed, cable or
barbed wire fencing across streambed will be provided.

Maintenance access - Maintenance access shall extend around the entire perimeter of the
facility. Roads shall be a minimum of 15 feet wide (20 feet wide if on an embankment of 3
feet or higher). The minimum design turning radius shall be 35 feet. Ramps shall be a
minimum of 15 feet wide with a maximum longitudinal slope of 10%. Both roads and ramps
shall be surfaced (full width) with 3" of compacted Class 2 base material.

Basin Cut/Fill slopes All basin slopes shall not be steeper than 3:1.

Stockpile/Staging Area Shall be situated immediately adjacent to the basin. The

minimum acreage shall be sufficient to temporarily store 20% of volume of debris
accumulated in the 100-yr-frequency design event. Surface acreage shall be calculated
assuming a stockpile of 10 feet high with 2:1 fill slopes. A minimum 15-foot wide access
road with a 35-foot wide turning radius shall be provided to accommodate equipment access.
In addition, a 70-foot long by 15-foot wide strip is required for equipment loading and
unloading within an area of sufficient size to maneuver heavy construction equipment.

Minimum Basin Floor Surface Area Basin floors 1,400 square or greater must be
provided with a minimum width of 30 feet.

Outlet Structure A tower-type outlet is not permitted. Use outlet structure design similar
to that used in designs for Tahquitz Creek and Oak Street Debris Basins (slotted/slanted
grate). All structures and ramps to structures shall include safety rails/belly bars at all
stairways and wherever appropriate. A minimum of two (2) visible depth (paddle) gauges
shall be provided.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 14
 APPENDIX D
Isohyetal Map for the 85th Percentile 24-hour Storm Event
For the Santa Ana and Santa Margarita Watersheds

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
 Rain Gage Locations

RIVERSIDE COUNTY FLOOD

CONTROL AND WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Isohyetal Map
for the 85th Percentile
24 hour Storm Event
July 2011
 APPENDIX E
BMP Pollutant Removal Effectiveness

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
 APPENDIX E
BMP POLLUTANT REMOVAL EFFECTIVENESS

BMP Pollutant Removal Effectiveness (1)

Harvest Infiltrati Bioretenti Extended Sand Filter

Pollutant of and Use on on Detention Basin (7)
(8)
Concern BMPs Basins (2)
(3
)
Sediment H H H M H
(5) (4)
Nutrient H H M L (6)
Trash H H H H H
Metal H H H M M
Bacteria H H H M M
Oil & Grease H H H M H
Organic H H H M H
Compounds
Pesticides H H H U U

Abbreviations:
L: Low removal efficiency M: Medium removal efficiency H: High removal efficiency U: Unknown
Notes:
(1) Periodic performance assessment and updating of this table may be performed based on updated
information from studies from the District, CASQA, Caltrans or others. These effectiveness ratings are
based on the specific BMP designs incorporated into this manual.
(2) Effectiveness based upon total 72-hour drawdown time.
(3) Includes infiltration basins, infiltration trenches, and permeable pavements.
(4) Medium for soil types A & B only. Low for soil types C & D.
(5) Removal rating is dependent on the soil media depth. L=Min. 18 deep, M= Min. 24 deep, H=Max. 30"-
36" deep.
(6) Medium where sand filter layer is increased to 36.
(7) Considered to be a Treatment Control BMP. See the WQMP to determine if this BMP can be used.
(8) Cisterns, when associated with an adequate and reliable (year-round) demand for non-potable use of
captured storm water (see the applicable WQMP for any specific requirements), have a High effectiveness
at removing all pollutants from stormwater runoff. If there is inadequate demand to reliably drain the
cistern through a non-potable use throughout the year, pollutant removal effectiveness will be Low.

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
Page 1
 APPENDIX F
Worksheets for calculating VBMP and QBMP

Riverside County - Low Impact Development BMP Design Handbook rev. 9/2011
 Santa Ana Watershed
VBMP and QBMP worksheets

These worksheets are to be used to determine the required

Design Capture Volume (VBMP)

or the
Design Flow Rate (QBMP)

for BMPs in the Santa Ana Watershed

To verify which watershed your project is located within, visit

www.rcflood.org/npdes

and use the 'Locate my Watershed' tool

If your project is not located in the Santa Ana Watershed,

Do not use these worksheets! Instead visit

www.rcflood.org/npdes/developers.aspx

To access worksheets applicable to your watershed

Use the tabs across the bottom

to access the worksheets for the Santa Ana Watershed
 Santa Ana Watershed - BMP Design Volume, VBMP Required Entries
Legend:
(Rev. 10-2011) Calculated Cells
(Note this worksheet shall only be used in conjunction with BMP designs from the LID BMP Design Handbook )
Company Name Date
Designed by Case No
Company Project Number/Name

BMP Identification
BMP NAME / ID
Must match Name/ID used on BMP Design Calculation Sheet

Design Rainfall Depth

85th Percentile, 24-hour Rainfall Depth, D85= inches
from the Isohyetal Map in Handbook Appendix E

Drainage Management Area Tabulation

Insert additional rows if needed to accommodate all DMAs draining to the BMP
Proposed
Effective DMA Design Design Capture Volume on
DMA DMA Area Post-Project Surface Imperivous Runoff DMA Areas x Storm Volume, VBMP Plans (cubic
Type/ID (square feet) Type Fraction, If Factor Runoff Factor Depth (in) (cubic feet) feet)
1
1
1
1

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0 Total 0

Notes:
 Required Entries
Santa Ana Watershed - BMP Design Flow Rate, QBMP Legend:
(Rev. 10-2011) Calculated Cells
(Note this worksheet shall only be used in conjunction with BMP designs from the LID BMP Design Handbook )
Company Name Date
Designed by Case No
Company Project Number/Name

BMP Identification
BMP NAME / ID
Must match Name/ID used on BMP Design Calculation Sheet

Design Rainfall Depth

Design Rainfall Intensity I= 0.20 in/hr

Drainage Management Area Tabulation

Insert additional rows if needed to accommodate all DMAs draining to the BMP
Design
Post-Project Effective DMA Rainfall Proposed
DMA DMA Area Surface Type Imperivous Runoff DMA Areas x Intensity Design Flow Flow Rate
Type/ID (square feet) (use pull-down menu) Fraction, If Factor Runoff Factor (in/hr) Rate (cfs) (cfs)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
DMAs

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0 Total 0 0.20

Notes:
 Effective Impervious Fraction
Developed Cover Types Effective Impervious Fraction
Roofs 1.00
Concrete or Asphalt 1.00
Grouted or Gapless Paving Blocks 1.00
Compacted Soil (e.g. unpaved parking) 0.40
Decomposed Granite 0.40
Permeable Paving Blocks w/ Sand Filled Gap 0.25
Class 2 Base 0.30
Gravel or Class 2 Permeable Base 0.10
Pervious Concrete / Porous Asphalt 0.10
Open and Porous Pavers 0.10
Turf block 0.10
Ornamental Landscaping 0.10
Natural (A Soil) 0.03
Natural (B Soil) 0.15
Natural (C Soil) 0.30
Natural (D Soil) 0.40
Mixed Surface Types

Use this table to determine the effective impervious fraction for the VBMP and QBMP calculation sheets
 Santa Margarita Watershed
VBMP and QBMP worksheets

These worksheets are to be used to determine the required

Design Capture Volume (VBMP)

or the
Design Flow Rate (QBMP)

for BMPs in the Santa Margarita Watershed

To verify which watershed your project is located within, visit

www.rcflood.org/npdes

and use the 'Locate my Watershed' tool

If your project is not located in the Santa Margarita Watershed,

Do not use these worksheets! Instead visit

www.rcflood.org/npdes/developers.aspx

To access worksheets applicable to your watershed

Use the tabs across the bottom

to access the worksheets for the Santa Margarita Watershed
 Santa Margarita Watershed Legend:
Required Entries
BMP Design Volume, VBMP (Rev. 03-2012) Calculated Cells
(Note this worksheet shall only be used in conjunction with BMP designs from the LID BMP Design Handbook)

Company Name Date

Designed by County/City Case No
Company Project Number/Name
Drainage Area Number/Name

Enter the Area Tributary to this Feature AT = acres

85th Percentile, 24-hour Rainfall Depth, from the Isohyetal Map in Handbook Appendix E
Site Location Township
Range
Section

Enter the 85th Percentile, 24-hour Rainfall Depth D85 =

Determine the Effective Impervious Fraction

Type of post-development surface cover Roofs

(use pull down menu)
Effective Impervious Fraction If =

Calculate the composite Runoff Coefficient, C for the BMP Tributary Area

Use the following equation based on the WEF/ASCE Method

C = 0.858If3 - 0.78If2 + 0.774If + 0.04 C=

Determine Design Storage Volume, VBMP

Calculate VU, the 85% Unit Storage Volume VU= D85 x C Vu = (in*ac)/ac

Calculate the design storage volume of the BMP, VBMP.

VBMP (ft3)= VU (in-ac/ac) x AT (ac) x 43,560 (ft2/ac) VBMP = ft3
12 (in/ft)
Notes:
 Santa Margarita Watershed Required Entries
Legend:
BMP Design Flow Rate, QBMP (Rev. 03-2012) Calculated Cells
Company Name Date
Designed by County/City Case No
Company Project Number/Name
Drainage Area Number/Name
Enter the Area Tributary to this Feature AT = acres
Determine the Effective Impervious Fraction

Type of post-development surface cover Roofs

(use pull down menu)
Effective Impervious Fraction If =

Calculate the composite Runoff Coefficient, C for the BMP Tributary Area

Use the following equation based on the WEF/ASCE Method

C = 0.858If3 - 0.78If2 + 0.774If + 0.04 C=

BMP Design Flow Rate

QBMP = C x I x AT QBMP = ft3/s

Notes:
 Effective Impervious Fraction
Developed Cover Types Effective Impervious Fraction
Roofs 1.00
Concrete or Asphalt 1.00
Grouted or Gapless Paving Blocks 1.00
Compacted Soil (e.g. unpaved parking) 0.40
Decomposed Granite 0.40
Permeable Paving Blocks w/ Sand Filled Gap 0.25
Class 2 Base 0.30
Gravel or Class 2 Permeable Base 0.10
Pervious Concrete / Porous Asphalt 0.10
Open and Porous Pavers 0.10
Turf block 0.10
Ornamental Landscaping 0.10
Natural (A Soil) 0.03
Natural (B Soil) 0.15
Natural (C Soil) 0.30
Natural (D Soil) 0.40
Mixed Surface Types

Use this table to determine the effective impervious fraction for the VBMP and QBMP calculation sheets
 Whitewater Watershed
VBMP and QBMP worksheets

These worksheets are to be used to determine the required

Design Capture Volume (VBMP)

or the
Design Flow Rate (QBMP)

for BMPs in the Whitewater Watershed

To verify which watershed your project is located within, visit

www.rcflood.org/npdes

and use the 'Locate my Watershed' tool

If your project is not located in the Whitewater Watershed,

Do not use these worksheets! Instead visit

www.rcflood.org/npdes/developers.aspx

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to access the worksheets for the Whitewater Watershed
 Whitewater Watershed Legend:
Required Entries
BMP Design Volume, VBMP (Rev. 03-2012) Calculated Cells
Company Name Date
Designed by County/City Case No
Company Project Number/Name
Drainage Area Number/Name

Enter the Area Tributary to this Feature AT = acres

Determine the Effective Impervious Fraction

Type of post-development surface cover Roofs

(use pull down menu)
Effective Impervious Fraction If =

Calculate the composite Runoff Coefficient, C for the BMP Tributary Area

Use the following equation based on the WEF/ASCE Method

C = 0.858If3 - 0.78If2 + 0.774If + 0.04 C=

Determine Design Storage Volume, VBMP

Calculate VU, the 85% Unit Storage Volume VU= 0.40 x C Vu = (in*ac)/ac

Calculate the design storage volume of the BMP, VBMP.

VBMP (ft3)= VU (in-ac/ac) x AT (ac) x 43,560 (ft2/ac) VBMP = ft3
12 (in/ft)
Notes:
 Whitewater Watershed Required Entries
Legend:
BMP Design Flow Rate, QBMP (Rev. 03-2012) Calculated Cells
Company Name Date
Designed by County/City Case No
Company Project Number/Name
Drainage Area Number/Name
Enter the Area Tributary to this Feature AT = acres
Determine the Effective Impervious Fraction

Type of post-development surface cover Roofs

(use pull down menu)
Effective Impervious Fraction If =

Calculate the composite Runoff Coefficient, C for the BMP Tributary Area

Use the following equation based on the WEF/ASCE Method

C = 0.858If3 - 0.78If2 + 0.774If + 0.04 C=

BMP Design Flow Rate

QBMP = C x I x AT QBMP = ft3/s

Notes:
 Effective Impervious Fraction
Developed Cover Types Effective Impervious Fraction
Roofs 1.00

Concrete or Asphalt 1.00

Grouted or Gapless Paving Blocks 1.00

Compacted Soil (e.g. unpaved parking) 0.40

Decomposed Granite 0.40

Permeable Paving Blocks w/ Sand Filled Gap 0.25

Class 2 Base 0.30

Gravel or Class 2 Permeable Base 0.10

Pervious Concrete / Porous Asphalt 0.10

Open and Porous Pavers 0.10

Turf block 0.10

Ornamental Landscaping 0.10

Natural (A Soil) 0.03

Natural (B Soil) 0.15

Natural (C Soil) 0.30

Natural (D Soil) 0.40

Mixed Surface Types

Use this table to determine the effective impervious fraction for the VBMP and QBMP calculation sheets