As cities across the country adapt to growing urbanization and the challenges of climate change, green infrastructure has emerged as a sustainable, cost-effective solution for managing stormwater runoff. Rather than directing stormwater straight into storm drains and waterways, green infrastructure practices like green roofs, bioswales, underground storage, and bioretention systems work with nature to filter, slow, and store runoff close to where it falls.
Green Infrastructure Systems Should Meet Three Major Goals:
- Must filter runoff and nutrients.
- Look aesthetically pleasing.
- Handle large loads of trash and debris while being maintenance free.
On top of those key features, the real key to successful is PRETREATMENT – a critical component in making the maintenance plan realistic and palatable from a cost standpoint. Let’s highlight a few green infrastructure systems and how they utilize Fabco Industries stormwater filters as pretreatment!
Green roofs offer more than just an eye-catching design — they help absorb rainfall, reduce heat island effects (when developed areas experience higher temperature than nearby rural areas), and alleviate pressure on sewer systems. Underground storage systems, such as R-Tank provided by Ferguson Waterworks, allow for massive storage capacity beneath the surface, holding and slowly releasing water to prevent downstream flooding. On the surface, bioswales and rain gardens integrate vegetation and engineered soils to filter pollutants while adding beauty and biodiversity to the urban landscape. Systems like the FocalPoint Biofiltration System go a step further, combining high-performance soil media and underground storage to provide rapid infiltration and superior water quality treatment.
But before water reaches these centralized management systems, it’s essential to remove trash, debris, and sediments at the source. That’s where Fabco Industries steps in!
The Critical Role of Pretreatment in Stormwater Management
Fabco’s line of pretreatment products enhances the performance and longevity of downstream green infrastructure by filtering pollutants at the source before entering the centralized management systems.
- The StormRing CPS is a robust catch basin insert that utilizes our signature expanding ring design for a secure fit and simple maintenance. It’s perfect for capturing trash, sediment and debris before they enter a system like R-Tank.
- Rain gardens are generally designed to only capture either the first inch of runoff or some specific Water Quality Volume (WQv) for treatment. Some type of overflow mechanism should be considered in order to prevent erosion and other potential damage from flooding. Fabco’s Beehive is the perfect solution for this application.
- The StormSack, our flexible filter bag unit, is ideal for high-traffic areas where trash and gross pollutants are prevalent. It serves as a first line of defense, trapping trash, debris, and even hydrocarbons with the included oil boom before they can wash into bioswales or rain gardens.
- The DownSpout Filter System is an industrial stormwater treatment system designed to treat particulates and soluble pollutantscontained in runoff water from roof tops. This product is perfect for industrial facilities that deal with waste treatment and metal recycling.
A Natural Partnership
When paired with green infrastructure systems like R-Tank and FocalPoint, Fabco’s pretreatment solutions create a layered approach to stormwater management. This not only enhances pollutant removal efficiency but also reduces maintenance needs and extends the life of the green infrastructure system.
At Fabco Industries, we believe in working with nature, not against it. By combining smart pretreatment with powerful green infrastructure solutions, we’re helping cities build cleaner, greener, and more resilient communities.
For more information on how Fabco products can help with your project, reach out to our nationwide distributor, Ferguson Waterworks or reach out to us directly at [email protected]!
Ferguson is the largest U.S. distributor of plumbing supplies, PVF, waterworks, and fire and fabrication products.