Environmental Protection and Sustainability
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Stormwater Retrofit Projects

This is new stormwatertreatment facility in Sue Creek.
This is a stormwater retrofit facility
in Sue Creek.

Stormwater retrofit projects involve the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to store and treat stormwater runoff particularly in communities built prior to stormwater management requirements. Best management practices include stormwater ponds, wetland and marsh creation, underground water quality devices, storm drain outfall protection, and bio-retention facilities. Capital Program and Operations (CPO) Stormwater Retrofit Program updates and improves older stormwater management facilities (conversions) and installs new treatment devices for stormwater management to improve the water quality of the County waterways.

These facilities and retrofits retain and in some cases filter stormwater to lessen the quantity of water that is entering the stream at one time. The first inch of rainfall is most likely to be carrying pollutants washed from the streets, parking lots, and rooftops (impervious surfaces). These stormwater ponds and retrofits ensure that this polluted runoff is allowed to soak into the ground to filter pollutants before they reach streams and tidal waters. 

Types of Stormwater Facilities and Retrofits

TypeTypical FeaturesBenefits
Stormwater Pond
  • Impoundment Pond to Slow, Retain, and Filter Water
  • Wetland Plants
  • Slows Stormwater Allowing Infiltration
  • Allows Sediment to Settle Out
  • Reduces Flooding
  • Improves Water Quality and Nutrient Uptake
Bio-Retention Facility
  • Vegetated Cells/Areas
  • Rain Gardens
  • Planted Marshes and Wetlands
  • Absorbs and Filters Water
  • Creates Habitat
  • Helps Reduce Flooding
  • Aesthetic Appeal
  • Improves Nutrient Uptake
Water Quality Device
  • Underground Device Connected to a Storm Drain Pipe
  • Filters Oil, Grit, Trash and Sediment from Stormwater
On-line, Beginning or End of Pipe Improvements
  • Micro Pools
  • Forebays
  • Gabion Sandwiches
  • Sand Filters
  • Rain Barrels
  • Captures and Retains Water
  • Dissipates Energy of Water
  • Reduces Erosion
  • Filters Water

These facilities and retrofits retain and in some cases filter stormwater to lessen the quantity of water that is entering the stream at one time.  The first inch of rainfall is most likely to be carrying pollutants washed from the streets, parking lots, and rooftops (impervious surfaces). These stormwater ponds and retrofits ensure that this polluted runoff is allowed to soak into the ground to filter pollutants before they reach streams and tidal waters.

This is new stormwater treatment facility in White Marsh.
This facility provides treatment to
runoff in the White Marsh Run
watershed.

Stormwater Retrofit Program Highlights

  • CPO maintains and inspects all public stormwater management facilities
  • CPO has completed many stormwater retrofit projects including stormwater conversions, wetland enhancements, underground devices, and pond creations
  • Retrofit projects have enhanced and created acres of vegetated areas which treat runoff from impervious surfaces resulting in reduction in pollutants, sediment and nutrients entering and impairing local waterways

Contact Information

Capital Program and Operations
Phone: 410-887-2904
Fax: 410-887-3510
E-mail: watersheds@baltimorecountymd.gov

Revised December 14, 2011

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