Takoma Park Green Street

The newly landscaped bio-retention system in the Cleveland Ave right-of-way.
The landscaped area receives runoff from Cleveland Ave.

Green streets are one important component of a larger watershed approach to improving water quality in Sligo Creek. Though important, to date green streets techniques have not been used much in the Sligo watershed or in Montgomery County. Green streets are designed to incorporate a system of stormwater treatment within its right of way. Green streets minimize the quantity of water that is piped directly to streams and rivers while making visible a system of "green" infrastructure. Green streets, therefore, can enhance the aesthetics of a community while protecting or water resources.

A bio-retention system. Note layers of soil being installed in the excavated basin.

The soil mix is specially designed to allow percolation of water into the soil. Polluted runoff from Cleveland Ave soaks into the soil mix and is cleansed through the processes of bioremediation and phytoremediation. Runoff retained at the garden helps recharge the ground water. White vertical pipes are observation pipes.

A bio-retention system with basin filled with engineered soil mix before planting.