Project Location: Columbia, MD

Problem:  First Presbyterian Church had frequent problems with standing water in the facility’s basement and throughout the property.

Project location: Silver Spring, MD

Problem:  Breewood Stream receives most of its flow from four storm drains that convey stormwater runoff from surrounding neighborhoods.  Flowing unmitigated into the creek, stormwater was eroding the streambanks and carrying pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers.  In addition, Breewood Stream suffered from exposed sewer lines and fish passage blockages along its length.

Project location: Silver Spring, MD

Problem:  Sligo Park Hills, a neighborhood in Silver Spring, was experiencing severe flooding and erosion during rain events, with portions of speed bumps breaking away and washing down the street.  Road debris, silt, and pollutants were washing into Sligo Creek, which feeds into the Anacostia River. 

Project location: Hyattsville, MD and Landover, MD

Problem:  The school grounds of two Prince George’s County schools – the G. James Gholson Middle School in Hyattsville and the Cora L. Rice Elementary School in Landover – were experiencing erosion and pollution challenges due to stormwater from the surrounding area.

Project location: Forestville, MD

Problem:  The New Redeemer Church in Forestville was prone to flooding and erosion due to poorly-managed stormwater. 

Project location: Annapolis, MD

Problem: Visitors to Maryland’s historic state capital often stop at the Annapolis Visitor Center before exploring the rest of the city.  Unfortunately, the Center’s parking lot was poorly accessible, unattractive, and prone to flooding (or becoming iced-over in winter). 

Project location: Berlin, MD

Problem:  Berlin had been experiencing significant stormwater problems at a busy intersection in the heart of downtown.  The area was prone to erosion and flooding, putting both businesses and residences at risk.  In addition, poorly-managed stormwater conveyed pollutants to Trappe Creek, a tributary of Newport Bay.

Project location: Annapolis, MD

Project location: Annapolis, MD

Problem: Parking lots typically contain significant amounts of impervious cover, and they can be a major source of pollutants to nearby streams. The parking lot of Blackwall Hitch, a seafood restaurant in downtown Annapolis, drains directly into Spa Creek, a major tributary of the Severn River.  Prior to this project, pollutant-laden rainwater flowed from the parking area and surrounding streets into the Creek.

This fact sheet from the Environmental Protection Agency provides additional information about bioretention as a stormwater best management practice (BMP).