12-036 Code Vt. R. 12-030-036-X - VERMONT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MANUAL RULE

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PART 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

1.1 Regulatory Authority and Applicability

Authority. This Rule establishes the post-construction stormwater treatment standards for projects subject to stormwater discharge permitting in Vermont, and is adopted pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 1264.

Applicability. The standards established in this Rule shall be applied by the Agency, pursuant to the Agency's Stormwater Management Rules, through general and individual permits.

Key Words. Designers are required to adhere to the applicable stormwater treatment standards and required performance criteria in this Manual. Specific words are used to indicate whether a particular design standard or criterion is required or optional. For purposes of this Manual, these terms and their meanings are as follows:

[] "Must," "shall," and "required" mean the design standard or criterion is required; it is not optional.

[] "Should" means a design standard or criterion is a well-accepted practice or a satisfactory and an advisable option or method, but is optional; it is not required.

[] "May" means a design standard or criterion is recommended for consideration by the designer, but is optional; it is not required.

1.2 Anti-Degradation

The 2017 VSMM is adopted in conformance with the Department's Interim Anti-Degradation Implementation Procedure (October 2010).

The development of the 2017 VSMM was informed by an extensive stakeholder process and review of existing storm water standards in place nationally. As a result of this process, this Manual includes the highest practicable level of STPs. Additionally, the 2017 VSMM development process took into account anti-degradation requirements and the socioeconomic effects of requiring certain practices.

The practices in the Manual will be reviewed in cycles not to exceed five years to ensure that the required practices remain the highest level of cost-effective STPs. Where warranted based on this review, the Agency will revise the 2017 VSMM to add, remove, or modify practices to ensure ongoing compliance with the anti-degradation requirements of the Vermont Water Quality Standards.

1.3 Protection of Groundwater

The 2017 VSMM applies the best available treatment and disposal technologies for the management of stormwater, for ensuring that groundwater is not depleted by development, and for the protection of groundwater quality.

During development of the 2017 VSMM, the Agency relied upon the best available information and a public stakeholder process to evaluate the use of STPs and design strategies for the protection groundwater. An extensive review of available data suggests that unmanaged stormwater is unlikely to exceed primary groundwater enforcement standards. Consequently, the infiltration of stormwater managed in conformance with this Manual is unlikely to violate primary groundwater enforcement standards at any applicable point of compliance.

Stormwater that is infiltrated in conformance with the 2017 VSMM receives pre-treatment, treatment, and is subject to source controls and seasonal-high groundwater table separation requirements that are likely to mitigate potential contamination. Further, this Manual specifies the established set backs for structural infiltration STPs from source water protection areas, drinking water sources, and wastewater disposal areas. In addition, the 2017 VSMM prohibits use of infiltration-based STPs to treat stormwater runoff that comes in contact with "hotspot" land uses or activities that may present a greater risk to groundwater quality. Finally, the Groundwater Recharge Standard set forth in this Manual ensures that groundwater recharge will be maintained at pre-development levels based upon prevailing mapped hydrologic soil groups (HSGs).

The 2017 VSMM will be reviewed and, if necessary, revised every five years to assure that the VSMM continues to apply the best treatment and control technologies. The Agency reserves the right to disallow the infiltration of stormwater or to require additional protective measures on a case-by-case basis if warranted by credible and relevant information available to the Agency during the review of an application.

Based on the foregoing, permitted stormwater discharges to groundwater managed in accordance with a stormwater system designed to the standards of the 2017 VSMM are compliant with the State's policy regarding the protection of groundwater as contained in 10 V. S.A. §§ 1390, 1392, 1410, the Groundwater Protection Rule and Strategy (Environmental Protection Rules, Chapter 12), and the Underground Injection Control Regulations (Environmental Protection Rules, Chapter 11), including section 11-301 "Prohibitions."

1.4 Effective Date and Transition

Effective Date. This Rule shall take effect on July 1, 2017.

Transition. Unless an applicant chooses to apply the standards in the 2017 VSMM, the standards in the 2002 VSMM shall apply to a project if the redevelopment or expansion is a public transportation project, and as of January 1, 2017, the Agency of Transportation or the municipality principally responsible for the project has initiated right-of-way valuation activities or determined that right-of-way acquisition is not necessary for the project, and substantial construction of the project commences within five years of the effective date of this Rule.

PART 2.0 SITE DESIGN AND STORMWATER TREATMENT PRACTICE SIZING CRITERIA

2.1 Site Planning and Design

2.1.1. Design Strategies for Meeting Applicable Treatment Standards on Already Developed Sites

Introduction. Due to the wide variety of existing physical site constraints that may be present on an already developed site, control and treatment of stormwater runoff from the complete extent of proposed expanded or redeveloped impervious surfaces may not always be achievable. This Manual includes two strategies, Site Balancing and Net Reduction, that designers may use to meet the applicable treatment standards when expanding or redeveloping an already developed site.

In addition, this Manual has a subchapter specific to public transportation projects (Subchapter 6.0), which includes a suite of additional options available to this unique category of projects. Public transportation projects are often confined by right-of-way and other site constraints, but at the same time may present tremendous opportunities for maximizing stormwater treatment and control and water resource protection when given additional flexibility. The public transportation specific subchapter was developed in consideration of both state and local public transportation projects through a collaborative effort between the Agency and the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

Consultation with the Agency. Prior to applying either of the following design strategies to a project, the designer shall discuss the use of site balancing or net reduction with the Agency's Stormwater Program, in the specific context of the project under development and prior to stormwater permit application submittal. The Agency may deny a permit application if site balancing or net reduction do not provide equivalent treatment or control or present risks to water quality, in consideration of impervious surface proximity to water resources, existing site conditions, or other factors.

I. Site Balancing.

(a) Introduction. Site balancing is a tool that may be used when control or treatment of certain areas of expanded or redeveloped impervious surface is not reasonably feasible or will have marginal benefits due to site constraints. Under site balancing, the impact from those areas is compensated for by providing equivalent treatment of surfaces within the project limits that would not otherwise be subject to treatment or control requirements. This can be accomplished by providing additional control or treatment beyond what is required for redeveloped impervious surfaces or by controlling or treating impervious surfaces that are not otherwise required to provide stormwater treatment.

(b) Site balancing may be used for expansion and redevelopment projects, if the designer demonstrates that control or treatment of runoff from expanded or redeveloped impervious surfaces is not reasonably feasible or has marginal benefit due to site constraints.

(c) The designer shall clearly specify in the permit application that site balancing is being proposed and shall provide the required explanation and justification for its use, as outlined below.

(d) The designer shall demonstrate that treatment or control of the impervious surfaces to be expanded or redeveloped is not reasonably feasible or has marginal benefit due to physical, topographical, or environmental constraints. Examples of infeasibility include instances where control or treatment for the expanded or redeveloped impervious surfaces would require the applicant to acquire new land, pump the stormwater in question, remove existing impervious surface or other infrastructure, construct stormwater treatment or control systems in wetlands or other surface waters or riparian buffer zones, or result in other negative impacts on waters. Examples of marginal benefit include instances where control or treatment for expanded or redeveloped impervious surfaces would provide less volume reduction or water quality benefit than control or treatment of other existing impervious surfaces discharging to the same point, or to another point within the same watershed.

(e) The designer shall demonstrate that "equivalent treatment" will be achieved by:

(1) providing additional stormwater control or treatment beyond what is required for the existing impervious surfaces to be redeveloped, that is not otherwise required under an operational stormwater discharge permit; or

(2) providing additional stormwater control or treatment of impervious surfaces that is not otherwise required under an operational stormwater discharge permit; and

(3) demonstrating that the requirements for treatment or control on the impervious surfaces to be used for site balancing are equal to or greater than the treatment or control requirements on the expanded or redeveloped impervious surfaces for which treatment is not reasonably feasible.

(f) Prohibition. Non-rooftop impervious surfaces, including roads, driveways, and parking lots, shall not be balanced with treatment or control of rooftop impervious surfaces.

(g) Additional requirements.

(1) The applicant must own or control the impervious surfaces and required STPs that will be used for site balancing.

(2) Any area to be used for site balancing shall discharge to the same receiving water, or the same watershed, as the impervious surface being expanded or redeveloped. The "same receiving water" or "same watershed" shall be determined by the Agency during pre-application review, required under Section 2.1.1 of this Rule, on a case-by-case basis.

II. Net Reduction.

(a) Introduction. Existing developed sites that pre-date modern stormwater design requirements, may present unique opportunities to greatly improve stormwater treatment and control. Expansion and redevelopment projects often involve reconfigurations of parking, drives, or buildings that can result in a net reduction in impervious surface, despite the creation or redevelopment of impervious that triggers the need for a stormwater discharge permit. A net reduction of impervious surface can have both stormwater quality and volume reduction benefits. While the Water Quality Treatment Standard applicable to redevelopment allows for credit towards removal, an overall net reduction in impervious is not specifically considered.

(b) Projects involving a combination of expansion and redevelopment that will result in a five percent or more net reduction in total resulting impervious surface, may achieve compliance with the VSMM by complying with the following alternative requirements:

(1) Expanded portions of impervious surfaces, or expanded equivalent as allowed under Site Balancing, shall be treated to achieve the Water Quality Treatment Standard, adjusted for net reduction. The percent treatment required for all expanded impervious surfaces shall be reduced by the overall percent of net impervious surface reduction. For example, a 25 percent net reduction in total resulting impervious surface, pre- vs. post-, equates to 75% WQ_v applied to expanded impervious surfaces. Under this standard, expanded impervious surfaces shall not be subject to the Channel Protection Standard, Overbank Flood Protection Standard, or Extreme Flood Protection Standard.

(2) Redeveloped impervious surfaces shall be treated, or redeveloped equivalent as allowed under Site Balancing, to achieve 50 percent of the Water Quality Treatment Standard (50% WQ_v). When using this strategy to meet treatment standards, impervious areas removed shall not be counted toward meeting the required Water Quality Treatment Standard for redevelopment.

(3) Impervious surfaces that are removed shall be subject to the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard, as applicable.

(4) Existing impervious surfaces subject to a greater treatment and control requirement shall maintain the required level of treatment and control and shall not be used for meeting the above requirements.

(5) The areas in which impervious surfaces are removed shall discharge to the same receiving water or be located within the same watershed as the expanded or redeveloped impervious surfaces. The "same receiving water" or "same watershed" shall be determined by the Agency during pre-application review, required under Section 2.1.1 of this Rule, on a case-by-case basis.

2.2 Treatment Standards

Introduction. After consideration of appropriate site planning and design strategies, the designer shall select one or more STPs presented in Subchapter 4.0 or, for public transportation projects, Subchapter 6.0 to meet the specified treatment standards for Groundwater Recharge, Water Quality, Channel Protection, Overbank Flood Protection, and Extreme Flood Control. In addition, the designer shall design for compliance with the requirements of the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard. Each of these standards and their exemptions are discussed in more detail in the following sections.

Table 2-1. Treatment Standard Summary

Treatment Standard	Treatment Requirement
Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard	Maintain or restore healthy on-site soils
Groundwater Recharge Standard	Infiltrate a portion of the post-developed runoff based on hydrologic soil group
Water Quality Treatment Standard	Treat the runoff from the 90^th percentile (1.0 inch) 24-hour storm event
Channel Protection Standard	Control the post-developed runoff from the 1-year 24-hour storm by one of or a combination of the following methods: -- Hydrologic Condition Method - Match the post-development runoff volume to the pre-development runoff volume from the 1- year 24-hour storm. -- Extended Detention Method - Provide 12 or 24-hour detention of the 1-year 24-hour storm. -- Alternative Extended Detention Method - Demonstrate that the post-developed peak discharge from the site, after providing distributed and non-structural treatment, is no greater than the peak discharge from the site when modeled as if 12-hour detention of the 1-year 24-hour storm were provided.
Overbank Flood Protection Standard	Control the post-developed peak discharge from the 10-year storm to 10-year pre-development peak rates
Extreme Flood Protection Standard	Control the peak discharge from the 100-year storm to the 100-year pre-development peak rates

2.2.1. Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality

Naturally occurring, undisturbed soil and vegetation provide important stormwater functions including: water infiltration; nutrient and pollutant adsorption; sediment and pollutant biofiltration; water interflow storage and transmission; and pollutant decomposition. These functions can be lost when development removes native vegetation, removes or compacts native soil, and replaces it with minimal topsoil or sod. Not only can these important stormwater functions be diminished, but such landscapes may themselves become pollution generating pervious surfaces due to increased use of pesticides, fertilizers and other landscaping and household/industrial chemicals, the concentration of pet wastes, and pollutants that accompany roadside litter.

In recognition of the important role that healthy soil quality plays in water quality issues, this Manual establishes a mandatory Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality standard designed to retain greater stormwater functions in the post-development landscape, provide increased treatment of pollutants and sediments that result from development, and minimize the need for some landscaping chemicals, thus reducing pollution through prevention. This standard applies to all disturbed areas within the limits of the site on slopes less than or equal to 33% which are not covered by an impervious surface, incorporated into a structural stormwater treatment practice, or engineered as structural fill or slope once development is complete. The details and requirements of the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard are presented in Subchapter 3.0.

2.2.2. Runoff Reduction Framework

All of the treatment standards described in this Manual, with the exception of the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard, may be met wholly or partially through runoff reduction. Runoff reduction is a strategy for stormwater management focused on preventing increases in pollutant export, peak flows, and runoff volumes from development through practices that promote infiltration, reuse, or evapotranspiration of runoff.

The attainment of the treatment standards may be assessed in terms of the treatment volume (T_v) credit that can be calculated for each STP that provides some level of runoff reduction. T_v credit is essentially a stormwater volume that can be applied to all treatment standards. Table 2-2 lists the STPs eligible for T_v credit.

Table 2-2. Stormwater Treatment Practices that Reduce Runoff

Runoff Reduction STPs
Practice	Manual Section
Reforestation	4.2.1
Simple Disconnection	4.2.2
Disconnection to Filter Strip or Vegetated Buffer	4.2.3
Bioretention Areas (unlined)	4.3.1
Dry Swales (unlined)	4.3.2
Infiltration Trenches and Basins	4.3.3
Filtering Systems (unlined)	4.3.4
Green Roofs¹	4.3.7
Permeable Pavement¹	4.3.8
Rainwater Harvesting¹	4.3.9

1. Practice provides limited credit towards runoff reduction. See individual practice standards in Section 4.3

Practices that do not reduce runoff volume are not eligible for T_v credit and cannot be used to meet the Groundwater Recharge Standard. Furthermore, structural STPs that do not infiltrate at least the calculated recharge volume (Re_v) do not meet the Groundwater Recharge Standard as detailed in Section 2.2.3. However, these practices may be able to meet some or all of the remaining standards through alternative methods. The methods for meeting each treatment standard are described in the sections that follow. Methods for calculating the credit for each practice are described in Subchapter 4.0.

2.2.3. Groundwater Recharge Standard (Re_v)

To comply with the Groundwater Recharge Standard, the average annual recharge rate for the prevailing hydrologic soil group(s) shall be maintained to preserve existing water table elevations. Recharge volume (Re_v) is determined as a function of annual pre-development recharge for a given soil group, average annual rainfall volume, and amount of impervious cover at a site. The calculated Re_v shall be infiltrated or disconnected using practices acceptable for meeting the Groundwater Recharge Standard.

A list of practices acceptable for meeting the Groundwater Recharge Standard is presented in Table 2-3; all practices are described in detail in Subchapter 4.0. All STPs that meet the Groundwater Recharge Standard may receive T_v credit towards subsequent standards through the runoff reduction framework, specifically the Hydrologic Condition Method of the Channel Protection Standard described in Section 2.2.5.1.

Table 2-3. List of Practices Acceptable for Meeting the Groundwater Recharge Standard

Type	Practice
Non-Structural	Simple Disconnection
	Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers
	Reforestation
Structural	Infiltration Trenches and Basins
	Permeable Pavements
	Filtering Systems (designed for infiltration)
	Bioretention (designed for infiltration)
	Dry Swales (designed for infiltration)

The recharge volume shall be calculated as follows:

where:

Re_V = Recharge volume (acre-feet)

F = Recharge factor (dimensionless), see Table 2-4

A = Site area (in acres)

I = Site imperviousness (expressed as a decimal percent)

Table 2-4. Recharge Factors Based on Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG)

HSG	Recharge Factor (F)
A	0.60
B	0.35
C	0.25
D	waived

Re_V is nested within the water quality volume (WQ_v) and therefore can be credited toward the water quality volume and provides T_v credit toward all other applicable treatment standards.

The Groundwater Recharge Standard shall be waived for:

-- Site drainage areas where stormwater runoff comes in contact with a hotspot land use or activity, as described in Section 2.3.

-- Site drainage areas comprised entirely of HSG D soils.

The Groundwater Recharge Standard may also be waived within certain areas, including groundwater source protection areas within specified proximity to groundwater supply sources, wastewater disposal systems, or where features may exist such as karst topographic areas or areas of documented slope failure. Requirements and restrictions for the siting of structural infiltrating STPs are detailed in Subchapter 4.0. Designers are also advised to consult with the Agency's Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division for all applicable restrictions.

2.2.4. Water Quality Treatment Standard (WQTS)

Except for redevelopment which shall comply with Section 2.4, to comply with the Water Quality Treatment Standard (WQTS), the runoff resulting from the 90 [th ] percentile rainfall event, which is equivalent to the first inch of rainfall, shall be captured and treated. This runoff contains the majority of pollutants.

The following equation shall be used to determine the water quality volume (WQ_v) needed to comply with the WQTS in acre-feet of storage:

where:

WQ_v = water quality treatment volume (acre-feet)

P = 1.0 inch across Vermont

R_v = volumetric runoff coefficient, equal to: [0.05 + 0.009(I)]

I = whole number percent impervious of the site

A = site area (in acres)

A minimum WQ_v of 0.2 watershed inches is required to treat the runoff from pervious surfaces on sites with low impervious cover.

In evaluating STPs for water quality treatment, the following criteria shall be applied:

[] The WQ_v shall be treated with STPs in accordance with Section 2.2.4.1.

[] The Re_v is contained within the WQ_v and shall be counted towards the WQTS in the drainage area where it is provided.

[] The sizing of water quality STPs shall be based on the drainage area contributing to the practices providing treatment. Runoff from off-site areas shall either be diverted away from or bypass water quality practices or be sized to treat all on-site and off-site pervious and impervious surfaces draining to them.

[] If off-site runoff is rerouted, the designer shall ensure that such rerouting will not cause erosion or flooding problems in the area where the water is discharged.

2.2.4.1. Water Quality Practice Selection

(a) Practices for meeting the WQTS are divided in this Manual into Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 Practices. The STPs have been organized by order of design preference, and based upon pollutant removal efficiencies and potential for runoff reduction; with Tier 1 Practices providing the greatest degree of water quality treatment and runoff reduction and Tier 3 Practices providing the minimum required level of water quality treatment and runoff reduction.

(b) Designers shall use permit application materials provided by the Agency when evaluating what tier of STPs shall be used on a site and shall certify in the permit application to the evaluation and analyses, and, if required, justification that they provide pursuant to the requirements of this Section 2.2.4.1.

(c) When no STPs already exist on a site or the designer proposes not to use the pre-existing STPs, the designer shall evaluate use of the Tier 1 STPs listed in the table below, pursuant to permit application requirements. If, based upon completion of the permit application materials, use of Tier 1 STPs is feasible, then the designer shall use Tier 1 STPs. If, based upon completion of the permit application materials, use of Tier 1 STPs is infeasible, then the designer shall evaluate use of Tier 2 Practices. Tier 3 Practices may only be used if Tier 1 STPs listed in the table below cannot be used and the designer provides a detailed justification for why Tier 2 Practices cannot be used. The designer's detailed justification shall explain the site or design constraints that require use of Tier 3 Practices; cost may not be used as a justification.

(d) When an STP already exists on a site, and the designer proposes to use the pre-existing STP, the designer shall evaluate whether the STP can be modified in-line or off-line of preexisting infrastructure. If the pre-existing STP can be modified, the STP shall be modified to the highest Tier pollutant reduction level that the STP can accommodate. If the pre-existing STP cannot accommodate modifications to meet 2017 STP design requirements, but the STP meets the 2002 Manual STP design requirements, and is identified as an acceptable STP for meeting the WQTS in the 2017 VSMM, then the project shall continue implementing the preexisting STP. The 2002 STP shall be modified, if necessary, to accommodate applicable treatment standards for new and redeveloped impervious surfaces. If the pre-existing STP cannot accommodate modifications and does not meet the STP design requirements of the 2002 VSMM, then the designer shall follow the STP evaluation process in 2.2.4.1(c).

Tier 1 Practices

Tier 1 Practices are the practices that can be designed to provide water quality treatment and infiltrate the water quality volume (WQ_v), and include practices such as infiltration basins, unlined bioretention cells, and other practices that treat and infiltrate stormwater runoff. These practices, when properly constructed and maintained, are expected to achieve the highest pollutant removal and runoff reduction of all the practices identified in this Manual; generally exceeding 80% TP and 98% TSS removal (USEPA BMP Performance Curves, National Stormwater Database, International Stormwater Database). In addition, T_v credit towards the Hydrologic Condition Method (HCM) under the Channel Protection Standard is equivalent to the volume of stormwater infiltrated, which can exceed the WQ_v when designed to accommodate larger volumes. Infiltration feasibility and soil testing requirements for infiltrations are specified in Section 4.3.3.

Tier 1 Practices¹

Infiltration Basins, Trenches, Chambers

Dry Wells

Bioretention (designed for infiltration)

Dry Swales (designed for infiltration)

Filtering Systems (designed for infiltration)

Simple Disconnection

Disconnection to Filter Strip or Vegetated Buffer

¹These STPs generally exceed 80% TP removal and generally achieve 98% TSS removal, and the T_v credit equivalent to volume infiltrated. (USEPA BMP Performance Curves, National Stormwater Database, International Stormwater Database)

Tier 2 Practices

When infiltration is infeasible, a designer shall evaluate use of Tier 2 Practices to meet the WQTS, as listed in the table below. Tier 2 Practices include high performance practices, such as gravel wetlands and bioretention cells that may provide a sump with stormwater storage at the base of the practice. These practices may in some cases be lined and underdrained due to a high seasonal groundwater table, contributing hotspot land use, or other design limitations. These practices, when properly constructed and maintained, are expected to achieve a high pollutant removal rate ranging from 60%-80% TP and 80-97% TSS removal (USEPA BMP Performance Curves, National Stormwater Database, International Stormwater Database).

Tier 2 Practices²

Bioretention (not designed for infiltration)

Gravel Wetlands

²These STPs generally meet 60-80% TP removal and generally achieve 80-97% TSS removal, and the T_v credit equivalent to volume stored below the sump/underdrain. (USEPA BMP Performance Curves, National Stormwater Database, International Stormwater Database)

Tier 3 Practices

If a site or project design cannot accommodate the Tier 1 or Tier 2 Practices specified above because of site or design constraints, but excluding costs, then a designer may use Tier 3 Practices to meet the WQTS, as listed in the table below. Tier 3 Practices include lined dry swales, lined filters, wet ponds, and shallow surface wetlands. These practices, when properly constructed and maintained, are expected to achieve a pollutant removal rate ranging from 50-60% TP and approximately 80% TSS removal (USEP A BMP Performance Curves, National Stormwater Database, International Stormwater Database).

Tier 3 Practices³

Dry Swales (not designed for infiltration)

Filtering Systems (not designed for infiltration)

Wet Ponds

Shallow Surface Wetlands

³These STPs generally meet 50-60% TP removal and achieve 80% TSS removal, and the T_V credit is equivalent to volume stored below the sump/underdrain, if applicable. (USEPA BMP Performance Curves, National Stormwater Database, International Stormwater Database)

2.2.4.2. Water Quality Peak Flow Calculation

The peak rate of discharge for the water quality design storm (1 inch, 24-hour storm event, Type II rainfall distribution) is required for the sizing of rate based treatment practices and offline diversion structures. Conventional United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) methods for calculating runoff have been found to underestimate the volume and rate of runoff for rainfall events less than 2 inches.

To adapt NRCS methods for the water quality storm, a modified Curve Number (CN) shall be calculated using the WQ_v and the following equation:

where:

P = rainfall, in inches (use the water quality design storm, 1")

Qa = runoff volume, in inches (equal to WQ _v w area)

The calculated CN shall be used to estimate the peak discharge rate of the water quality storm using a computer aided hydrologic model (TR-20 or an approved equivalent). Time of concentration shall be computed pursuant to Section 2.2.4.3.

2.2.4.3. Time of Concentration

To calculate peak rates for compliance with the requirements of this Manual, the time of concentration (Tc) shall be determined for use with each modeled subcatchment. Time of concentration shall be determined using the Watershed Lag Method (Lag/CN Method) as described by NRCS and shown below:

where:

Tc = time of concentration (hours)

l = hydraulic length (ft)

CN' = retardance factor

Y = average catchment slope (%)

The hydraulic length ( l) is defined as the longest flow path in the catchment and can be calculated using the empirical relation presented by NRCS:

l = 209A [0.6 ]

where:

A = subcatchment area (ac)

Or by determining the longest flow path length by direct measurement from a plan sheet.

Retardance factor (CN') is used to describe the land cover of the catchment of interest, and shall be approximated by the adjusted or flow weighted composite curve number used to describe the catchment.

Average catchment slope (Y) may be determined a number of ways, including in AutoCAD, ArcGIS, any of the methods included in Section 630.1502 of the NRCS National Engineering Handbook, or by the following relation:

where:

C = contour length (feet)

I = contour interval (feet)

Contour length (C) means the total length of all contour lines within the catchment, including all closed contours, as directly measured from a plan sheet.

The Watershed Lag Method incorporates average catchment slope and the composite land cover characteristics of a catchment, and is therefore preferred to spatially explicit methods, such as the NRCS Velocity Method (TR-55 Method), which represent time of concentration for a catchment with varying slopes and land cover characteristics using the characteristics of a single flow path.

The Watershed Lag Method shall be used for determination of peak rates for existing and proposed condition modeling, proposed condition modeling with treatment volume credit and an associated adjusted curve number, and water quality storm modeling.

Other time of concentration calculation methods may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but shall require pre-application discussion and subsequent Agency approval. Any spatially explicit time of concentration methods proposed under this framework (TR-55/Velocity Method) shall include no more than 100 feet of sheet flow in the total flow path length.

2.2.5. Channel Protection Standard

The pollutant load transported by stormwater runoff from the developed landscape is not the only deleterious impact that stormwater has on receiving streams. Management of stormwater is also necessary to protect stream channels from scour and erosion.

To comply with the Channel Protection Standard, the 1-year, 24-hour storm shall be managed to protect stream channels from the changes in timing, runoff volume, and peak flow rate of stormwater runoff that occurs as the result of development activities.

In Vermont, the 1-year, 24-hour rainfall ranges between 1.8 and 3.0 inches (NOAA, Atlas 14, 2015). For purposes of compliance with the Channel Protection Standard, rainfall values from NOAA Atlas 14, or its replacement, and a Type II rainfall distribution shall be used unless specific data are available for a particular site location and prior approval has been obtained from the Agency.

The Channel Protection Standard shall be satisfied using the Hydrologic Condition Method, the Extended Detention Method, the Alterative Extended Detention Method, or by some combination of these methods. The Hydrologic Condition Method (HCM) and the Extended Detention Method are described in the following subsections, followed by the Alternative Extended Detention Method. For projects that will use distributed and non-structural treatment for the majority of a site, a designer may elect to use the Alternative Extended Detention Method to satisfy the Channel Protection Standard as identified in Section 2.2.5.4.

The Channel Protection Standard shall be waived for:

[] A site where the pre-routed, post-development discharge for the 1-year, 24-hour storm is less than 2 cubic feet per second. "Pre-routed post-development discharge" means the runoff after development, including postdevelopment conveyance, but without STPs. When examining whether or not the site qualifies for this waiver, off-site runoff does not need to be considered, however the overall common plan of clPvPlopment shall be considered.

[] A site with a direct discharge to waters with a drainage area equal to or greater than 10 square miles and that is less than 5% of the watershed area at the site's upstream boundary.

For a project that has more than one discharge point and that discharges to different receiving waters, waiver eligibility shall be determined on a "per receiving water" basis. Receiving waters are considered separate if the drainage area at their downstream point of confluence is greater than 10 square miles.

2.2.5.1. Hydrologic Condition Method

The Hydrologic Condition Method (HCM) is used to determine a suite of practices, including the mandatory post-construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard, which, when implemented, will approximate runoff characteristics of "woods in good condition" for the 1-year, 24-hour storm event.

The HCM is based on the curve number (CN) hydrology method developed by the USDA NRCS. The hydrologic condition volume (HC_v) is the difference between the pre-development and post-development site runoff for the 1-year, 24-hour storm.

To comply with the HCM in acre-feet, the following equation shall be used to determine the HC_v :

Where:

HC_v = hydrologic conditions treatment volume (acre-feet)

Q1Post = post-construction runoff depth for the 1-year, 24-hour storm (inches)

Q1Pre = pre-construction runoff depth for the 1-year, 24-hour storm (inches)

A = post-construction site area (acres)

Runoff depth (Q) shall be calculated by the NRCS runoff methods or approved equivalent pre-and post-development condition.

where:

Q = runoff depth in inches

P = precipitation in inches

S = 1000/ CN - 10

The standard for characterizing the pre-development land use shall be "woods in good calculation." CN values for "woods in good condition" are presented on Table 2-5. Existing impervious not subject to jurisdiction may be modeled as impervious.

Table 2-5. Runoff Curve Numbers for Woods in Good Condition

Cover Type	HSG A	HSG B	HSG C	HSG D
Woods in Good Condition	30	55	70	77

When a site area is composed of multiple land cover types, the runoff from each curve number shall be calculated separately and summed. Use of area-weighted curve numbers is prohibited, unless the Agency provides prior approval.

Compliance with the HCM shall be achieved when the total T_v provided on the site is equal to or greater than the HC_v.

A list of practices acceptable for meeting the Channel Protection Standard by the HCM is presented in Table 2-6; all practices are described in detail in Subchapter 4.0 of this Manual.

Table 2-6. List of Practices Acceptable for Meeting the Channel Protection Standard through Hydrologic Condition Method

Type	Practice	Crediting Notes
Non-Structural	Reforestation
	Simple Disconnection
	Disconnection to Vegetated Buffer or Filter Strip
Structural	Infiltration Trenches/Basins/Chambers
	Permeable Pavements
	Sand Filter (designed for infiltration)	The full depth of the filter counts toward HCM only when unlined so that stormwater is infiltrated into underlying soils or substratum; if the filter includes an underdrain, only the volume stored in a sump beneath the underdrain will count toward HCM.
	Bioretention (designed for infiltration)	The full depth counts toward HCM only when unlined so that stormwater is infiltrated into underlying soils or substratum; if the bioretention practice includes an underdrain, only the volume stored in a sump beneath the underdrain will count toward HCM.
	Green Roofs	Only the volume stored in the void spaces counts toward HCM.
	Dry Swales (designed for infiltration)	Only counts toward HCM when unlined so that stormwater is infiltrated into underlying soils or substratum; if the dry swale includes an underdrain, only the volume stored in a sump beneath the underdrain will count toward HCM
	Rainwater Harvesting

More information on how practices are credited toward the HCM is provided in the individual practice requirements presented in Subchapter 4.0.

2.2.5.2. Extended Detention Method

For those sites where the practice or suite of practices under the HCM are insufficient to achieve compliance with the Channel Protection Standard, additional STPs may need to be implemented to protect stream channels from degradation.

To comply with the Extended Detention Method, storage of the channel protection volume (CP_v) shall be provided by means of extended detention (ED) storage for the 1-year, 24-hour rainfall event. Extended detention time shall only be required down to the 1-inch minimum orifice size. As noted previously, the Channel Protection Standard rainfall depths will vary depending on project location.

If a stormwater discharge is to a cold water fish habitat, 12 hours of extended detention shall be provided, and if a stormwater discharge is to a warm water fish habitat, 24 hours of extended detention shall be provided. Cold water fish habitats and warm water fish habitat designations are listed in the Vermont Water Quality Standards, Appendix A.

In evaluating a site for channel protection through the Extended Detention Method, the following criteria shall be applied:

[] Extended detention shall be demonstrated by center of mass detention time and released at a roughly uniform rate over the required release period.

[] The model TR-20, or approved equivalent, shall be used for determining peak discharge rates, and for routing detention ponds.

[] Time of concentration (Tc) shall be computed pursuant to Section 2.2.4.3 of this Manual.

[] Pursuant to Section 2.2.5.3, adjusted curve numbers shall be used when runoff volumes have been reduced through runoff reduction STPs.

[] Extended detention shall be provided for the on-site and off-site runoff that drains to the detention structure.

[] If off-site runoff is rerouted, the designer shall ensure that such rerouting will not cause channel erosion or flooding problems in the area where the water is discharged.

[] Off-site areas shall be modeled as "existing condition" for the 1-year storm event.

[] Orifices less than 3 inches shall be protected from clogging. The minimum allowable orifice size is 1 inch.

2.2.5.3. Calculating Adjusted Curve Numbers

When the Channel Protection Standard is partially met through the HCM, an adjusted CN shall be calculated for the project site. The adjusted CN (CN_adj) shall then be used to demonstrate compliance with the Channel Protection Standard by extended detention and flood protection (Q_p10 and Q_p100,) where required, using the following procedure:

The cumulative treated volume is equal to the sum of the T_v for the individual runoff reduction practices provided on the site:

where:

HC_Vact= the cumulative runoff reduction provided on the site, in acre-feet

T_v = the runoff reduction volume credit provided by a single treatment practice, in acre-feet

The cumulative treated volume shall be converted into a runoff depth in watershed inches (Q_Act):

where:

Q_Act = the volume of runoff reduced in watershed inches

A = the site area, in acres

The remaining untreated watershed inches (Q_Rem) shall then be calculated as:

Q_Rem = Q_1Post -- Q_Act

Q_Post = the post-development runoff for the design storm before treatment

An adjusted CN for the impervious area shall then be calculated as follows:

where:

P = depth of the target storm.

For the Channel Protection Standard, the precipitation event is the 1-year, 24-hour storm and Q_Post the 1-year post development runoff before treatment. For Q_p10 and Q_p100, P and Q_Post for the 10-year and 100-year, 24-hour storm events shall be used to calculate a separate CN_adj for each applicable storm.

Once CN_adj is computed, CN_adj shall be used for areas treated by STPs that reduce runoff in demonstrating compliance with CP_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100, as discussed in more detail in the following subsections.

2.2.5.4. Alternative Extended Detention Method

For projects that will use distributed structural STPs or other non-structural STPs for the majority of a site, a designer may elect to use the Alternative Extended Detention Method to satisfy the Channel Protection Standard.

To comply with the Alternative Extended Detention Method, the designer shall demonstrate that the 1-year 24-hour storm post-developed peak discharge from the site, after providing distributed and non-structural treatment, is no greater than the peak discharge from the site when modeled as if 12-hour detention were provided.

For the purpose of this alternative demonstration of compliance, the designer shall route all post-development storm water runoff from the site to a hypothetical dry detention basin. Proposed water quality treatment practices throughout the site shall not be included in the hypothetical model. The dry detention basin shall be sized to provide 12 hours of extended detention on a center of mass basis using the following design constraints:

[] All outflow shall be routed through a single vertical bottom orifice, sized to provide 12 hours of center of mass detention time.

[] Peak storage depth within the hypothetical pond for the 1-year 24-hour storm event shall submerge the outlet orifice, but shall not exceed a depth of 8'.

[] Pond side slopes shall be 3:1 or flatter.

The peak outflow rate from this hypothetical pond shall be compared to the site-wide post-treatment 1-year 24-hour storm peak outflow rate.

If the post-development site with all proposed treatment produces a peak 1-year flow rate that is less than the hypothetical pond peak outflow rate, the site shall meet the Channel Protection Standard.

2.2.6. Overbank Flood Protection Standard (Q_p10)

To comply with the Overbank Flood Protection Standard, the post-development peak discharge rate shall not exceed the pre-development peak discharge rate for the 10-year, 24-hour storm event.

The Agency may require a downstream analysis as described in Section 2.5 when there are known drainage problems or known flooding conditions, or as otherwise deemed appropriate.

In evaluating overbank flood protection and related STPs, the following criteria shall be applied:

[] An adjusted curve number (CN_adj), consistent with the analysis performed in Section 2.2.5.3, shall be applied to post-development conditions to determine the required volume of overbank flood control storage.

[] For expansions of previously non-permitted projects, the site shall mean the expanded portion of the site, including all areas within the limits of construction.

[] The model TR-20, or approved equivalent, shall be used for determining peak discharge rates, and for routing detention ponds.

[] Time of concentration (T_c) shall be computed pursuant to Section 2.2.4.3 of this Manual.

[] The standard for characterizing pervious pre-development land use for on-site areas shall be "woods in good condition." Existing impervious may be characterized as impervious in the pre-development condition.

[] Off-site areas shall at a minimum be modeled as "existing condition."

[] Safe passage of the 100-year, 24-hour storm event shall be provided for off-site areas that drain to the STP.

[] Site designers shall use rainfall values from NOAA Atlas 14, or its replacement, and a Type II rainfall distribution unless specific data are available for a particular site location and prior approval has been obtained from the Agency.

Compliance with the Overbank Flood Protection Standard shall not be required if:

[] A site has a direct discharge to waters with a drainage area greater than or equal to 10 square miles;

[] A downstream analysis is completed, pursuant to Section 2.5, that indicates overbank flood control is not necessary for the site; or

[] The pre-routed, post-development discharge for the 10-year, 24-hour storm is less than 2 cubic feet per second. "Pre-routed post-development discharge" means the runoff after development, including post-development conveyance, but without STPs. When examining whether or not the site qualifies for this waiver, off-site runoff does not need to be considered, however the overall common plan of development shall be considered.

2.2.7. Extreme Flood Protection Standard (Q_p100)

To comply with the Extreme Flood Protection Standard, the post-development peak discharge rate shall not exceed the pre-development peak discharge rate for the 100-year, 24-hour storm event.

The purpose of this treatment standard is to prevent flood damage from infrequent but very large storm events, maintain the boundaries of the pre-development 100-year floodplain, and protect the physical integrity of a STP.

The Agency may require a downstream analysis as described in Section 2.5 when there are known drainage problems or known flooding conditions, or as otherwise deemed appropriate.

In evaluating extreme flood control and related STPs, the following criteria shall be applied:

[] For expansions of previously non-permitted projects, the site shall mean the expanded portion of the site, including all areas within the limits of construction.

[] The model TR-20, or approved equivalent, shall be used for determining peak discharge rates, and for routing detention ponds.

[] Time of concentration (T_c) shall be computed pursuant to Section 2.2.4.3 of this Manual.

[] The standard for characterizing pre-development land use for on-site areas shall be "woods in good condition." Existing impervious may be characterized as impervious in the pre-development condition.

[] Off-site areas shall at a minimum be modeled as "existing condition."

Safe passage of the 100-year 24-hour storm event shall be provided for off-site areas that drain to the STP.

Compliance with the Extreme Flood Protection Standard shall not be required if:

[] A site has a direct discharge to waters with a drainage area equal to or greater than 10 square miles and that is less than 5% of the watershed area at the site's upstream boundary;

[] The impervious area on site or otherwise associated within a common plan of development, constructed after 2002, is less than 10 acres; or

[] A downstream analysis is completed, pursuant to Section 2.5, that indicates extreme flood control is not necessary for the site.

2.3 Stormwater Hotspots

Stormwater hotspots generate higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, trace metals, and toxicants than are found in typical stormwater runoff. Petroleum distribution centers, hazardous material loading and storage facilities, and other industrial sites may include drainage areas that are stormwater hotspots. Hotspots may also include sites where subsurface contamination is present from prior land use, due to the increased threat of pollutant migration associated with increased hydraulic loading from infiltration systems. Designers are encouraged to contact the Agency's Waste Management and Prevention Division in advance of proposing infiltration at a contaminated site prior to application submittal.

To prevent pollution of groundwater resources, stormwater runoff that comes in contact with a hotspot shall not be treated with structural or non-structural STPs that rely upon infiltration, including infiltration basins, infiltration trenches, infiltration storage chambers, dry wells, unlined bioretention practices, unlined dry swales, unlined filters, and disconnection.

To treat stormwater that comes in contact with a hotspot, other STPs identified in this Manual may be used if they are lined (e.g., lined bioretention areas).

Prior to incorporating stormwater infiltration STPs into a project, designers shall review a site's current or proposed use, and consult with the Agency as to whether the site or site drainage area is a hotspot.

2.4 Redevelopment

This Section establishes treatment standards for projects or portions of projects where areas of existing impervious surface will be redeveloped. Because redevelopment may present a wide range of constraints and limitations, this Manual provides redevelopment projects with additional flexibility in implementing STPs to meet the applicable standards.

For redevelopment, except for redevelopment of public transportation projects subject to Subchapter 6.0, the WQTS is:

[] The existing impervious surface area shall be reduced by 25% and restored to meet the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard, Section 3.0, where applicable;

[] A STP or STPs shall be designed to capture and treat 50% of the WQ_v from the redeveloped impervious surface area; or

[] A combination of water quality volume treatment (WQ_v) and impervious surface reduction equal to 50% of the WQ_v where one percent of impervious reduction is equivalent to two percent of WQ_v, using the following equation.

where:

WQ_VRWater quality volume for redeveloped site

I_Reduced = Existing impervious reduced (%)

Redevelopment projects may consider use of other design strategies, including Site Balancing and Net Reduction pursuant to Section 2.1.1 of this Manual.

If none of the foregoing options are technically feasible, a designer may propose alternatives that would achieve an equivalent pollutant reduction. In such cases, the designer shall document, pursuant to the Section 3.0 documentation requirements, the site constraints or limitations and expected pollutant removal for any proposed alternative STP. Proposed alternatives shall be subject to Agency approval. If the Agency determines that a proposed alternative will not provide equivalent pollutant reduction or presents greater risks to water quality, in consideration of impervious surface proximity to water resources, existing site conditions, or other factors, the Agency shall deny the proposed alternative.

2.5 Downstream Analysis for Q [P10] and Q [P100]

Depending on the shape and land use of a watershed, it is possible that the upstream peak discharge may arrive at the same time a downstream structure is releasing its peak discharge, thus increasing the cumulative peak discharge. As a result of this "coincident peaks" problem, it is often necessary to evaluate conditions downstream from a site to ensure that effective out-of-bank control is provided.

A downstream analysis shall be required when deemed necessary by the Agency (e.g., known drainage problems; known flooding conditions), as required by the Overbank Flood Protection Standard ( Section 2.2.6), or as required by the Extreme Flood Protection Standard ( Section 2.2.7).

The criteria used for the downstream analysis is referred to as the "10% rule." Under the 10% rule, a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis is extended downstream to the point where the site represents 10% of the total drainage area. For example, a 60-acre site would be analyzed to the point downstream where the total drainage area reaches 600 acres.

In cases where the site area is already less than 10% of the drainage area at the point of discharge, the downstream analysis allowable increase shall be scaled according to

Table 2-7 below, which reduces allowable increases as the percentage of the site area relative to contributing drainage area decreases. In addition, in these cases, the analysis may need to be extended downstream to the first structure (e.g. bridge, culvert) if the structure is reasonably expected to be affected by the project.

Table 2-7. Allowable Increases for Downstream Analysis

Site Area Relative to Drainage Area of Receiving Water at Discharge Point	Allowable Flow Rate and Velocity Increase at Analysis Point
10%	5% allowable increase
5 to <10%	2.5% allowable increase
2.5% to <5%	1.25% allowable increase
1.25% to <2.5%	0.63% allowable increase
<1.25%	0.31% allowable increase

At a minimum, the analysis shall include the hydrologic and hydraulic effects of all culverts and obstructions within the downstream channel, and assess whether an increase in water surface elevations will adversely impact existing buildings or structures or adversely impact existing land uses. The analysis shall compute flow rates and velocities (for the overbank and extreme flood control storms) downstream to the location of the 10% rule for present conditions and proposed conditions (i.e., before and after development of the applicable site).

If flow rates and velocities (for Q_p10 and Q_p100) without detention increase by less than 5% from the present condition, or as otherwise required by Table 2-7 above, and no existing structures are adversely impacted, then no additional analysis is necessary and no detention is required. If the flow rates and velocities increase by more than 5%, or as otherwise required by Table 2-7 above, the designer shall either redesign the project with a detention structure and complete the analysis with detention, propose corrective actions to the impacted downstream areas, or utilize some combination of the above. The Agency may require the designer to complete additional investigations on a case-by-case basis depending on the magnitude of the project, the sensitivity of the receiving water resources, or other issues such as past drainage or flooding complaints.

Special caution shall be used when the analysis shows that no detention structure is required. Designers shall demonstrate that runoff will not cause downstream flooding within the stream reach to the location of the 10% rule. The absence of on-site detention shall not be perceived to waive or eliminate other treatment standards requirements.

A downstream analysis shall include, at a minimum, a hydrologic investigation of the site area draining to a proposed detention facility and of the contributing watershed to the location of the 10% rule for the 10- and possibly 100-year storms, and a hydraulic analysis of the stream channel below the facility to the location of the 10% rule (e.g., a HECRAS water surface profile analysis or approved equivalent). Depending on the magnitude of the impact and the specific conditions of the analysis, additional information and data may be necessary. Additional information may include collecting field run topography, establishing building elevations and culvert sizes, investigating specific drainage concerns or complaints, and identifying all culverts, control, conveyance, and stormwater treatment and control contributing to the point of analysis.

Downstream Analysis Steps.

1. Calculation of pre- and post-development stormwater runoff at the point of the 10% rule.

a. Locate the downstream analysis study point downstream of the project discharge point where site area is 10% of the total contributing drainage area (i.e. where the drainage area is 10 times the project site area). NOTE: In cases where the site area is already less than 10% of the drainage area at the point of discharge, the downstream analysis allowable increase shall be scaled according to Table 2-7 above, which reduces allowable increases as thepercentage of the site area relative to contributing drainage area decreases. In addition, in these cases, the downstream analysis may need to be extended downstream to the first structure (e.g. bridge, culvert) if the structure is reasonably expected to be affected by the project.

b. Model the existing condition runoff from the entire contributing off-site drainage area to the identified analysis point. As a separate component to the model, model the project site for both existing conditions and post-development. The project site model should then be linked to the remainder of the contributing drainage area model to calculate the existing and post-development flow rates and velocities to the identified analysis point.

2. Comparison of existing condition and post-development stormwater runoff at the point of the 10% rule.

a. If flows and velocities increase by less than 5% at the analysis point, or as otherwise required by above, then no detention facility may be required if and only if the following is confirmed via hydraulic analyses:

i) Verify the stream channel and all structures downstream to the identified analysis point, and all conveyances to the discharge point (off-site and project site) have adequate capacity to safely convey the increased runoff, such that no structures, buildings, or existing land uses are adversely impacted. A simple channel model may be used in limited cases to demonstrate that the post-development peak volume will not exceed channel capacity. In most scenarios, a more in-depth hydraulic water surface profile analysis may be required to satisfy the analysis (e.g. HECRAS). If peak flow conditions are predicted to access the floodplain during peak flow conditions, then pre- and post- inundation mapping may be required to demonstrate that proposed conditions will not create or exacerbate adverse impacts to structures, buildings, or existing land uses. More rigorous and detailed hydraulic analyses may be required for evaluation of the 100-year 24-hour design storm.

b. If flows and velocities increase by 5% or greater at the analysis point, or as otherwise required by Table 2-7 above, then the designer shall provide enough stormwater detention on the project site so that flows and velocities do not increase by 5% or greater at the analysis point, or as otherwise required by Table 2-7, shall comply with Step 2(a)(i) above.

PART 3.0 POST-CONSTRUCTION SOIL DEPTH AND QUALITY

3.1 Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] The Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard shall apply to all disturbed areas within the limits of the site which are not covered by an impervious surface, incorporated into a structural stormwater treatment practice, or engineered as structural fill once development is complete.

[] Undisturbed areas where the duff layer and native topsoil are retained meet the intent of this Standard and shall not be subject to disturbance solely for the purpose of soil amendment.

[] This practice shall not be required on soil slopes greater than 33 percent.

[] The practice may be adjusted to reflect the mapped topsoil depth for soils that do not naturally have 4 inches or more of topsoil as indicated on the NRCS Official Soil Series Descriptions for the mapped soil types. In these cases, a copy of the Official Soil Series Description shall be included with the application. However, the practice standard of 4 inches shall apply on sites with fill soils that have replaced native soils, and sites where native topsoil was removed, regardless of whether or not existing soils have less than 4 inches of topsoil.

[] Areas subject to significant regular foot or vehicle traffic may be waived from compliance with this Standard, but designers shall model the area in question as "open space in poor condition" rather than as "open space in good condition." These areas shall be clearly identified on the plan sheet. Requests for such waivers shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to Agency approval.

[] The identification of areas exempt from the standard because of structural fill shall be at the designer's discretion based on their best professional judgement, but will require certification that such areas are not able to meet this Standard. Areas exempt from the Standard because of structural fill shall not be used as disconnection areas under Simple Disconnection or Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers.

3.2 Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Treatment

Required Elements:

Soil retention. Retain, in an undisturbed state, the duff layer and native topsoil to the maximum extent practicable.

Soil quality. All areas subject to the Standard shall demonstrate the following:

[] A topsoil layer with a minimum organic matter content of 4% dry weight in planting beds and turf areas. The topsoil layer shall have a minimum depth of 4 inches, except where tree roots limit the depth of incorporation of amendments needed to meet the criteria or where native mapped soils indicate less than 4 inches of naturally occurring topsoil on an NRCS Official Soil Series Description. In those cases in which native mapped soils indicate less than 4 inches of naturally occurring topsoil, restored top soil depth shall match that indicated on the NRCS Official Soil Series Description.

[] Compost and other materials shall be used that meet the following requirements:

-- 11te compost or olher malerlals shall have a carbon lo nitrogen rallo below 25:1.

[] Compost shall meet the definition of "compost" in the Agency's Solid Waste Management Rules or shall meet the contaminant standards in the Vermont Solid Waste Management Rules § 6-1104 (6- 7), § 6-1105, and § 6-1106. Compost or other organic materials may be amended to meet the foregoing requirements.

[] Exceptional Quality biosolids (EQ biosolids) may be used as a soil amendment, at a maximum proportion of 35% of the total soil volume, and shall be well mixed with existing soil before or during application.

[] The resulting soil shall be conducive to the type of vegetation to be established.

[] The soil quality requirements shall be met by using one or a combination of the following methods:

-- Option 1: Leave undisturbed native vegetation and soil, and protect from compaction during construction. Identify areas of the site that will not be stripped, logged, graded, or driven on, and fence off those areas to prevent impacts during construction. Failure to establish and maintain exclusionary controls around these areas during the construction phase may trigger the requirement to restore soils per one of the following options.

-- Option 2: Amend existing site topsoil or subsoil in place.

[] Scarify or till subsoils to 4 inches of depth or to depth needed to achieve a total depth of 8 inches of uncompacted soil after calculated amount of amendment is added. Except for within the drip line of existing trees, the entire surface shall be disturbed by scarification.

[] Amend soil to meet organic content requirements:

-- PRE-APPROVED RATE: Place 1 inch of composted material with an organic matter content between 40 and 65% and rototill into 3 inches of soil, or

-- CALCULATED RATE: Place calculated amount of composted material or approved organic material and rototill into depth of soil needed to achieve 4 inches of settled soil at 4% organic content.

[] Rake beds to smooth and remove surface rocks larger than 2 inches in diameter.

[] Water or roll to compact soil in turf areas to 85% of maximum dry density.

-- Option 3: Remove and stockpile existing topsoil during grading.

[] Stockpile soil on site in a designated controlled area, at least 50 feet from surface waters, wetlands, floodplains, or other critical resource areas.

[] Scarify or till subgrade to a depth of 4 inches. Except for within the drip line of existing trees, the entire surface shall be disturbed by scarification.

[] Stockpiled topsoil shall also be amended, if needed, to meet the organic content requirements:

-- PRE-APPROVED RATE: Compost shall be incorporated with an organic matter content between 40 and 65% into the topsoil at a ratio 1:3, or

-- CALCULATED RATE: Incorporate composted material or approved organic material at a calculated rate to achieve 4 inches of settled soil at 4% organic content.

[] Replace stockpiled topsoil prior to planting.

[] Rake to level, and remove surface rocks larger than 2 inches in diameter.

-- Option 4: Import topsoil mix, or other materials for mixing, including compost, of sufficient organic content and depth.

[] Scarify or till subgrade to a depth of 4 inches. Except for within the drip line of existing trees, the entire surface shall be disturbed by scarification.

[] Place 4 inches of imported topsoil mix on surface. The imported topsoil mix shall contain 4% organic matter. Soils used in the mix shall be sand or sandy loam as defined by the USDA.

[] Rake beds to smooth and remove surface rocks larger than 2 inches in diameter.

[] Water or roll to compact soil in turf areas to 85% of maximum dry density.

3.3 Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] A site-specific plan for soil management must be provided that:

-- Identifies areas on the site subject to the Standard;

-- Includes construction details and notes on the various methods the contractor may use to meet the Standard. Soil depth and quality shall be established towards the end of construction and once established, protected from compaction, such as from large machinery, vehicle traffic, and from erosion; and

-- Includes instructions for contractor verification of the Standard, including a sampling scheme, for verification by the contractor, that includes nine 8-inch deep test holes per acre of area subject to Standard. Test holes shall be excavated using only a shovel driven solely by inspector's weight and shall be at least 50 feet apart from each other.

[] A dense and vigorous vegetative cover shall be established over turf areas.

PART 4.0 ACCEPTABLE STORMWATER TREATMENT PRACTICES

4.1 Pre-Treatment Practices

Pre-treatment shall be provided for stormwater runoff, except for roof runoff that does not commingle with other stormwater runoff prior to treatment. Pre-treatment practices are designed to improve water quality and enhance the effective design life of STPs by consolidating the maintenance to a specific location. However, they do not meet pollutant removal goals or stormwater volume reduction standards on their own.

WQ_v pre-treatment practices shall be combined with acceptable volume reduction and control, water quality, or storage practices to meet applicable standards. Pre-treatment practices include:

[] Pre-Treatment Swales (Grass Channels)

[] Vegetated Filter Strips

[] Sediment Forebays

[] Deep Sump Catch Basins

[] Proprietary Devices

In cases where the practice is a proprietary device, specifications and design criteria can typically be obtained from vendors. As the Agency approves specific proprietary devices for pre-treatment, the Agency will maintain and update a list of these approved practices accessible to designers.

4.1.1 Pre-Treatment Swale

Pre-treatment swales, also known as grass channels, are shallow, vegetated, earthen channels designed to convey flows, while capturing a limited amount of sediment and associated pollutants. They are similar to conventional drainage ditches, with the major differences being flatter side and longitudinal slopes as well as a slower design velocity for small storm events. A pre-treatment swale differs from a treatment dry swale in that it is not intended to provide sufficient contact time for pollutant removal processes other than those associated with larger sediment particles and therefore can only be used for pre-treatment.

4.1.1.1 Pre-Treatment Swale Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] Pre-treatment swales constructed without check dams shall have a maximum longitudinal slope of 5%. Pre-treatment swales constructed on steeper slopes, >5% to a maximum longitudinal slope of 6%, shall include check dams, step pools, or other grade controls.

4.1.1.2 Pre-Treatment Swale Design

Required Elements:

[] Pre-treatment swales shall be sized as follows:

-- Sizing of the pre-treatment swale width and length shall be based on the peak flow rate from the water quality storm (see Section 2.2.4.2) and shall be designed to ensure a minimum residence time of 5 minutes at peak velocity for flow from the inlet to the outlet of the swale. For linear projects with no defined primary inflow location or similar projects with lateral contributing flow, adherence to the minimum 5-minute residence time shall be based on the peak flow rate from the water quality design storm as modeled for the contributing drainage area, and is sufficient for meeting pre-treatment swale design requirements.

-- Sufficient length for 5-minute minimum residence time for the peak discharge of the water quality storm (1.0 inch, 24-hour event), with velocity no greater than 1 foot per second peak runoff depth no greater than 4 inches.

[] The peak velocity for the 1-year storm within the pre-treatment swale must be non-erosive, in other words 3.5-5.0 feet per second.

[] The bottom width of the swale shall be between 2 and 8 feet wide. The minimum width ensures a minimum filtering surface for water quality treatment, and the maximum width prevents braiding, the formation of small channels within the channel bottom.

[] Pre-treatment swales shall have a trapezoidal or parabolic cross section with side slopes less than or equal to 2H:1V.

[] Check Dams. Check dams or weirs shall be used to increase hydraulic residence time in the swale in steeper applications, >5%. Plunge pools or other energy dissipation may also be considered where the elevation difference between the tops of weirs to the downstream channel invert is a concern. The design requirements for check dams are as follows:

-- Check dams shall be composed of wood, concrete, stone, or other non-erodible material. The check dam shall be designed to facilitate easy maintenance and periodic mowing.

-- Check dams shall be firmly anchored into the side-slopes to prevent outflanking and anchored into the channel bottom a minimum of 6 inches.

-- Check dams shall be designed with a center weir sized to pass the channel design storm peak flow (minimum 10-year 24-hour storm event if an on-line practice).

-- Pre-treatment swales shall have the capacity to convey larger storms (minimum 10-year 24hour storm event) safely with 6" of freeboard.

-- Armoring shall be provided at the downstream toe of the check dam, if necessary to prevent erosion.

-- Check dams shall be spaced based on channel slope, as needed to increase residence time, provide storage volume, or meet volume attenuation requirements. The ponded water level at a downhill check dam shall not extend above the elevation of the toe of the upstream check dam.

-- Check dams composed of wood, concrete, or similar construction, shall have a weep hole or similar drainage feature so the check dam can dewater after a storm event.

4.1.2 Pre-Treatment Filter Strip

Filter strips (i.e., vegetated filter strips, grass filter strips, and grassed filters) are vegetated areas that are intended to treat distributed flow from adjacent impervious areas. Filter strips function by slowing runoff velocities and filtering out sediment and other pollutants, and providing some limited infiltration into underlying soils. With proper design and maintenance, filter strips can provide effective pre-treatment. Proper grading to ensure distributed flow throughout the length of the practice is necessary for a properly functioning filter strip.

4.1.2.1 Filter Strip Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] Filter strips designed for pre-treatment shall have a maximum average slope of 6%.

[] The soils underlying the filter strip shall, at minimum, meet the criteria included in the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard (Subchapter 3.0).

4.1.2.2 Filter Strip Design

Required Elements:

[] The filter strip shall abut the entire length of the contributing area to ensure that runoff from all portions of the site are pre-treated.

[] To limit the occurrence of concentration flow conditions, the maximum impervious contributing flow path length to a filter strip shall be limited to 75 feet for impervious surfaces and 150 feet for pervious surfaces and the filter strip shall be graded in such a way as to prevent the concentration of flow.

[] A roughly uniform stone diaphragm at the top of the slope is required for filter strips providing pre-treatment for contributing impervious surfaces with slopes greater than 5%.

-- The roughly uniform stone diaphragm shall be created by excavating a 2-foot wide and 1-foot deep trench that runs on the same contour at the top of the filter strip.

-- Flow shall travel over the impervious area and to the practice, including the stone diaphragm as distributed flow.

-- A layer of filter fabric shall be placed between the stone and the underlying soil in the trench.

-- If the contributing drainage area is steep (6% slope or greater), then larger stone shall be used in the diaphragm.

4.1.3 Sediment Forebay

A sediment forebay may be a separate cell within the STP formed by a barrier such as an earthen berm or concrete weir, or may be designed with conveyance linking to STP. Forebays may be used as a pre-treatment practice to minimize maintenance needs for nearly any STP. The purpose of a forebay is to provide pre-treatment by settling out sediment particles at the inflow to a STP. This can enhance treatment performance, reduce maintenance, and increase the longevity of a STP.

4.1.3.1 Sediment Forebay Design

Required Elements:

[] The forebay shall be sized to contain a minimum of 10% of the WQ_v (greater than 10% may be required depending on the downstream STP) and be of an adequate depth to prevent re-suspension of collected sediments during the design storm, often 4 to 6 feet deep, but in no case less than 2 feet deep.

[] The forebay shall have side slopes no steeper than 2:1.

[] The forebay shall have a minimum length to width ratio of 1:1 and a preferred minimum length to width ratio of 2:1 or greater. When riprap is used, designers shall appropriately size riprap to effectively dissipate erosive velocities.

[] The fore bay shall consist of a separate cell, formed by an acceptable barrier such as an earthen berm, or a concrete weir. If a channel is used to convey flows from the forebay to the primary STP, the ped and side slopes of the channel shall be armored.

[] The outer perimeter of all deep permanent pool areas (4 feet or greater) shall be surrounded by a safety bench that generally extends 15 feet outward (a 10-foot minimum bench is allowable on sites with extreme space limitations at the discretion of the Agency) from the normal water edge to the toe of the side slope. The maximum slope of the safety bench shall be 6%. This requirement shall be waived where forebay side slopes are 4:1 or flatter.

[] The outlet from the forebay shall be designed in a manner to prevent erosion of the embankment and primary pool.

[] The outlet invert shall be elevated in a manner such that a minimum of 10% of the WQ_v can be stored below it. This outlet may be configured in a number of ways, such as a culvert, weir, or spillway channel. The outlet shall be designed to convey the same design flow proposed to enter the structure.

[] A fixed vertical sediment depth marker shall be installed in the forebay to measure sediment deposition.

[] Direct access for appropriate maintenance equipment shall be provided to the forebay, and may include a ramp to the bottom of the embankment if equipment cannot reach all points within the forebay from the top of the embankment.

4.1.4 Deep Sump Catch Basins

Deep sump catch basins are modified inlet structures that can be installed in a piped stormwater conveyance system to remove coarse sediment, trash, and debris. They can also serve as temporary spill containment devices for floatables such as oils and greases.

4.1.4.1 Deep Sump Catch Basin Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] Deep sump catch basins used as pre-treatment devices shall be located "off-line", with connections to downstream structures taking place at manholes or buried pipe connections, but shall not contain inlet pipes from other structures. Catch basin-to-catch basin or inlet-to-inlet configurations are acceptable for conveyance, but they shall not be counted as a pre-treatment practice.

[] The contributing drainage area to each deep sump catch basin shall not exceed 0.25 acres of impervious cover.

4.1.4.2 Deep Sump Catch Basin Design

Required Elements:

[] The deep sump shall be a minimum of 4 feet deep below the lowest pipe invert, or four times the diameter of the outlet pipe, whichever value is greater.

[] The inlet grate shall be sized based on the contributing drainage area, to ensure that the flow rate does not exceed the capacity of the grate.

[] Inlet grates designed with curb cuts shall reach the back of the curb cut to prevent flow bypass.

[] Hooded outlets shall be used.

[] So that the sump can be easily inspected and maintained, the inlet grate shall not be welded to the frame.

[] Sufficient maintenance access shall be provided when designing the geometry of deep sump catch basins.

4.1.5 Proprietary Pre-Treatment Devices

Proprietary devices are manufactured systems that use proprietary settling, filtration, absorption/adsorption, vortex principles, vegetation, and other processes to provide storm water treatment. Three general types of proprietary devices are most often considered for stormwater applications: oil and grit separators, hydrodynamic devices, and filtering systems. Some types of proprietary devices may not be able demonstrate the level of water quality performance required by this Manual and as such, are only allowable for pre-treatment provided an independent third-party monitoring program, such as one of the programs identified in Section 4.4.1, verifies that the proposed device removes a minimum of 50% TSS for the WQ_v including during the maximum flow during the water quality event (Q_wq).

4.1.5.1 Proprietary Device Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] Proprietary devices shall be designed and installed in compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

[] Proprietary devices shall be designed as off-line systems, or shall have an internal bypass to avoid large flows and re-suspension of pollutants, to be used as pre-treatment for other practices.

4.1.5.2 Proprietary Devices Design

Required Elements:

[] To qualify as an acceptable pre-treatment device, proprietary devices shall remove a minimum of 50% TSS, as verified by an independent third-party monitoring group. For flow based proprietary practices, TSS removal shall be demonstrated for the Q_wq routed to the practice.

[] Flow-through proprietary devices shall be designed to pass the entire WQ_v and the Q_wq. Q_wq shall be calculated in accordance with Section 2.2.4.2.

[] A proprietary storage device shall be sized based on the required pre-treatment volume, which is expressed as a percentage of the WQ_v.

[] Flows higher than the design flow or that exceed the pre-treatment storage volume shall be configured to bypass the system, either by designing the practice as an off-line system or providing an internal bypass.

[] For proprietary devices such as oil and grit separators, all baffles shall be tightly sealed at sidewalls and at the roof to prevent the escape of oil.

[] Proprietary devices shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines, and at a minimum when sediment has reached 50% of the designed storage capacity.

[] Proprietary devices shall be located such that they are accessible for maintenance and emergency removal of oil and chemical spills.

4.2 Non-Structural Practices

4.2.1 Reforestation and Tree Planting

Trees act as natural reservoirs by intercepting and storing rainfall, which can reduce stormwater runoff volume and mitigate its effects. Tree canopies intercept rainfall before it becomes stormwater runoff, and the uncompacted soil into which trees are ideally planted can be used to capture and treat runoff. Trees may also be incorporated into bioretention and filter STP designs found in Section 4.3.

For the purposes of this Manual, credit for reforestation is given for three methods:

[] Active reforestation involves planting a stand or block of trees at a project site, or individual trees with the explicit goal of establishing a mature forest canopy or distributed cover that will intercept rainfall, increase evapotranspiration rates, and enhance soil infiltration rates.

[] Passive reforestation consists of protecting a portion of a project site from mowing and allowing native vegetation to reestablish.

[] Single tree credit for the planting of individual trees.

The credits outlined in this Section may be applied to site areas regardless of location on site. For reforested areas that receive runoff from impervious surfaces, credit may be sought under the requirements for Simple Disconnection ( Section 4.2.2) or Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers ( Section 4.2.3).

Reforestation and tree planting may be considered in urban and suburban areas, as well as in rural situations where existing unforested areas are proposed for development, to provide shade and stormwater retention and to add aesthetic and natural habitat value.

4.2.1.1 Reforestation and Tree Planting Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] The minimum contiguous area of active or passive reforestation shall be a minimum of 2,500 square feet.

[] The minimum width for reforested areas shall be 25 feet.

[] To receive credit towards HC_v, the reforested area shall be within the site or may be contiguous with the site, provided that in either case, the reforested area is under the same ownership or control as the site and shall be identified as protected from development and disturbance on the site plan.

[] For reforested areas that will receive runoff from impervious surfaces, slope limitations shall be consistent with the requirements of Simple Disconnection ( Section 4.2.2) or Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers ( Section 4.2.3).

[] Tree species selection shall be appropriate to the soil and site conditions of the area to be reforested.

[] Designers may consider designated foot traffic access to reforested areas by use of a path or trail. Impervious surface areas located within or across reforested areas shall not count toward reforestation credit.

4.2.1.2 Reforestation and Tree Planting Treatment

Required Elements:

[] The soil within the area to be reforested shall meet the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality standard (Subchapter 3.0).

[] Tree species selected shall be well-suited to the site with consideration for natural species composition and diversity of forests in the immediate or local area.

[] If the reforestation area is serving as a vegetated filter strip to receive additional credit through Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers ( Section 4.2.3), the required elements of that practice shall also be satisfied, taking steps necessary to ensure that additional routed runoff does not cause erosion or degrade the quality of ground cover.

[] T_v credit for active reforestation shall be equal to 0.1 inches multiplied by the reforested area (i.e. a reforested area of 1 acre equates to a T_v credit of 363 cubic feet).

[] T_v credit for passive reforestation shall be equal to 0.05 inches multiplied by the practice area.

[] T_v credit for single tree plantings shall be 5 cubic feet per tree planted.

4.2.1.3. Reforestation and Tree Planting Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] A planting plan for the reforestation area shall be prepared to indicate how the area will be stabilized and established with vegetation. The plan shall include at a minimum the following elements: delineation of the reforestation area, selection of corresponding plant species, plant locations, sequence for preparing the reforestation area (including soil amendments, if needed), and sources of plant material. Landscaping plans shall clearly specify how vegetation within the reforested area will be established and managed. These plans shall include trees and shrubs that are native or adapted to Vermont, and procedures for preventing noxious or invasive plants. Managed turf (e.g., playgrounds, regularly mown and maintained open areas) is not an acceptable form of vegetation management within reforested areas.

[] The entire reforestation area shall be covered with an approved native seed mix covered with mulch to help retain moisture and provide a beneficial environment for the reforestation.

[] Active and passive reforestation areas shall not be maintained as landscaped areas. Forest leaf litter, duff, and volunteer sapling and understory growth shall not be removed.

[] Trees planted for the single tree credit shall be at least 2-inch caliper for deciduous trees, or at least six feet tall for conifers.

4.2.2 Simple Disconnection

Simple disconnection involves directing flow from residential or small commercial rooftops, sidewalks, and residential driveways to pervious areas, where it can soak into or filter over the ground. This effectively disconnects these surfaces from the storm drain system, reducing both runoff volume and pollutants delivered to receiving waters. In simple disconnection practices, treatment of pollutants and total suspended solids occurs via physical filtering and infiltration of the runoff through soil and vegetation, as well as chemical and biological activity within the soil.

This practice is dependent on several site conditions (e.g., permeable flow path length, soils, slopes, and vegetative cover) to function properly.

4.2.2.1 Simple Disconnection Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] A permeable, vegetated treatment flow path equal in length to the minimum flow path length needed for treatment (see 4.2.2.4, below) shall be available down gradient (downslope) of the qualifying impervious surface to effectively disconnect runoff. An exception is made for impervious surface contributing lengths less than or equal to 10 feet, for which a disconnection length equal to the contributing length shall be specified for slopes less than 8% or double the contributing length for slopes greater than or equal to 8%.

[] The width of the disconnection area shall be at least 12 feet for disconnected rooftops that discharge via downspouts, or equal to the contributing width for all other surfaces.

[] The soils underlying the receiving disconnection area must, at minimum, meet the criteria included in the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality standard (Subchapter 3.0).

[] The contributing surface impervious area to any one discharge location must not exceed 1,000 square feet. The contributing rooftop area to an individual downspout shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.

[] The maximum contributing impervious flow path length to any one discharge location shall be 75 feet.

[] Parking lots shall not be directed to Simple Disconnection areas. Parking lots require pre- treatment and may be disconnected in accordance with "Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers ( Section 4.2.3).

[] Receiving areas may be adjacent to each other, but there shall be no overlap.

[] The vegetated area shall have a maximum slope of 15% with land graded to promote sheet flow.

[] For sites with septic systems, the disconnection flow path must be cross-gradient or down-gradient of the leachfield primary and reserve areas. This requirement may be waived if site topography clearly prohibits flows from intersecting the leachfield.

4.2.2.2 Simple Disconnection Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] Runoff must enter the disconnection area as sheet flow for the applicable design storms and shall not be allowed to channelize.

[] Runoff must be conveyed as sheet flow onto and across open areas to maintain proper disconnection. Disconnections shall be located on gradual slopes and directed away from buildings to both maintain sheet flow and prevent water damage to basements and foundations

[] Where provided, downspouts must be at least 10 feet away from the nearest impervious surface to prevent reconnection to the stormwater drainage system.

[] A stone diaphragm, level spreader, splash pad, or other accepted flow spreading device shall be installed at each downspout outlet to distribute flows evenly across the flow path.

[] Where a gutter and downspout system is not used, runoff shall drain as either sheet flow from the contributing surface or drain to a subsurface drain field that is not directly connected to the drainage network.

4.2.2.3 Simple Disconnection Pre-Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Surfaces that qualify for simple disconnection do not require pre-treatment provided that the runoff from those surfaces does not comingle with other runoff.

4.2.2.4 Simple Disconnection Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Flow from each downspout shall be spread over a minimum 12-foot wide disconnection flow path extending down-gradient from the structure.

[] A permeable, vegetated treatment area equal to the minimum flow path length needed for treatment (see Table 4-1, below) and as wide as the disconnected surface shall be available down gradient (downslope) of the impervious cover to effectively disconnect runoff.

[] To qualify for shorter disconnection flow paths, the vegetated treatment area shall be located on HSG A orB soils, or have a demonstrated infiltration rate of [greater than or equal] 0.5 inches per hour. In cases of urban or otherwise fill soils, a site-specific soil evaluation will be necessary to qualify for shorter disconnection flow paths.

Table 4-1. Required Simple Disconnection Lengths (in direction of flow) for WQ_v credit

HSG of soil in disconnection area	Disconnection Area Slope
HSG of soil in disconnection area	Less than 8%	8-15%
A/B or infiltration rate >=0.5 in./hr	35 feet	50 feet
C/D or infiltration rate < 0.5 in./hr	65 feet	85 feet

[] Areas disconnected in accordance with Table 4-1 shall receive T_v credit equal to 1 inch multiplied by the disconnected area. T_v for disconnections may be applied to the Recharge Standard, Channel Protection Standard, Overbank Flood Protection Standard, and Extreme Flood Protection Standard. Full compliance with the Channel Protection, Overbank Flood Protection, and Extreme Flood Protection Standards may require the use of additional STPs in addition to the disconnection.

[] For disconnection areas on A soils, or where the infiltration rate is demonstrated to be [greater than or equal]1 inch per hour by site specific soil evaluation, T_v credit shall be equal to the HC_v if the disconnection length is equal to 80 feet on slopes less than or equal to 8% or 110 feet on slopes between 8 and 15%.

[] Qualifying impervious surfaces with contributing lengths less than or equal to 10 feet may provide a disconnection length equal to the contributing length on slopes less than or equal to 8% or twice the contributing length on slopes between 8 and 15%, and as wide as the disconnected surface. T_v credit shall be equal to 1 inch multiplied by the disconnected area for where the hydrologic soil group of the disconnection area is B, C, or D. For disconnection areas on A soils, or where the infiltration rate is demonstrated to be [greater than or equal]1 inch per hour by site specific soil evaluation, T_v credit shall be equal to the HC_v.

4.2.2.5 Simple Disconnection Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] A dense and vigorous vegetative cover shall be established over the receiving areas.

4.2.3 Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers

The use of disconnection can provide groundwater recharge and can reduce the volume of runoff exiting the site, reduce pollutant and sediment loads, and reduce or slow peak flows. Filter strips and vegetated buffers are vegetated areas that receive runoff from adjacent impervious or managed turf surfaces and allow runoff to be slowed and filtered by plants and soil and to infiltrate into the ground. Vegetated buffers are undisturbed or restored natural open space areas that are protected from development, and may be forested (with a well-distributed stand of trees) or meadow (with dense grasses or shrubs that are mown no more than twice per year). Filter strips are managed or engineered vegetated areas, usually adjacent to contributing developed areas.

The effectiveness of disconnection varies considerably based on site conditions such as the contributing drainage area, slope and site grading, and the size and infiltration capacity of the pervious receiving area. Dense vegetative cover, long disconnection lengths, and low surface slopes provide the most effective vegetated filters. Vegetated filter strips and vegetated buffers are best suited to treating runoff from small segments of impervious cover such as road shoulders and small parking lots that are adjacent to pervious surfaces.

There are two typical configurations for conveying runoff from larger rooftops or ground-level impervious surfaces to filter strips or vegetated buffers:

[] When runoff uniformly enters the practice along a linear edge, such as at the edge of a road or parking lot, and drains down-slope across the filter strip's or vegetated buffer's length, a clean stone diaphragm or similar pre-treatment practice serves as a non-erosive transition between the impervious surface and the filter strip or vegetated buffer.

[] Where the inflow to the practice is concentrated flow from a pipe or channel, an engineered level spreader must be designed to convert the concentrated flow back to sheet flow.

4.2.3.1 Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] A permeable, vegetated treatment area equal to the minimum disconnection area length needed for treatment must be available down gradient (downslope) of the impervious cover to effectively disconnect runoff.

[] The soils underlying the receiving disconnection area must, at minimum, meet the criteria included in the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality standard (Subchapter 3.0).

[] Vegetated buffers shall remain in a natural state and must be protected to ensure that no future development, disturbance, or clearing may occur within the area.

[] Vegetated filter strips shall be identified and protected to ensure that no future development, disturbance or clearing may occur within the area, except as stipulated in the vegetation maintenance plan.

[] The maximum contributing impervious flow path length to any one discharge location shall be 75 feet, and the maximum contributing pervious flow path shall be 150 feet for runoff delivered to the disconnection area as sheet flow via a stone diaphragm. Longer contributing flow paths may be possible with proper conveyance and engineered level spreaders.

[] Vegetated buffers and filter strips may be adjacent to each other, but there shall be no overlap.

[] Vegetated buffers shall have a maximum slope of 8%, while vegetated filter strips shall have a maximum slope of 15%.

[] To qualify for shorter disconnection flow paths, the filter strip or vegetated buffer shall be located on HSG A or B soils, or have a demonstrated infiltration rate of [greater than or equal] 0.5 inches per hour. In cases of urban or otherwise fill soils, site specific soil evaluation will be necessary to qualify for shorter disconnection flow paths.

4.2.3.2 Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] A stone diaphragm or level spreader shall be provided from the disconnected area to the vegetated area to ensure that runoff will flow in a safe and non-erosive manner during larger storm events.

[] Runoff shall be conveyed as sheet flow onto and across open areas to maintain proper disconnection. Disconnections shall be located on gradual slopes and directed away from buildings to both maintain sheet flow and prevent water damage to basements and foundations.

[] The maximum contributing impervious flow path length shall be 75 feet, and the maximum contributing pervious flow path shall be 150 feet to prevent concentration of flow. Longer contributing flow paths may be possible with proper conveyance and engineered level spreaders.

[] Stone Diaphragms. A diaphragm of stone at the top of the slope is required for both vegetated buffers and filter strips that receive sheet flow. Stone diaphragms shall comply with the following requirements:

-- The clean stone diaphragm shall be created by excavating a 2-foot wide and 1-foot deep trench that runs on the same contour at the top of the filter strip.

-- Flow shall travel over the impervious area and to the practice as sheet flow.

-- A layer of filter fabric shall be placed between the stone and the underlying soil trench.

-- If the contributing drainage area is steep (6% slope or greater), then larger stone shall be used in the diaphragm, or an engineered level spreader shall be used in place of the stone diaphragm.

[] Engineered Level Spreaders. An engineered level spreader at the top of the slope is required for vegetated buffers and filter strips that receive concentrated flow from a swale or pipe conveyance, to ensure non-erosive sheet flow into the treatment area. The required design elements of engineered level spreaders are as follows:

-- A high flow bypass shall provide safe passage for storms larger than the design storm of the level spreader. The bypass channel shall accommodate all peak flows of the bypassed storms.

-- Level spreader length shall be determined by the type of filter area and the design flow. The design flow shall be the peak discharge of the largest storm event routed to the level spreader:

[] For filter areas that consist of grasses or thick ground cover, 13 feet of level spreader length per every 1 cubic foot per second (cfs) of inflow shall be provided.

[] For filter area that are forested or reforested, 40 feet of level spreader length per every 1 cfs of inflow shall be provided.

[] Where the filter area is a mix of grass and forest or re-forested area, the level spreader length shall be established by computing a weighted average of the lengths required for each vegetation type.

[] The minimum level spreader length shall be 13 feet and the maximum length shall be 130 feet.

[] For determining the level spreader length, the peak discharge shall be determined using the computational procedure outlined in Section 2.2.4.2.

-- The level spreader lip shall be concrete, wood, stone, pre-fabricated metal, or other durable non-erodible material with a well-anchored and frost-protected footer. Level spreaders shall be designed and installed level (uniform 0% slope) and straight or convex in plan view.

-- The ends of the level spreader section shall be tied back into the slope to avoid scouring around the ends of the level spreader.

-- The width of the level spreader channel on the up-stream side of the level lip shall be three times the diameter of the inflow pipe, and the depth shall be 9 inches or one-half the inflow pipe diameter, whichever is greater. The width of the level spreader channel shall be a minimum of 7 feet.

-- The level spreader lip shall be placed 3 to 6 inches above the downstream natural grade elevation to avoid blockage due to turf buildup. To prevent grade drops that re-concentrate the flows, a 3-foot wide section of open-graded coarse aggregate with a 1-inch to 2.5-inch particle size distribution, underlain by filter fabric, shall be installed just below the spreader to transition from the level spreader to natural grade.

-- Vegetated receiving areas down-gradient from the level spreader shall be able to withstand the force of the flow coming over the lip of the device.

4.2.3.3 Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers Pre-Treatment

If rooftop runoff is disconnected to a filter strip or vegetated buffer, pre-treatment is not required, provided the runoff is routed to the receiving area in a manner such that it is unlikely to accumulate significant additional sediment (e.g., via grass channel), and provided the runoff is not commingled with other runoff.

Required Elements:

[] A stone diaphragm is required as pre-treatment where runoff enters a filter strip or vegetated buffer via sheet flow (see previous section).

[] If stormwater is routed to a forebay for required pre-treatment, the forebay shall be volumetrically sized for 10% of the computed WQ _v. Otherwise, pre-treatment designed in accordance with Section 4.1 is required.

4.2.3.4 Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers Treatment Required Elements:

[] A permeable, vegetated treatment area equal to the minimum disconnection area length needed for treatment and either as wide as the disconnected surface (for flow entering as sheet flow) or the level spreader (for concentrated flows) shall be available down gradient (downslope) of the impervious cover to effectively disconnect runoff.

[] Vegetated buffers and filter strips shall be fully vegetated.

[] Vegetated buffers shall remain ungraded and uncompacted to meet the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality standard (Subchapter 3.0), and the over-story and under-story vegetation shall be maintained in a natural condition.

[] Filter strips shall be uniformly graded to less than 15% slope, have a uniform transverse slope, meet the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality standard (Subchapter 3.0), and be densely vegetated.

Table 4-2. Required Filter Strip and Vegetated Buffer Lengths (in direction of flow) by Soil Infiltration Rate and Slope Class

HSG of soil in disconnection area	Maximum Disconnection Area Slope
HSG of soil in disconnection area	Less than 8%	8-15% (filter strips only)
A/B or infiltration rate >=0.5 in/hr	35 feet	50 feet
C/D or infiltration rate < 0.5 in/hr	65 feet	85 feet

[] Areas disconnected in accordance with this standard shall receive T_v credit equal to 1 inch multiplied by the disconnected area. T_v for disconnections may be applied to the Recharge Standard, Channel Protection Standard, Overbank Flood Protection Standard, and Extreme Flood Protection Standard. Full compliance with the Channel Protection, Overbank Flood Protection, and Extreme Flood Protection Standards may require the use of additional STPs in addition to the disconnection.

4.2.3.5 Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] A minimum 90% vegetative cover shall be maintained within vegetated buffer through natural propagation or targeted planting of native or non-invasive, naturalized species. Grading or clearing of native vegetation is prohibited within vegetated buffers.

[] Vegetated filter strips shall be planted at such a density to achieve a 90% grass/herbaceous cover after the second growing season. The filter strip vegetation may consist of turf grasses, meadow grasses, other herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees, as long as the primary goal of at least 90% coverage with grasses or other herbaceous plants is achieved.

4.2.4 Watershed Hydrology Protection

This STP is only applicable to certain high elevation projects that have the ability to apply a group of practices, that together are used to protect water quality. High elevation is defined as mountainous terrain and shall include locations exceeding 1,500 feet in elevation, or as otherwise determined by the Secretary based on an evaluation of site-specific conditions, including topographic relief relative to surrounding lands, and slope. The Watershed Hydrology Protection STP is applicable to all portions of a project that are determined to be "high elevation" and adjoining project lands at lower elevation that are otherwise able to meet the STP.

The Water Quality Treatment Standard, Groundwater Recharge Standard, and Channel Protection Standard are completely met for portions of a project where the discharges from which satisfy this STP. Additional demonstration of compliance with the Overbank Flood Protection Standard and Extreme Flood Protection Standard shall be required, as applicable. The Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard shall be met for applicable site areas (Subchapter 3.0).

4.2.4.1 Watershed Hydrology Protection Feasibility

Under this STP, all project development shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the undue alteration of the site's natural hydrology. This includes maintaining natural forest cover and protecting the site's surface and subsurface drainage through the promotion of runoff dispersal, the preservation of natural surface and sub-surface drainage features, and the maintenance of the natural groundwater conditions.

Required Elements:

[] Impervious cover shall comply with the following:

-- Impervious cover, in aggregate, shall not exceed 5% in any watershed as measured from the project's most downstream discharge point to any given receiving water; or

-- If the impervious cover exceeds 5% at any given discharge point, the pre-routed post-developed discharge from the site shall not exceed 2 cubic feet per second for the 1-year 24hour storm event. This requirement is only applicable for discharges relying on this STP to satisfy the requirements of the Channel Protection Standard. Designers shall refer to the Channel Protection Standard for waiver requirements;

[] The contributing watershed shall be maintained at a minimum 90% forested land. This requirement is only applicable for discharges relying on the subject STP to satisfy the requirements of the Channel Protection Standard.

[] Except for necessary and authorized construction of stream crossings, an undisturbed protective strip shall be left along streams and other bodies of water. The widths of stream buffers or "protective strips" shall be established according to Table 4-3. Distance from stream shall be from top of bank.

Table 4-3. Protective Strip Width Guide

Slope of land Between Roads and Stream Banks	Width of Strip Between Roads and Stream (Feet Along Surface of Ground)
0-10%	50
11-20%	70
21-30%	90
31-40%*	110

*Add 20 feet for each additional 10 percent side slope except for stream crossing areas

[] Projects using this STP shall, at a minimum, provide site plans with the following information:

-- Two-foot elevation contours for the site and all areas relied upon for disconnection.

-- All surface water features, including seeps, wetlands, and vernal pools within 150 feet upslope of the limits of disturbance, and within the required distances of all down-slope areas relied upon for disconnection (e.g. within 75 feet for disconnection on the downhill side of the road in a forested condition).

-- All surface channels with potential to concentrate runoff within 150 feet upslope of the limits of disturbance, and within the required distances of all down-slope areas relied upon for disconnection (e.g. within 75 feet for disconnection on the downhill side of the road in a forested condition).

-- All areas with potential for significant flow of shallow groundwater flow, including identification of oxyaquic soils, or wet mineral soils that lack redoximorphic features. The extent of soils characterization may be reduced for portions of a project where the roadway is designed to accommodate the likely maximum surface or shallow groundwater flow.

4.2.4.2 Watershed Hydrology Protection Conveyance and Treatment

There are two allowable approaches to manage road runoff: uncollected runoff shall be managed under the "Disconnection Adjacent to Downhill Side of the Road" requirements, and collected runoff from ditches shall be managed under "Disconnection via Level Spreader" requirements. Non-road runoff may be disconnected under either approach with the additional provision that the disconnection flow path shall be at a minimum twice the length of contributing flow path.

Required Elements - Collection and Bypass of Runoff and Groundwater:

[] All road ditches in excess of 5% slope shall be stone lined per the "Lined Waterway" specifications in the Vermont Standards and Specifications for Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control or shall have permanent stone check dams installed in compliance with the following standards:

-- Check dams shall be spaced as necessary in the channel so that the crest of the downstream dam is at the elevation of the toe of the upstream dam. This spacing is equal to the height of the check dam divided by the channel slope.

where:

S = spacing interval (ft.)

h = height of check dam (ft.)

s = channel slope (ft./ft.)

-- Check dams shall be comprised of a well graded stone matrix 2 to 9 inches in size.

-- The overflow of the check dams shall be stabilized to resist erosion that might be caused by the check dam.

-- Check dams shall be anchored in the channel by a cutoff trench 18 inches wide and 6 inches deep and lined with filter fabric to prevent soil migration.

[] Frequent cross-drainage shall be provided under roads. Each roadway section aligned across a slope shall be constructed to provide for the passage of uphill surface flows under the roadway using culverts, rock sandwiches, or other methods to convey flows to the down-slope side of the travel-way. Unless otherwise required due to the presence of groundwater or other drainage features, the distances between drainage structures shall be as follows in Table 4-4. Stormwater runoff from road surface shall not comingle with cross-drainage prior to treatment, accomplished by "clean" conveyance on up-gradient side of roads and grading plan or equivalent method.

Table 4-4. Maximum Allowable Distance between Drainage Conveyance Structures

Road Grade (%)	Distance between Structures
1	400
2	250
5	135
10	80
15	60
20	45
25	40
30	35
40	30

[] Where the travel-way crosses a permanent or intermittent stream channel or swale, the water shall be passed under the travel way and returned to the natural channel on the downhill side of the travel-way.

[] Headwall structure protection shall be provided at cross-drainage locations at both the inlet and outlet, and additional stabilization as necessary at outfall for energy dissipation.

Required Elements - Groundwater Interception:

[] Interception of the groundwater table shall be avoided, where possible.

[] Where medium to coarse textured soils occur with potential for significant flow of shallow sub-surface water, including oxygenated water, the roadway shall be elevated to avoid ditch and slope cuts into the seasonal high groundwater table wherever feasible.

[] For road sections where ditch cuts or slope cuts into the groundwater table are unavoidable, measures such as use of french drains, french mattresses (i.e. mattress shaped structure made of coarse aggregate), or rock sandwiches, shall be used to convey groundwater and shallow distributed surface drainage wherever encountered, and to redistribute the seepage flow to a natural vegetated area on the down-slope side of the travel-way to prevent creating a channel. The length of the flow path in the vegetated area shall be at least 50 feet.

[] Where sub-surface drainage channels are encountered with flows too great to pass through a rock sandwich, a culvert shall be installed to allow the flow to pass under the road and reconnect to the subsurface drainage channel on the down-slope side of the road.

Required Elements - Redistribution and Disconnection of Stormwater:

[] The topography of a disconnection area shall be such that stormwater runoff will remain generally well-distributed. Flow paths across areas that will result in significant collection or channelization are prohibited.

[] Vegetation in the disconnection areas shall be consistent with the required elements of Section 4.2.4.3 (Watershed Hydrology Protection Vegetation and Landscaping).

[] A project discharging concentrated stormwater runoff through a ditch or other conveyance structure shall convert the concentrated flow to sheet flow to prevent erosion of the downstream receiving area in compliance with the following "Disconnection via Level Spreader" specifications:

-- The level spreader disconnection shall be used for collected runoff, including ditch turn outs. Collected runoff shall be diverted to an engineered level spreader that distributes runoff into a disconnection. No areas other than the road surface, road shoulder, road ditch, and ditch back slopes may be directed to the level spreader.

-- The peak flow rate from the design storm shall be distributed via sheet flow from the level spreader lip (i.e. flow depth over level lip no greater than 1.2 inches).

-- The level spreader shall consist of a level lip constructed along the contour and may consist of concrete, wood, stone, or other comparable material. It shall be at least 1-foot high and 2 feet across the top with 2:1 side slopes. If stone is used for the level lip, stone for the berm must consist of sound durable rock that will not disintegrate by exposure to water or weather. Fieldstone, rough quarried stone, blasted ledge rock, or tailings may be used. The rock shall be well-graded with a median size of approximately 3 inches and a maximum size of 6 inches.

-- The level spreader design shall include sufficient stormwater pre-treatment, and at a minimum, shall include a pre-treatment sediment forebay or equivalent pre-treatment storage behind the level spreader lip, that can easily be accessed by maintenance equipment with minimal resulting disturbance following construction.

-- The disconnection flow path shall be a minimum of 150 feet.

-- A disconnection meeting this standard is not allowed on soils identified as wetland soils or on natural slopes in excess of 30%.

[] Non-collected stormwater shall be managed in accordance with the following "Disconnection Adjacent to the Downhill Side of Road" specifications:

-- A disconnection adjacent to the downhill side of a road shall only be used when a disconnection is located such that the runoff from the road surface and shoulder sheets immediately into a disconnection. Required disconnection design and sizing for this type of disconnection does not vary with soil type or slope, except that a disconnection meeting this standard is not allowed on soils identified as wetland soils or on natural slopes in excess of 30%.

-- Flow path sizing depends on the vegetative cover type of a disconnection and the width of road draining to a disconnection as indicated in Table 4-5.

Table 4-5. Flow Path Sizing

Road Width (feet)	Length of flow path for a forested disconnection (feet)	Length of flow path for a meadow disconnection (feet)
Maximum of 20	55	80
Greater than 20	75	100

-- The fill-slope of the road bed may be included as part of a meadow disconnection only if it is designed and constructed to allow infiltration, has a slope not exceeding 30%, provided that vegetation clearing associated with road construction is limited to the extent necessary to accommodate the road's purpose, and the area is re-vegetated.

-- Design and construction to allow infiltration includes the in-slope fill material having slopes no steeper than 3:1; constructing a minimum 3-inch thick top layer of stump grindings or grubbings; and allowing the surface to re-vegetate naturally. Additionally, fill materials shall consist of well-drained soils or stone.

4.2.4.3 Watershed Hydrology Protection Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] The vegetative cover type of a disconnection must be either forest or meadow that is allowed to regenerate to forest. In most instances the sizing of a disconnection varies depending on vegetative cover type. The vegetative cover, including the duff layer, shall remain undisturbed with the exception of necessary maintenance or repair, unless otherwise allowable below pertaining to silvicultural activities.

[] Silvicultural activities, including logging, are allowed provided the lands are under a forest management plan approved by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, and provided the activities are limited to harvesting in dry or winter conditions, with no construction of skidder trails, roads, or landings.

[] A forest disconnection area must have continuous canopy cover with minimal B-line stocking as determined by USDA Forest Service Silvicultural Guides, and must be maintained as such. A forested disconnection must also have an undisturbed layer of duff covering the mineral soil. Activities that may result in disturbance of the duff layer are prohibited in a disconnection.

[] A meadow disconnection shall have a dense cover of grasses, or a combination of grasses and shrubs or trees in the existing condition. A disconnection using a meadow shall be allowed to regenerate into forest. If a disconnection is not located on natural soils, but is constructed on fill or reshaped slopes, the constructed disconnection area shall be constructed in compliance with the requirements of Table 4-5.

4.3 Structural Stormwater Treatment Practices

4.3.1. Bioretention

Bioretention practices capture and treat runoff from impervious areas by passing it through a vegetated filter bed, with a filter mixture of sand, soil, and organic matter. Filtered stormwater is either returned to a conveyance system or infiltrated into the native soil. Bioretention is a multi-functional practice that can be easily adapted for new and redevelopment applications, for almost any land use. Stormwater runoff is stored temporarily and filtered in landscaped facilities shaped to take runoff from various sized impervious areas. Bioretention provides water quality treatment and aesthetic value, and can be applied as concave parking lot islands, linear roadway or median filters, terraced slope facilities, residential cul-de-sac islands, and ultra-urban planter boxes.

One of the important design factors to consider in using bioretention is the scale at which it will be applied. Rain gardens are small, distributed bioretention practices designed to treat runoff from small areas such as individual rooftops and driveways and are installed in native soils where infiltration can occur and without an underdrain system. Bioretention basins are often used to treat larger drainage areas such as parking lots in commercial or institutional areas and where structural drainage design components are needed (e.g., underdrains, liners, overflow drain inlets). In urban settings, bioretention structures are often incorporated in or retrofitted into tree pits, curb extensions, and foundation planters.

Bioretention practices are well suited to be used in combination with Simple Disconnection ( Section 4.2.2) and Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers ( Section 4.2.3) when additional storage is necessary to meet additional treatment standards.

4.3.1.1 Bioretention Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] The bottom of the bioretention practice shall be located at or above the seasonal high groundwater table (SHGWT).

[] If the bioretention practice is designed to infiltrate stormwater through the bottom of the practice into underlying soils, the soils shall have an infiltration rate (f c) of at least 0.2 inches per hour, as confirmed by soil testing requirements for infiltration pursuant to Section 4.3.3.2.

[] For bioretention practices designed to infiltrate stormwater, applicable feasibility required elements for infiltration trench and basin practices shall also be met ( Section 4.3.3). The separation to SHGWT requirements identified in Section 4.3.3.1 are not applicable to bioretention practices designed to treat the water quality and groundwater recharge volumes only.

[] Systems designed to infiltrate more than the WQ_v shall maintain a minimum 3-foot separation to SHGWT from the bottom of the practice; unless contributing drainage area to the practice is less than or equal to 1 acre, then there shall be a:

-- Minimum 2 feet of separation to SHGWT from the bottom of the bioretention system when the contributing drainage area (CDA) of 1 acre or less is greater than 50% impervious.

-- Minimum 1 foot of separation to SHGWT from the bottom of the bioretention system when the contributing drainage area (CDA) of 1 acre or less is less than or equal to 50% impervious.

[] Bioretention practices that are designed to infiltrate more than the 1-year, 24-hour storm event shall provide a groundwater mounding analysis pursuant to Section 4.3.3.1

4.3.1.2 Bioretention Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] Runoff shall enter, flow through, and exit bioretention practices in a safe and non-erosive manner. Inflow may be through depressed curbs or curb cuts or conveyed directly using downspouts, covered drainage pipes, or catch basins.

[] If runoff is delivered by a storm drain pipe or is along the main conveyance system, the bioretention practice shall be designed off-line. In these cases, a flow regulator or flow splitter diversion structure shall be supplied to divert the WQ_v or T_v to the filter practice, and allow larger flows to bypass the practice. If bypassing a bioretention practice is impractical, an internal overflow device (e.g., elevated yard inlet) shall be used.

[] In cases where bioretention is designed as an on-line practice, an overflow shall be provided within the practice to pass flows in excess of the WQ_v or T_v to a stable conveyance. Designers shall indicate how on-line practices will safely pass the 10-year storm without re-suspending or flushing previously trapped material.

[] To prevent erosion, an overflow for the 10-year storm shall be provided to a non-erosive outlet point.

[] The channel immediately below a bioretention system outfall shall be modified to prevent erosion and conform to natural dimensions in the shortest possible distance, typically by use of appropriately sized riprap placed over filter cloth. A stilling basin or outlet protection shall be used to reduce flow velocities from the principal spillway to non-erosive velocities of 3.5 to 5.0 fps.

[] Stormwater from bioretention system outlets shall be conveyed to discharge location in non-erosive manner.

[] Underdrained bioretention practices shall be equipped with a minimum 6-inch perforated pipe underdrain (8 inches is preferred) in a minimum 1-foot deep stone layer. Within the stone layer the underdrain pipe shall be separated by at least 3 inches from the bioretention media and 2 inches from the bottom of the practice. Synthetic filter fabrics shall not be used to completely separate the filter media from the underdrain bedding material.

4.3.1.3 Bioretention Pre-Treatment

Pre-treatment of roof runoff is not required, provided the runoff is routed to the bioretention practice in a manner such that it is unlikely to accumulate significant additional sediment (e.g., via closed pipe system or grass channel), and provided the runoff is not commingled with other runoff. See Section 4.1 for specific pre-treatment practice requirements and design guidance.

Required Elements:

[] If stormwater is routed to a forebay for required pre-treatment, the forebay shall be volumetrically sized for 25% of the computed WQ_v. Otherwise, required pre-treatment shall be designed in accordance with Section 4.1.

4.3.1.4 Bioretention Treatment

Required Elements:

[] A storage volume of at least 75% of the design T_v including the volume over the top of the filter media and the volume in the pretreatment chamber(s) as well as within the bioretention soil filter media - is required to capture the volume from high-intensity storms prior to filtration and to avoid premature bypass.

[] If the cell ponding area uses vegetated soil, then the maximum side slope shall be 2.5:1. If the cell depth exceeds 3 feet, the maximum side slope shall be 3:1. Rip-rap or concrete walls, or approved equivalent shall be used if steeper side slopes are necessary.

[] Maximum ponding depth shall be no more than 12 inches above the surface of the filter bed; ponding depths greater than 9 inches shall require that the landscaping plan addresses anticipated greater ponding depths to ensure appropriate plant selection.

[] Bioretention systems shall consist of the following treatment components: a 24 to 48-inch deep planting soil bed (depending on the requirements of proposed vegetation), a surface treatment that suppresses weed growth, such as stone or other inert material that minimizes exposed soil, and a 6 to 12-inch deep surface ponding area. Plantings may be mulched as necessary. Soils shall consist of USDA sand to loamy sand classification and meet the following graduation: sand 85- 88%, silt 8-12%, clay 0-2%, and organic matter in the form of compost 3-5%.

[] The designer shall identify on the plan sheet that a soil phosphorus test using the Morgan Method, or approved equivalent, is required for practices with underdrains, to ensure that bioretention soil media will not leach phosphorus. The "available phosphorus" for the soil must be less than 0.2% phosphorus. The plan shall also identify that the record of the phosphorus test shall be maintained with design or permit records for subsequent design certification requirements.

[] The filter area for bioretention shall be sized based on the principles of Darcy's Law. A coefficient of permeability (k) should be used as follows:

Bioretention Soil: 1.0 feet per day for sandy loam soils

(Note: the above value is conservative to account for clogging associated with accumulated sediment)

The bioretention filter bed area shall be computed using the following equation:

Where:

A_f = Surface area of filter bed (ft [2) ]

T_v = Treatment volume (ft [3) ]

d_f = Filter bed depth (ft)

k = Coefficient of permeability of filter media (ft/day)

h_f = Average height of water above filter bed (ft)

t_f = Design filter bed drain time (days) 2 days is the recommended maximum t f for bioretention)

[] For infiltrating bioretention systems, credit toward WQ_v, CP_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100 shall be based on the treatment volume provided.

[] For bioretention practices used primarily for filtering (e.g., underdrained), credit towards CP_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100 shall be given only for the void space in the stone sump beneath the underdrain.

[] Bioretention practices shall not be lined unless required due to hotspot land use or other site specific factors, subject to Agency approval.

4.3.1.5 Bioretention Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] The entire contributing area shall be stabilized before runoff may be directed into a filtration practice. A dense and vigorous vegetative cover shall be established over the contributing pervious drainage areas, and impervious area construction must be completed.

[] A landscaping plan that provides soil stabilization and nutrient uptake shall be provided for bioretention areas.

4.3.2 Dry Swales

A bioswale or dry swale is essentially a bioretention cell that is shallower, configured as a linear channel, and covered with turf or surface material other than mulch and ornamental plants. The dry swale is a soil filter system that temporarily stores and then filters a desired runoff volume for treatment. Dry swales rely on a pre-mixed soil media filter below the channel surface. If the native soils are permeable, runoff infiltrates into underlying soils. Otherwise, the runoff treated by the soil media flows into an underdrain, which conveys treated runoff further downstream or safely daylights down-gradient. The underdrain system typically consists of a perforated pipe within a stone layer on the bottom of the swale, beneath the filter media.

4.3.2.1 Dry Swale Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] Dry swales constructed without check dams shall have a maximum longitudinal slope of 5%. Open channels constructed on steeper slopes, to a maximum longitudinal slope of 6%, shall include check dams, step pools, or other grade controls.

[] The bottom of a dry swale shall be located at or above the seasonal high groundwater table (SHGWT).

[] If the dry swale is designed to infiltrate stormwater through the bottom of the practice into underlying soils, the native soils shall have an infiltration rate (f c) of at least 0.2 inches per hour, as confirmed by soil testing requirements for infiltration pursuant to Section 4.3.3.2

[] Dry swales designed to infiltrate more than the WQ_v shall maintain a minimum 3-foot separation to SHGWT from the bottom of the practice; unless the contributing drainage area to the practice is less than or equal to 1 acre, then there shall be a:

-- Minimum of 2 feet separation to SHGWT from the bottom of the dry swale system when the contributing drainage area (CDA) of 1 acre or less is greater than 50% impervious.

-- Minimum of 1 foot separation to SHGWT from the bottom of the dry swale system when the contributing drainage area (CDA) of 1 acre or less is less than or equal to 50% impervious.

4.3.2.2 Dry Swale Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] The maximum allowable temporary ponding time within a channel shall be less than 48 hours. For dry swales, if the infiltrative capacity of the underlying native soils is less than 0.2 inches per hour, an underdrain system shall be used to ensure this requirement is met.

[] Underdrained dry swale practices shall be equipped with a minimum 6-inch perforated pipe underdrain (8 inches is preferred) in a minimum 1-foot deep stone layer. Within the stone layer the underdrain pipe shall be separated by at least 3 inches from the filter media and 2 inches from the bottom of the practice. Synthetic filter fabrics shall not be used to completely separate the filter media from the underdrain bedding material.

[] The peak velocity for the 1-year storm shall be non-erosive, in other words 3.5-5 feet per second.

[] The swale shall have the capacity to convey the 10-year 24-hour storm event, at a minimum, safely with 6 inches of freeboard.

[] The channel immediately below a dry swale outfall shall be modified to prevent erosion and conform to natural dimensions in the shortest possible distance, typically by use of appropriately sized riprap placed over filter fabric. stilling basin or outlet protection shall be used to reduce flow velocities from the principal spillway to non-erosive velocities of 3.5 to 5.0 fps.

[] Stormwater from dry swale outlets shall be conveyed to discharge location in non-erosive manner.

[] Dry swales shall have a trapezoidal or parabolic cross section with side slopes less than or equal to 2H:1V.

[] The longitudinal channel slope shall be less than or equal to 5.0%. If the site slope is greater than 5%, additional measures such as check dams shall be utilized to retain the water quality volume within the swale system.

[] Check Dams. Check dams or weirs shall be used to increase hydraulic residence time in the swale in steeper applications. Plunge pools or other energy dissipation may also be required where the elevation difference between the tops of weirs to the downstream channel invert is a concern. The design requirements for check dams are as follows:

-- Check dams shall be composed of wood, concrete, stone, or other non-erodible material. The check dam shall be designed to facilitate easy mowing.

-- Check dams shall be firmly anchored into the side-slopes to prevent outflanking and anchored into the channel bottom a minimum of 6 inches.

-- Armoring shall be provided at the downstream toe of the check dam, if necessary, to prevent erosion.

-- Check dams shall be spaced based on channel slope, as needed, to increase residence time, provide storage volume, or meet volume attenuation requirements. The ponded water at a downhill check dam shall not extend above the elevation of the toe of the upstream check dam.

-- Check dams composed of wood, concrete, or similar construction, shall have a weep hole or similar drainage feature so the check dam can dewater after a storm event.

4.3.2.3 Dry Swale Pre-Treatment

Required Elements:

[] If stormwater is routed to a forebay for required pre-treatment, the forebay shall be volumetrically sized for 10% of the computed WQ_v. Otherwise, required pre-treatment shall be designed in accordance with Section 4.1.

4.3.2.4 Dry Swale Treatment

Required Elements:

[] A dry swale storage volume of at least 75% of the design T_v, including the volume over the top of the filter media and the volume in the pre-treatment practice(s), as well within the bioretention soil filter media - is required in order to capture the volume from high-intensity storms prior to filtration and to avoid premature bypass.

[] For infiltrating dry swales, credit toward WQ_v, CP_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100 shall be based on the treatment volume provided. For underdrained and unlined practices, HC_v credit is limited to pore space in the stone sump.

[] Dry swales shall consist of the following treatment components: a 24 to 48-inch deep filter bed, a surface vegetation or mulch layer, and no more than a 12-inch deep average surface ponding depth. Soil media shall either consist of a medium sand (meeting ASTM C- 33 concrete sand) or meet the specifications outlined for bioretention areas ( Section 4.3.1 ).

[] The designer shall identify on the plan sheet that a soil phosphorus test using the Morgan Method, or approved equivalent, is required for dry swale practices using a bioretention soil mix with underdrains, to ensure that the dry swale soil media will not leach phosphorus. The "available phosphorus" for the soil must be less than 0.2% phosphorus. The plan shall also identify that the record of the phosphorus test shall be maintained with design or permit records for subsequent design certification requirements.

[] The minimum filter area for dry swales shall be sized based on the principles of Darcy's Law. A coefficient of permeability (k) shall be used as follows:

-- Bioretention soil mix: 1.0 ft/day for sandy loam soils

-- Sand: 3.5 ft/day

(Note: the above values are conservative to account for clogging associated with accumulated sediment)

[] The dry swale filter bed area is computed using the following equation:

Where:

A_f = Surface area of filter bed (ft [2) ]

T_v = design treatment volume (e.g., WQ_v or HC_v) (ft [3) ]

d_f = Filter bed depth (ft)

k = Coefficient of permeability of filter media (ft/day)

h_f = Average height of water above filter bed (ft)

t_f = Design filter bed drain time (days) 2 days is the recommended maximum t f for bioretention)

[] Swales shall have a bottom width between 2 and 8 feet. If a swale will be wider than 8 feet, the designer should incorporate berms, check dams, level spreaders, or multi-level cross-sections to prevent braiding and erosion of the swale bottom.

[] Dry swales shall not be lined unless required due to hotspot land use or other site specific factors, subject to Agency approval.

4.3.2.5 Dry Swale Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] The entire contributing area shall be stabilized before runoff may be directed into the practice. A dense and vigorous vegetative cover shall be established over the contributing pervious drainage areas, and impervious area construction must be completed.

[] A thick vegetative cover shall be provided for proper function.

[] A landscaping plan that provides soil stabilization and nutrient uptake shall be provided for both wet and dry swales. For dry swales that are intended to be mowed, a seed specification and seeding rate may take the place of the landscaping plan.

4.3.3 Infiltration Trenches and Basins

Stormwater infiltration practices capture and store stormwater runoff, for the express purpose of allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. Structural infiltration practices can be used to meet the Groundwater Recharge Standard and Water Quality Treatment Standard, and when designed to accommodate larger volumes can be used to meet the Channel Protection Standard, and larger flood control standards. Infiltration STPs can provide groundwater recharge as well as reduce the volume of stormwater runoff entering the drainage system and reduce or slow peak flows. Infiltration practices reduce pollutants and total suspended solids via physical filtering of the runoff through a media (most often soil), as well as chemical and biological activity within the media. Infiltration practices, including dry wells and underground storage chambers, that are properly sited and constructed in accordance with this Manual will not be required to obtain a separate permit under the Underground Injection Control Rules. Designers should review the infiltration feasibility requirements for structural infiltration systems related to set backs from groundwater source protection and wastewater disposal systems, and consult with the Agency's Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division in advance of designing a structural infiltration STP.

In some cases, infiltration practices can provide extended detention or infiltration for channel protection and for overbank or extreme flood storm events on sites with high soil infiltration rates. Extraordinary care should be taken to ensure that long-term infiltration rates are achieved through the use of proper pre-treatment, post-construction inspection, and routine, long-term maintenance.

4.3.3.1 Infiltration Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] Underlying soils shall have an infiltration rate (f c) of at least 0.2 inches per hour, as documented by soil testing requirements for infiltration pursuant to Section 4.3.3.2.

[] The bottom of the infiltration facility shall be separated by at least 3 feet vertically from the seasonal high groundwater table (SHGWT) or bedrock layer, as documented by on-site soil testing. For dry wells with less than or equal to 1,000 square feet of contributing residential rooftop runoff, vertical separation to SHGWT shall be a minimum of 1 foot.

[] Infiltration practices that are designed to infiltrate more than the 1-year, 24-hour storm event and that have a separation from the bottom of the practice to SHGWT of less than 4 feet shall provide a groundwater mounding analysis based on the Hantush Method, or equivalent, to demonstrate that the required vertical separation distance between the bottom of the practice and SHGWT can be maintained during and following the design storm.

[] Infiltration basins shall have vegetated side slopes of 2:1 or flatter.

[] The following set back requirements shall be observed for groundwater source protection:

-- 100 feet set back from source in bedrock or confined unconsolidated aquifers.

-- 150 feet set back from source in unconsolidated soils or unconfined unconsolidated aquifers.

-- No structural infiltration STP sited within Zone 1 or Zone 2 of a public community groundwater source protection area.

-- No structural infiltration STP sited within 200 feet of non-transient non-community groundwater source.

-- Designers shall refer to the Vermont Wastewater and Potable Water Supply Rules, or their replacement, for all applicable restrictions.

[] Infiltration practices shall not be placed in locations that cause water intrusion problems for down-gradient structures. Infiltration practices shall be set back 75 feet down-gradient wastewater disposal areas systems, 35 feet up-gradient of wastewater disposal systems, and 75 feet down-gradient of wastewater disposal systems, or as otherwise required by the Vermont Wastewater and Potable Water Supply Rules, or their replacement.

[] Infiltration practices shall not be used where subsurface contamination is present from prior land use due to the increased threat of pollutant migration associated with increased hydraulic loading from infiltration systems, unless contaminated soil is removed and the site remediated, or if approved by the Agency on a case-by-case basis. On redevelopment sites, applicants are responsible for identifying potential contamination prior to submitting an application.

[] Infiltration practices shall not be used for snow storage, as traction sand used in winter maintenance can cause clogging and failure of the practices.

4.3.3.2 Soil Testing Requirements for Infiltration Practices

4.3.3.2.1 Introduction

[] For structural infiltration-based practices including infiltration trenches and infiltration basins, permeable pavements, dry wells, and bioretention and dry swales designed to infiltrate, a minimum field infiltration rate (f c) of 0.2 inches per hour shall be required. Areas yielding a lower infiltration rate preclude the design of these practices as infiltration systems.

4.3.3.2.2 Infiltration Feasibility Analysis

A feasibility analysis shall be completed to determine whether full-scale infiltration testing is necessary, and is meant to screen unsuitable sites and reduce testing costs.

The infiltration feasibility analysis shall be representative of all variable site conditions present and the location evaluated for infiltrating, and be based on one or more of the following:

[] NRCS Soil Survey mapping.

[] Test pit(s) or soil boring(s).

[] Previous written geotechnical reporting on the site location, as prepared by a qualified geotechnical consultant

If the results of the initial feasibility analysis indicate an infiltration rate of less than 0.2 inches per hour is probable, or the presence of a HSG D soil in the applicable areas of investigation, then no further analysis is necessary. If the results of initial feasibility testing indicate that an infiltration rate of greater than or equal to 0.2 inches per hour is probable and infiltration is otherwise considered feasible by any other requirement in this Manual, then the designer shall proceed with the soil characterization and infiltration testing requirements Sections 4.3.3.2.3 through 4.3.3.2.5.

4.3.3.2.3 Soil Characterization and Infiltration Testing

[] The number of test pits and infiltration tests shall be:

-- For infiltration practices, 1 infiltration test and 1 test pit per 2,500 square feet of proposed practice area, or

-- For linear infiltration practices, 1 infiltration test and 1 test pit per 100 feet of proposed practice length.

[] The location of the test pit or boring shall correspond to the facility location;

4.3.3.2.4 Test Pit Requirements

[] Designer shall excavate a test pit or dig a standard soil boring to a depth of at least 1 foot below the required separation depth to the SHGWT of the proposed facility.

[] The designer's soil descriptions shall include USDA or Unified Soil Classification System textures for all soil horizons. Soil profile descriptions shall be provided consistent with the Vermont Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules, § 1-902 and Appendix 2-A, or their replacement.

[] The designer shall verify that the depth to groundwater table and the depth to bedrock meet the separation distance required of the proposed practice.

4.3.3.2.5 Infiltration Testing Requirements

Field infiltration test methods to assess saturated hydraulic conductivity shall simulate the "field-saturated" condition (see ASTM D5126-90 Standard Guide for Comparison of Field Methods for Determining Hydraulic Conductivity in the Vadose Zone). Infiltration tests shall be conducted at the depth of the bottom of the proposed infiltrating practice. Design infiltration rates shall be determined by using a factor of safety of 2 from the field-derived value. Percolation tests shall not be used in place of testing for saturated hydraulic conductivity, as they overestimate saturated hydraulic conductivity values. One or more of the following methods shall be used:

[] Guelph permeameter - ASTM D5126-90 Method

[] Falling head permeameter - ASTM D5126-90 Method

[] Double ring permeameter or infiltrometer - ASTM D3385-09, D5093-02, D5126-90 Methods

[] Amoozemeter or Amoozegar permeameter - Amoozegar 1992

[] Borehole Infiltration Test as described below:

-- Install casing (solid 6-inch diameter) to 24 inches below proposed practice bottom.

-- Remove any smeared soiled surfaces and provide a natural soil interface into which water may percolate. Remove all loose material from the casing. Upon the tester's discretion, a 2-inch layer of coarse sand or fine gravel may be placed to protect the bottom from scouring and sediment. Fill casing with clean water to a depth of 24 inches and pre-soak for 24 hours.

-- 24 hours later, refill casing with another 24 inches of clean water and monitor water level (measured drop from the top of the casing) for 1 hour. Repeat this procedure, filling the casing each time 3 additional times, for a total of 4 observations. Upon the tester's discretion, the final field rate may either be the average of the 4 observations, or the value of the last observation. All observations shall be reported. The final rate shall be reported in inches per hour.

-- This test may be completed in a soil boring or in an open excavation.

-- Upon completion of the testing, the casings shall be immediately pulled, and the test pit back-filled.

[] Equivalent method approved by the Agency.

4.3.3.3 Infiltration Conveyance Required Elements:

[] Flow velocities of surface runoff exceeding the capacity of the infiltration system shall be evaluated against erosive velocities during the overbank events. If computed flow velocities exceed erosive velocities of 3.5-5.0 ft/s for the 1-year storm event, an overflow channel to a stable conveyance or level spreader shall be provided. If a level spreader is provided, it shall be designed consistent with the requirements in the Disconnection to Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers practice standard ( Section 4.2.3).

[] For infiltration practices, adequate outfall protection shall be provided for the overflow associated with larger storm events, the 1-year, 10-year, and 100-year design storm events, as applicable.

[] Stormwater from infiltration system overflow shall be conveyed to discharge location in non-erosive manner.

[] All infiltration systems shall be designed to fully de-water the treatment volume (T_v) within 48 hours after the storm event.

[] If runoff is delivered by a storm drain pipe or along the main conveyance system, the infiltration practice shall be designed as an off-line practice, except when used to also meet CP_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100.

4.3.3.4 Infiltration Pre-treatment

Required Elements:

[] Pre-treatment provided prior to entry to an infiltration facility is dependent on the infiltration rate of the treatment practice. Volumetrically sized pre-treatment practices such as a forebay shall be sized for a percentage of the WQ_v as follows:

-- If the infiltration rate is [less than or equal]2 inches per hour, then the minimum pre-treatment volume is 25% of the WQ_v

-- If the infiltration rate is >2 inches per hour, then the minimum pre-treatment volume is 50% of the WQ_v

[] Pre-treatment of rooftop runoff is not required, provided that the runoff is routed to the infiltration practice in such a way that it is prevented from accumulating additional sediment and it does not comingle with other runoff.

[] Exit velocities from pre-treatment chambers flowing over vegetated channels shall be non-erosive, in other words 3.5 to 5.0 fps, during the 1-year design storm.

[] Infiltration basins or trenches shall have robust pre-treatment methods to ensure the long-term integrity of the infiltration rate. This shall be achieved by using one or more of the following options (see Section 4.1 for pretreatment design requirements):

-- Pre-treatment swale (grass channel)

-- Vegetated filter strip

-- Sediment forebay separated at least 3 feet vertically from the SHGWT if located over permeable soils.

-- Deep sump catch basin, AND one of the following:

[] Upper sand layer (6 inches minimum with filter fabric at the sand/gravel interface); or

[] Washed stone (1/8 inch to 3/8 inch)

-- Proprietary device

[] Provide a fixed vertical sediment marker to measure depth of accumulated sediment.

4.3.3.5. Infiltration Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Infiltration practices shall be designed to exfiltrate the entire T_v and sized using TR-20 or approved equivalent method.

[] An observation well shall be installed in every infiltration trench, dry well, and subsurface infiltration system consisting of an anchored 4- to 6-inch diameter perforated PVC pipe with a screw-top cap or equivalent installed flush with the ground surface. Observation wells shall be installed every 50 feet or as otherwise required by manufacturers specifications.

[] Direct access shall be provided to infiltration practices for maintenance and rehabilitation. 4.3.3.6. Infiltration Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] Contributing drainage areas shall be stabilized before runoff can be routed into the facility.

[] Landscape design shall specify proper grass or plant species based on the specific site and soil conditions present in the practice to stabilize soils and provide nutrient uptake.

4.3.4 Filtering Systems

Stormwater filtering systems capture and temporarily store the T_v and pass it through a filter bed of sand or augmented media. Filtered runoff may be collected and returned to the conveyance system, or allowed to partially exfiltrate into the soil. Design variants include:

[] Surface Sand Filter

[] Underground Sand Filter

[] Perimeter Sand Filter

[] Alternative, Augmented, or Proprietary Media Filter (See Alternative Stormwater Treatment Practices for approval requirements, Section 4.4)

Filtering systems should not be designed to provide channel protection or stormwater detention except under extremely unusual conditions. Filtering practices should generally be combined with a separate facility to provide quantity controls.

4.3.4.1 Filtering Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] The bottom of filtering systems shall be located at or above the seasonal high groundwater table (SHGWT).

[] If the filtering practice is designed to infiltrate stormwater through the bottom of the practice into underlying soils, the soils shall have an infiltration rate (f c) of at least 0.2 inches per hour, as confirmed by soil testing requirements for infiltration pursuant to Section 4.3.3.2.

[] For filtering practices designed to infiltrate stormwater, applicable feasibility required elements for infiltration trench and basin practices shall also be met ( Section 4.3.3.1). The separation to SHGWT requirements identified in Section 4.3.3.1 are not applicable to filtering practices designed to treat the water quality and groundwater recharge volumes only.

-- Minimum of 2 feet separation to SHGWT from the bottom of the filtering system when the contributing drainage area (CDA) of 1 acre or less is greater than 50% impervious.

-- Minimum of 1 foot separation to SHGWT from the bottom of the filtering system when the contributing drainage area (CDA) of 1 acre or less is less than or equal to 50% impervious.

4.3.4.2 Filtering Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] If runoff is delivered by a storm drain pipe or is along the main conveyance system, the filter practice shall be designed off-line. In these cases, a flow regulator or flow splitter diversion structure shall be supplied to divert the WQ_v to the filter practice, and allow larger flows to bypass the practice.

[] In cases where filtering practices are designed as on-line practices, an overflow shall be provided within the practice to pass flows in excess of the WQ_v or T_v to a stable conveyance. Designers shall indicate how on-line filtering practices will safely pass the 10-year storm without re-suspending or flushing previously trapped material.

[] To prevent erosion, an overflow for the 10-year storm shall be provided to a non-erosive outlet point.

[] Stormwater from filtering system outlets shall be conveyed to discharge location in non-erosive manner.

[] Underdrained stormwater filters shall be equipped with a minimum 6-inch perforated pipe underdrain (8-inch is preferred) in a minimum 1-foot stone layer. Within the stone layer the underdrain pipe shall be separated by at least 3 inches from the filter media and 2 inches from the bottom of the practice. Synthetic filter fabrics shall not be used to completely separate the filter media from the underdrain bedding material.

[] Filtering systems shall not be lined unless required due to hotspot land use or other site specific factors, subject to Agency approval.

4.3.4.3 Filtering Pre-Treatment

Pre-treatment of roof runoff is not required, provided the runoff is routed to the filtering practice in a manner such that it is unlikely to accumulate significant additional sediment, for example via a closed pipe system or grass channel, and provided the runoff is not commingled with other runoff.

Required Elements:

4.3.4.4 Filtering Treatment

Required Elements:

[] A storage volume of at least 75% of the design T_v, including the volume over the top of the filter media and the volume in the sediment forebay as well as within the filter media - is required to capture the volume from high-intensity storms prior to filtration and to avoid premature bypass.

[] Filter media shall consist of a medium sand (ASTM C- 33 concrete sand) or approved equivalent.

[] The filter bed shall have a minimum depth of 18 inches. The perimeter filter shall have a minimum filter bed depth of 12 inches.

[] The filter area for sand filters shall be sized based on the principles of Darcy's Law. A coefficient of permeability (k) shall be used as follows:

Sand: 3.5 ft/day

(Note: the above value is conservative to account for clogging associated with accumulated sediment)

The filter bed area shall be computed using the following equation:

Where:

A_f = Surface area of filter bed (ft [2 ])

T_v = Treatment volume (ft [3 ])

d_f = Filter bed depth (ft)

k = Coefficient of permeability of filter media (ft/day)

h_f = Average height of water above filter bed (ft)

t_f = Design filter bed drain time (days) 2 days is the recommended maximum t f for sand filters)

4.3.4.5. Filtering Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] The entire contributing area shall be stabilized before runoff can be directed into a filtration practice. A dense and vigorous vegetative cover shall be established over the contributing pervious drainage areas, and impervious area construction must be completed.

4.3.5 Treatment Wetlands

Constructed treatment wetlands are stormwater wetland systems that maximize pollutant removal and the uptake of nutrients through wetland vegetation, retention, and settling. The two primary categories of constructed wetlands that are recommended for stormwater treatment include shallow surface wetlands and gravel wetlands. Shallow surface wetlands use organic wetland soils at the surface and have a permanent pool of water with varying pool depths that supports the growth of wetland plants. The pools in shallow surface systems are designed with zones that have varying depth ranges:

[] Deep water - greater than 18-inch depth, up to the maximum design depth of typically 4 to 6 feet;

[] Low marsh - 6-inch to 18-inch depth below normal pool;

[] High marsh - Up to 6-inch depth below normal pool; and

[] Semi-wet - Areas above normal pool that are periodically inundated and expected to support wetland vegetation.

In contrast to the shallow surface wetlands, gravel wetlands store water within the interstitial void spaces of the gravel. Gravel systems typically have a 24-inch to 36-inch deep gravel bed that is saturated to the surface or just below the surface.

4.3.5.1 Treatment Wetland Feasibility Required Elements:

[] Shallow surface treatment wetlands discharging directly to cold-water fishery streams shall be designed to discharge up to and including the CP_v through an underdrained stone trench outlet. Gravel wetlands are not subject to the stone trench outlet requirement. Additional storage for Q_p10 and Q_p100 may be discharged through traditional outlet structures.

4.3.5.2 Treatment Wetland Conveyance Required Elements:

[] Flow paths from the inflow points to the outflow points of shallow treatment wetlands shall be maximized through the use of internal design geometry and the inclusion of features such as berms, baffles, and islands in design plans. The minimum length to width ratio for a shallow treatment wetland is 2:1.

[] Inlet areas shall be stabilized to ensure that non-erosive conditions exist for at least the 1-year design storm event.

[] A low-flow orifice shall be provided if the pond is designed to meet the extended detention requirements of the WQ_v and CP_v. The orifice shall be sized to provide the required detention time during the applicable design storm(s) and designed to ensure that no clogging shall occur.

[] When a treatment wetland is located in medium to coarse sands and above the average groundwater table, a liner shall be used to sustain a permanent pool of water. If geotechnical tests confirm soils with an infiltration rate of 0.05 inches per hour or greater, then a liner is required. The acceptable liner options include:

(a) 6 to 12 inches of clay soil (minimum 15% passing the #200 sieve and a maximum permeability of 1 x 10-5 em/sec),

(b) a 30 mil poly-liner, or

(c) bentonite. The channel immediately below a treatment wetland outfall shall be modified to prevent erosion and conform to natural dimensions in the shortest possible distance, typically by use of appropriately sized riprap placed over filter fabric. A stilling basin or outlet protection shall be used to reduce flow velocities from the principal spillway to non-erosive velocities of 3.5 to 5.0 fps. Stormwater from treatment wetland outlets shall be conveyed to discharge location in non-erosive manner.

[] Shallow Surface Treatment Wetlands

-- For shallow surface wetlands, inlet pipes shall be set at the permanent pool or slightly above to limit erosive conditions.

-- Shallow surface wetlands draining to cold-water fisheries shall be designed to discharge volumes up to and including the CP_v through an underdrained stone trench and shall be designed to meet the following requirements:

[] The trench shall be at least 4 feet wide, located at least 2 feet from the permanent pool, and located at the furthest location opposite from the principal inflow location to the practice;

[] The bench shall be set at the permanent pool elevation such that the CP_v will be stored between the bench surface elevation and the elevation of any flood control or emergency spillway;

[] The trench shall have a length of 3 feet per 1,000 cubic feet of extended detention storage volume, have a depth of at least 3 feet, and maintain 2 feet of stone cover over a 6-inch diameter perforated pipe outlet;

[] Geotextile fabric shall be placed between the stone trench and adjacent soil; and

[] Uniformly-sized stone shall be used.

[] The pond outlet or orifice shall be designed to prevent clogging and to allow access to the underdrain outlet for inspection and maintenance.

[] The underdrain outlet shall be sized and modelled to provide the required extended detention of the WQ_v and CP_v.

[] Gravel Wetlands

-- For gravel wetlands, inlet pipes shall be set either at the permanent pool or at the base of the gravel bed.

-- Gravel wetlands designed with an organic soil layer at the surface shall have vertical perforated riser pipes or other conveyance means that deliver stormwater from the surface

down to the subsurface perforated distribution lines. The vertical risers shall not be capped, but rather covered with an inlet grate to allow for overflow when the water level exceeds the WQ_v.

-- A sub-surface water level shall be maintained in the gravel wetland through the design of the outlet elevation.

4.3.5.3 Treatment Wetland Pre-Treatment

Required Elements:

[] If a forebay is utilized for pre-treatment, the forebay shall be volumetrically sized to contain a minimum of 10% of the computed WQ_v. Otherwise, required pre-treatment shall be designed in accordance with Section 4.1. Forebay storage volume shall count toward the total WQ_v requirement.

[] Exit velocities from pretreatment chambers flowing over vegetated channels shall be non-erosive, in other words 3.5 to 5.0 fps, during the 1-year design storm.

4.3.5.4. Treatment Wetland Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Shallow surface treatment wetlands.

-- A minimum of 35% of the total surface area in the permanent pool shall have a depth of 6 inches or less, and at least 65% of the total permanent pool surface area shall be shallower than 18 inches.

-- At least 10% of the WQ_v shall be provided in a sediment forebay if used for pre-treatment. At least 25% of the WQ_v shall be provided in "deep water zones" with a depth equal to or greater than 4 feet. The remaining WQ_v shall be provided through a combination of shallow permanent pool with depth less than 4 feet and the extended detention (ED) storage volume above the permanent pool, as applicable. ED storage volume shall not exceed 50% of the WQ_v and shall drain over 24 hours.

-- Shallow surface treatment wetlands shall have a length to width ratio of 2:1 (L:W).

[] Gravel wetlands.

-- At least 10% of the WQ_v shall be provided in a sediment forebay if used for pre-treatment. The remaining WQ_v shall be provided through a combination of one or more basins or chambers filled with a minimum 24-inch gravel layer and the open, ED storage volume above the gravel, as applicable. ED storage volume shall not exceed 50% of the WQ_v and shall drain over 24 hours.

-- Gravel wetlands shall have a length to width ratio of 1:1 (L:W) or greater as needed for each treatment cell, with a minimum flow path (L) within the gravel substrate of 15 feet.

[] Shallow surface wetlands and gravel wetlands do not achieve runoff reduction and therefore do not receive a treatment volume credit toward the Groundwater Recharge Standard or the Hydrologic Condition Method of the Channel Protection Standard. The practice may be used to meet the Water Quality Treatment Standard, the Overbank Flood Control Standard, and the Extreme Flood Control Standard.

4.3.5.5 Treatment Wetland Landscaping and Vegetation

Required Elements:

[] The perimeter of all deep pool areas four feet or greater in depth shall be surrounded by two benches as follows:

-- Except when side slopes are 4:1 (H:V) or flatter, a safety bench shall be provided that extends 10 feet outward from the normal water edge to the toe of the treatment wetland side slope. The maximum slope of the safety bench shall be 6%; and

-- An aquatic bench shall be incorporated that extends at least 5 feet inward from the normal edge of water and has a maximum depth of 18 inches below the normal pool water surface elevation.

[] A planting plan for a treatment wetland and surrounding areas shall be prepared to indicate how aquatic and terrestrial areas will be stabilized and established with vegetation. Minimum elements of a plan include: delineation of pondscaping zones, selection of corresponding plant species, plant locations, sequence for preparing treatment wetland bed (including soil amendments, if needed), and sources of plant material.

[] Donor organic soils for treatment wetlands shall not be removed from natural wetlands.

[] A setback from the treatment wetland shall be provided that extends 25 feet outward from the maximum design water surface elevation of the facility.

[] Woody vegetation shall not be planted or allowed to grow on a dam, or within 15 feet of a dam or toe of the embankment, or within 25 feet of a principal spillway outlet.

4.3.6 Wet Ponds

Wet ponds consist of a permanent pool of standing water that promotes a stable environment for gravitational settling, biological uptake, and microbial activity. Runoff from each new storm enters the pond and partially displaces pool water from previous storms. The pool also acts as a barrier to re-suspension of sediments and other pollutants deposited during prior storms. When sized properly, wet ponds have a residence time that ranges from many days to several weeks, which allows numerous pollutant removal mechanisms to operate. Wet ponds can also provide extended detention (ED) above the permanent pool to help meet CP_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100 requirements.

4.3.6.1 Wet Pond Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] Ponds receiving runoff from stormwater hotspots shall be lined and shall not intercept ground water.

[] Ponds shall not include the volume of the permanent pool in storage calculations for storms greater than the water quality event.

4.3.6.2 Wet Pond Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] Inlet areas shall be stabilized to ensure that non-erosive conditions exist during events up to the Q10 event.

[] Wet ponds in watersheds draining to cold water fisheries shall be designed to discharge volumes up to and including the CP_v through an under-drained stone trench outlet that meets the following requirements:

-- The trench shall be excavated in a pond bench having a minimum width of 8 feet. The trench shall be 4 feet wide, located at least 2 feet laterally from the permanent pool on the pond side of the bench, and located at the furthest location opposite from the principal inflow location to the practice;

-- The bench shall be set at the permanent pool elevation such that the CP_v will be stored between the bench surface elevation and the elevation of any flood control or emergency spillway;

-- The trench shall have a length of 3 feet per 1,000 cubic feet of extended detention storage volume, have a depth of at least 3 feet, and maintain 2 feet of stone cover over and 6 inches below a 6-inch diameter perforated pipe outlet;

-- Geotextile fabric shall be placed between the sides of the stone trench and adjacent soil;

-- Uniformly-sized stone shall be u sed;

-- The pond outlet or orifice shall be designed to prevent clogging and to allow access to the underdrain outlet for inspection and maintenance.

-- The underdrain outlet shall be sized and modeled to provide the required extended detention of the WQ_v and CP_v

[] Additional storage for Q_p10 and Q_p100 may be discharged through traditional basin outlet structures.

[] The design shall specify an outfall that will be stable for the Q10 design storm event.

[] The channel immediately below a wet pond outfall shall be modified to prevent erosion and conform to natural dimensions in the shortest possible distance, typically by use of appropriately sized riprap placed over filter fabric, stilling basin or outlet protection shall be used to reduce flow velocities from the principal spillway to non-erosive velocities of 3.5 to 5.0 fps.

[] Stormwater from wet pond outlets shall be conveyed to discharge location in non-erosive manner.

[] The outlet control structure shall be located within the embankment for maintenance access and safety.

[] All basins shall have an emergency spillway, maintaining at least 1 foot of freeboard between the peak storage elevation and the top of the embankment crest, and to safely convey the 100-year storm without overtopping the embankment.

[] Emergency spillways are required for the 100-year storm event.

[] End walls above pipe outfalls greater than 30 inches in diameter shall be fenced with pipe or rebar at 8-inch intervals to prevent a hazard.

[] If pond draining is required for any reason, the pond shall be drained in a non-erosive fashion and with consideration of impacts to downstream properties.

4.3.6.3 Wet Pond Pre-Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Each wet pond shall have a sediment forebay sized to contain at least 10% of the WQ_v. Otherwise, pre-treatment shall be provided sized in accordance with Section 4.1.

4.3.6.4 Wet Pond Treatment Required Elements:

[] At least 25% of the WQ_v shall be provided in "deep water zones" with a depth equal to or greater than 4 feet, but not more than 8 feet. As required above, at least 10% of the WQ_v shall be provided in a sediment forebay or other pretreatment practice. The remaining 65% of the WQ_v shall be provided in some combination of shallow permanent pool with depth less than four feet and the extended detention (ED) storage volume above the permanent pool, as applicable. ED storage volume shall not exceed 50% of the WQ_v.

[] Flow paths at the normal water level from the inflow points to the outflow points shall be maximized through the use of geometry and features such as internal berms, baffles, vegetated peninsulas, or islands. The minimum flow path length to practice width ratio is 3:1.

[] The ratio of the shortest flow path (distance from the closest inlet to the outlet) to the overall length (distance from the farthest inlet to the outlet) must be at least 0.8. In some cases, due to site geometry, storm sewer infrastructure, or other factors, some inlets may not be able to meet these ratios; the drainage area served by these "closer" inlets shall not constitute more than 20% of the total contributing drainage area. The Agency may require additional pre-treatment for closer inlets.

4.3.6.5 Wet Pond Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] The perimeter of all deep pool areas of 4 feet or greater in depth shall be surrounded by 2 benches as follows:

-- Except when side slopes are 4:1 (H:V) or flatter, a safety bench shall be provided that generally extends 10 feet outward from the normal water edge to the toe of the side slope. The maximum slope of the safety bench shall be 6%; and

-- An aquatic bench shall be incorporated that extends at least 5 feet inward from the normal edge of water and has a maximum depth of 18 inches below the normal pool water surface elevation.

[] A planting plan for the wet pond shall be prepared to indicate how aquatic and terrestrial areas will be stabilized, as well as how vegetated cover will be established and maintained. Minimum elements of a plan shall include: delineation of pondscaping zones; selection of corresponding plant species; plant locations; sequence for preparing planting areas, including soil amendments, if needed; and sources of plant material.

[] Woody vegetation that is more than 2 inches in diameter shall not be planted or allowed to grow on a dam or within 15 feet of a dam or the toe of the embankment.

4.3.7 Green Roofs

There are two common approaches for using alternative stormwater management treatments for the rainfall that falls on building rooftops. "Green roofs" are rooftop areas that are partially or completely landscaped with vegetation. The other approach involves strictly rooftop detention and is commonly referred to as a "blue roof." Blue roofs have been applied in combined sewer overflow (CSO) areas to help attenuate rooftop flows to reduce CSOs, and would be potentially applicable in places such as the City of Burlington. But since they provide only storage and detention capabilities, and do not offer widespread application in Vermont, they are not examined further in this Manual as an applicable green stormwater infrastructure practice. They still, however, may be proposed for storage as part of an overall stormwater management plan.

A typical green roof includes vegetation planted in a substrate over a drainage layer and a root barrier membrane. There are two main types:

(1) intensive, which are planted with woody vegetation with a deeper planting soil and walkways, and

(2) extensive, which are vegetated with short, drought-tolerant species, such as sedums, and a shallow growing media. Some green roofs are constructed with stormwater detention tanks and a pump back system to recirculate water during dry periods and allow for additional uptake of first flush pollutants. Green roofs provide several benefits, including reduction of stormwater runoff through absorption, storage, and evapotranspiration. Ancillary benefits include reduction of urban heat island effects and increased building energy efficiency; and increased roof durability and lifespan.

4.3.7.1 Green Roof Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] The system shall have a maximum slope of 20%, unless specific measures from the manufacturer are provided to retain the system on steeper slopes.

[] Green roofs shall only be used to manage precipitation that falls directly on the rooftop area.

4.3.7.2 Green Roof Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] Roof drain designs shall include at least 2 outlets or an outlet and an overflow. Outlets shall be kept clear of vegetation by installing a vegetation free zone around the outlet or overflow.

[] The runoff exceeding the capacity of the green roof system shall be safely conveyed to a drainage system or another STP without causing erosion. If an overland path is used, a stabilized channel shall be provided for erosive velocities of 3.5 to 5.0 ft/s for the 1-year storm event.

[] The green roof system shall safely convey runoff from the 100-year storm away from the building and into a downstream drainage system.

4.3.7.3 Green Roof Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Green roofs shall receive T_v credit equal to the volume of runoff stored in the void space of the planting medium above the drain layer and without bypass to the overflow system. The treatment volume shall be calculated as follows:

T_v = A g W n W d t

where:

T_v= treatment volume credit (ft [3 ])

A_g = green roof surface area (ft [2 ])

n = porosity of planting medium

d_t = depth of planting medium above drain layer (ft)

[] Green roof storage shall not be credited towards the WQ_v or Rev.

4.3.7.4. Green Roof Landscaping and Vegetation

Required Elements:

[] A landscape plan shall be provided to specify plant species based on specific site, structural design, and hydric conditions present on the roof with a target to achieve vegetative coverage of at least 75% of the green roof area within one year.

4.3.8 Permeable Pavement

Permeable pavement includes a suite of hardscape surfaces with an underlying reservoir course that captures and temporarily stores precipitation before infiltrating into the underlying soil or conveying it elsewhere. These practices are typically most applicable to areas of low traffic, such as residential driveways, parking spaces, alleys, sidewalks, bike paths, courtyards, and residential streets.

Pursuant to Subchapter 2.0, permeable pavement surfaces can qualify as jurisdictionally pervious surfaces in certain cases. When a permeable pavement system meets the documentation and design requirements necessary to qualify as a jurisdictionally pervious surface, the surface is not regulated under a stormwater permit or authorization to discharge. A permeable pavement system may be designed as an STP to treat runoff from other jurisdictional rooftop impervious surfaces, and thus may become a creditable component of the stormwater management system.

There are a few categories of permeable pavements, including porous asphalt, porous concrete or porous concrete slabs, permeable pavers, and reinforced turf and gravel. The base materials often include a filter layer of sand between the surface course and underlying reservoir/sub-base material. Unreinforced gravel or dirt roads and parking lots are not considered permeable, as they are subject to compaction and thus possess minimal potential for infiltration.

Porous asphalt and pervious concrete look nearly the same as traditional asphalt or concrete pavement but have 10%-25% void space and are constructed over a base course that doubles as a reservoir for the stormwater before it infiltrates into the subsoil or is directed to a downstream facility.

In addition to porous asphalt and pervious concrete, several paver configurations are also acceptable, including:

Permeable solid blocks or reinforced turf. This type of permeable paving surface includes permeable solid blocks, where the blocks have a minimum void ratio of 15%, and contain open-cell grids filled with washed aggregate for paving blocks, or sandy soil planted with turf for reinforced turf applications, set on a prepared base course of washed aggregate.

Solid blocks with open-cell joints. This type of paver surface includes interlocking impermeable solid blocks or open grid cells that must contain permeable void areas between the impermeable blocks. Permeable void areas are filled with washed aggregate and compacted to required specifications. Pavers are set on prepared base course materials of washed aggregate.

Permeable pavements can be applied as infiltration practices or for detention storage:

Infiltration Facilities are designed to temporarily attenuate runoff in the reservoir course before draining into underlying soil. There are no perforated drain pipes at the bottom of the base or reservoir courses; however, they may have overflow pipes for saturated conditions and extreme storm events.

Detention Facilities are designed to include an underdrain at the bottom of the base aggregate, which then flows to a downstream STP for additional treatment and storage. This category is useful in sites with poor infiltration rates or shallow depth to groundwater or bedrock. Detention practices also include an impermeable liner on hotspots. If designed as a detention system, infiltration restrictions noted below do not apply.

4.3.8.1 Permeable Pavement Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] A permeable pavement system shall only be designed as a STP to treat runoff from rooftops, where the rooftop runoff is not expected to have elevated sediment and solids concentrations, and the rooftop runoff is routed in such a way as to not accumulate sediment and solids.

[] The bottom of infiltrating permeable pavement practices shall be located in the soil profile, if the practice is being used to meet the WQTS. Alternatively, a filter course is required where the bottom of an infiltrating permeable pavement practice cannot be located above the parent materials.

[] To be suitable for infiltration, underlying soils shall have an infiltration rate of at least 0.2 inches per hour, as documented by soil testing requirements for infiltration pursuant to Section 4.3.3.2.

[] Runoff from designated hotspot land uses or activities shall not be directed to permeable pavements unless they are designed as a detention facility with an impermeable liner.

[] Permeable pavements shall be sited on slopes less than 5%. The bottom of the reservoir course shall be designed to be close to 0% slope as possible, and no greater than 0.5% slope. The bottom layers shall be terraced, as necessary, to maintain the maximum slope of 0.5%.

[] The bottom of an infiltrating permeable pavement practice shall be separated by at least 3 feet vertically from the SHGWT or bedrock (when treating WQ_v), as documented pursuant to soil testing requirements for infiltration Section 4.3.3.2.

4.3.8.2 Permeable Pavement Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] Rooftop runoff shall be routed to permeable pavement in such a way as to not accumulate sediment and solids. Runoff from disturbed area shall not be directed to permeable pavement.

4.3.8.3 Permeable Pavement Treatment Required Elements:

[] A permeable pavement system designed as a STP to treat runoff from rooftops shall provide storage in excess of that required to qualify as a pervious surface, such that additional capacity exists for crediting toward rooftop runoff treatment requirements. Permeable pavements used for infiltration of rooftop runoff shall be designed to exfiltrate the entire TV through the floor of each practice.

[] The base course or reservoir layer shall be a minimum 6 inches, but is generally 12 to 24 inches or greater. The base material shall be washed, uniformly sized material, and must maintain adequate bearing capacity, depending on the use, and compaction effort. The base course may also include a filter course above the reservoir layer that consists of 2 to 6 inches of sand.

[] Pervious pavement is credited toward Rev, WQ_v, HC_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100 of the contributing rooftop area based on the treatment volume provided. The total storage volume (V_Total) for the infiltrating permeable pavement will first be calculated as follows:

where:

V_Total = total storage volume within the permeable pavement system (ft [3 ])

A_p = permeable pavement surface area (ft [2 ])

n = porosity of stone fill; the accepted porosity of gravel (if used) is 0.33

d_t = depth of aggregate base (ft)

f_c = design infiltration rate of the underlying soil (in/hr)

t = time to fill (hours) (assumed to be 2 hours for design purposes)

The maximum creditable treatment volume (T_v) is the difference between total storage (V_Total) and the volume that must first be provided to satisfy the jurisdictional pervious requirements:

where:

T_v = maximum design volume (ft [3 ])

P_1yr = 1-year design storm depth (inches)

Where rooftop runoff can be routed to a permeable pavement system with available treatment capacity (T_v), the surplus treatment capacity can be allocated to contributing rooftop Rev, WQ_v, HC_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100 treatment requirements.

[] Solid blocks with open-cell joints < 15% of the surface shall be designed to provide one inch of surface storage above the permeable pavement system to meet the recharge and water quality treatment requirements.

[] Permeable pavement used for detention only no T_v credit shall be given.

[] For permeable pavement with a stone sump beneath an underdrain system, T_v credit shall be limited to the void space within the sump.

4.3.8.4 Permeable Pavement Landscaping and Vegetation

Required Elements:

[] In rare instances where pervious up-gradient "run-on" is proposed, such as lawns, the up-gradient area shall be fully stabilized, consisting of turf, and absent bare soil.

4.3.9 Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting practices, when designed to temporarily store stormwater runoff for detention or re-use through retention, may assist in meeting stormwater runoff reduction goals and will be credited to a site's HC_v.

Rainwater harvesting is the capture, conveyance, and storage of precipitation from impervious surfaces, typically rooftops, primarily for re-use, rather than infiltration or release into a waterway. Rainwater harvesting has minimal site requirements compared to other stormwater management practices and may be used in residential and industrial settings for any volume of rooftop runoff, if sized appropriately.

Rainwater harvesting may be used on sites where dense development, pollutant hotspots, or soil conditions preclude the use of infiltration or other stormwater management practices. The use of rainwater harvesting reduces the amount of stormwater runoff entering the drainage system and local receiving waters as well as reducing or delaying peak flow rates. It is important to have well-defined operation and maintenance procedures for any rainwater harvesting system, in order to provide adequate storage capacity for subsequent storm events.

Storage tanks for harvested rainwater may be sited above or below ground, indoors or outdoors, or on rooftops of buildings that have been designed to bear the load of rainwater storage. The main components of a rainwater harvesting system include: a contributing rooftop surface; a conveyance system of gutters, downspouts, and pipes; screening or pre-treatment filter and clean-out; a watertight storage container; an overflow pipe; an access hatch; and an extraction system, such as a spout or pump. Additional components may include a first flush diverter, pressure tank, and backflow prevention device.

Rain barrels are commonly used to store harvested rainwater in small-scale residential settings, while above- or below-ground cisterns are more commonly used in larger-scale industrial settings. Rain barrels are above ground storage tanks generally holding 50-80 gallons, but may hold up to 200 gallons. Cisterns are sealed tanks, which may be above or below ground and generally hold 200-10,000 gallons. While carefully managed rain barrels can be a viable means of stormwater runoff volume reduction for very small volumes of rainwater, this standard is intended to be applied to the larger storage volumes and more robust management strategies that are possible only with cisterns.

Harvested rainwater is often well-suited for reuse in landscape irrigation and other non- potable uses, including in toilets and urinals, as well as HVAC make-up water, topping off swimming pools, and washing cars. In Vermont, reuse of harvested rainwater for purposes other than irrigation is largely unaddressed by current state regulations or local codes. Neither the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) nor International Plumbing Code (IPC) directly addresses rainwater harvesting in their potable or stormwater sections (EPA 2008). Because of this lack of specific rainwater harvesting guidance, some jurisdictions have regulated harvested rainwater as reclaimed water, resulting in stringent requirements that make reusing harvested rainwater challenging. The practicality of rainwater reuse will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

4.3.9.1 Rainwater Harvesting Feasibility

Required Elements:

The following design elements are required when implementing rainwater harvesting practices to capture and reuse stormwater runoff.

[] Rainwater harvesting shall be limited to rooftop runoff.

[] Rainwater storage shall be designed to capture at least 0.2 inches of rainfall from the contributing rooftop.

[] An application area or water reuse shall be identified that is sufficient to reuse the stormwater volume stored within a week at an application rate of 1inch per week over the irrigation period from May through September.

[] For underground storage tanks, the bottom of the tank shall be above groundwater level, and the top of the tank shall be below the frost line. Storage tanks that are above ground or not able to be buried below the frost line shall be appropriately insulated or disconnected during the winter months to protect the system from freezing.

4.3.9.2 Rainwater Harvesting Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] Gutters shall be hung at a minimum of 0.5% for 2/3 of the length and at 1% for the remaining 1/3 of the length, and shall be set and sized to properly capture, contain, and convey the 1-inch storm event at a rate of 1-inch per hour for credit.

[] Overflow runoff shall be safely conveyed to a suitable, down-gradient location such as a buffer area, open yard, grass swale, or secondary treatment practice, as applicable.

[] Overflow conveyance and tank siting shall be designed to prevent ponding or soil saturation within 10 feet of building foundations, and underground cisterns shall be sited at least 10 feet from building foundations.

[] Systems shall be designed around a water budget analysis that identifies how water will be used to ensure that storage capacity in the system will be available for subsequent runoff events.

4.3.9.3 Rainwater Harvesting Pre-Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Pre-treatment shall be provided in the form of a filter or screen to prevent leaf litter, sediment, and other debris from entering the storage tank. First flush diverters, vortex filters, roof washers, and leaf screens are acceptable forms of pre-treatment. The pre-treatment shall be installed either in the gutter or downspout or at the inlet to the storage tank, with proper design for clean-out. Depending on the desired use for the rainwater, additional filtration may be needed or desired.

[] Mosquito screening (1 mm mesh size) shall be installed at openings to prevent mosquitos from entering the storage tank.

4.3.9.4 Rainwater Harvesting Treatment Required Elements:

[] A water budget analysis shall be provided that identifies how water will be used, to ensure that the system will be available for subsequent runoff events.

[] Storage tanks shall be watertight and shall be composed of and sealed with water safe, non-toxic substances.

[] Different rooftop materials contribute different substances and pollutants to rainwater, which may impact potential reuse. Generally, asphalt shingle and painted metal roofs are well-suited for rainwater harvesting. Rainwater shall not be harvested from the following roof types: tar and gravel, asbestos shingle, and treated cedar shakes. In addition, rainwater shall not be collected from roofs with metal flashing that contains lead.

[] Rainwater harvesting is sized and credited toward WQ_v and HC_v based on the storage volume (T_v), and is calculated as follows:

where:

T_v = design storage volume (ft [3 ])

DA = drainage area (rooftop area captured for rainfall harvesting) (ft [2 ])

R_v = runoff coefficient = 0.95

P = target rainfall event, minimum of 0.2 inches

4.3.9.5. Rainwater Harvesting Landscaping and Vegetation

Required Elements:

[] Stormwater shall not be diverted to the rainwater harvesting system until the overflow conveyance and application areas have been stabilized with vegetation.

4.4 Rainwater Harvesting Landscaping and Vegetation

The stormwater treatment field is rapidly evolving and new stormwater management technologies constantly emerge. A permit applicant may propose, and the Agency may allow, the use of STPs other than those presented in Sections 4.1 - 4.3, if the permit applicant can demonstrate to the Agency's satisfaction that the proposed alternative STPs will attain the WQTS. Compliance with the Groundwater Recharge, Channel Protection, Overbank Flood Protection, and Extreme Flood Control standards can be demonstrated through hydrologic modeling. Proposals for use of alternative treatment systems shall require consideration of the design through the use of the individual permit application process.

There are two methods by which a designer may propose an alternative system design evaluation: through consideration of an existing-alternative system, currently installed and being used for stormwater treatment in a similar to Vermont's climate; or through a new design-alternative systems proposed for use in Vermont.

Alternative STPs shall achieve a minimum of 50% TP and 80% TSS removal.

Following review of performance standards provided under either method, the Agency will assign the alternative STP to one of the three tiers of practices acceptable for meeting the WQTS as defined in Section 2.2.4.1. If the Secretary has provided prior approval of an Alternative STP, designers shall not be required to evaluate the ability to use the approved Alternative STP in their Water Quality Practice Selection conducted pursuant to Section 2.2.4.1.

4.4.1 Existing Alternative Systems.

If an existing alternative STP is proposed, the permit applicant shall include scientific verification of its ability to meet the WQTS described in Section 2.2.4, and a proven record of longevity in the field. There are several existing protocols that have been developed which provide a more uniform method for demonstrating stormwater treatment technologies and developing test quality assurance (QA) plans for certification or verification of performance claims. Several of the more widely used protocols, including participating states, are described briefly below. The Agency will accept as evidence of performance a successful demonstration conducted in a manner consistent with the most current version of one of the protocols identified below, assuming approval is being sought for a similar application of the technology:

[] Technology Acceptance Reciprocity Partnership (TARP), with evaluations by UMass Amherst Massachusetts Stormwater Evaluation Project (MASTEP)

[] U.S. EPA's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV)

[] Washington Department of Ecology's Technology Assessment Protocol (TAPE)

-- Other protocol or program as approved by the Agency.

Completion of a demonstration consistent with an aforementioned protocol may not be sufficient in all cases. The Agency reserves the right to evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis and request additional information, including evidence of long-term performance. A poor maintenance record or high failure rate is valid justification for the Agency's rejection of a STP.

4.4.2 New-Design Alternative Systems

The performance standard for any new-design alternative STP shall meet the WQTS described in Section 2.2.4, and shall have the capability to achieve long-term performance in the field. For a new-design alternative STP to be submitted to the Agency for consideration, a designer's certification of compliance, including pertinent design information, shall be provided. This certification shall provide details, with a reasonable level of surety, on how the system will achieve the requisite performance standards. In addition, a plan of study to verify the performance of the STP shall be submitted and approved by the Agency prior to the commencement of the study. Minimum elements of the study plan shall include:

[] Storm events shall be sampled under a varying and representative range of precipitation intensities and antecedent conditions;

[] Methods for calculating removal efficiencies of TSS and TP shall be included;

[] Influent and effluent concentrations shall be provided;

[] Concentrations reports in the study shall be flow-weighted;

[] The study shall be conducted in the field, as opposed to a testing laboratory;

[] The practice shall have been in the ground for at least 1 year at the time of monitoring; and,

[] The study must be completed within 3 years of construction of the STP.

Study plan design may consult testing protocols provided by the programs listed in Section 4.4.1.

If the Agency determines that the proposed new-design alternative STP does not meet the performance standards, and the applicant is not able to modify the system to correct the deficiency to the satisfaction of the Agency within a reasonable period of time, then the permit applicant shall replace the alternative system with an acceptable STP, or suite of STPs, as set forth in this Subchapter. If a new-design alternative system is approved by the Agency, then this alternative will be available for use by other permit applicants, if determined appropriate by the Agency.

PART 5.0 DETENTION AND CONVEYANCE PRACTICES

5.1 Dry Detention Ponds

Dry detention ponds are designed to provide Channel Protection, and Overbank and Extreme Flood Control only. They are not suitable for meeting the Water Quality Treatment Standard or the Groundwater Recharge Standard as stand-alone STPs.

Required Elements:

[] Dry detention ponds shall be constructed with side slopes no steeper than 2:1, unless site constraints require use of retaining walls or similar structural support.

[] Outlets requirements shall conform to Section 4.3.6, except when the minimum orifice size is used and the center of mass detention time for the detained volume during the 1-yr 24-hour storm event under the Type II distribution is less than 500 minutes.

5.2 Storage Vaults

Storage vaults are designed to provide stormwater runoff volume control only; Channel Protection, and Overbank and Extreme Flood Control. They are not suitable for meeting the Water Quality Treatment Standard or Groundwater Recharge Standard as stand-alone STPs.

Required Elements:

[] An observation well or equivalent access for inspection shall be installed in every storage vault system consisting of an anchored 4- to 6-inch diameter perforated PVC pipe with a screw-top cap or equivalent installed flush with the ground surface. Observation wells shall be installed every 50 feet or as otherwise required by manufacturers specifications.

5.3 Conveyance Swales

Conveyance swales are not suitable for meeting the Water Quality Treatment Standard or Groundwater Recharge Standard as stand-alone STPs, but may be allowed for conveyance or to provide Channel Protection, and Overbank and Extreme Flood Control, when designed with storage capacity and stormwater volume control.

Required Elements:

Conveyance swales shall have a trapezoidal or parabolic cross section with side slopes less than or equal to 2H:1V.

[] The bottom width of the conveyance swale shall be between 2and 8 feet wide.

[] The peak velocity for the 1-year storm within the conveyance swale must be non-erosive, in other words 3.5-5.0 feet per second.

[] Conveyance swales constructed on slopes of greater than 5%, shall be stone-lined or shall have equivalent stabilization such as through use of rolled erosion control product and vegetation, designed and installed per manufacturers specifications.

[] The conveyance swale shall have the capacity to convey the 10-year 24-hour storm event, at a minimum, safely with 6 inches of freeboard.

[] Conveyance swales used for meeting the Channel Protection Standard are not required to conform to the outlet requirements in Section 4.3.6.

PART 6.0 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

6.1 Applicability of the Stormwater Treatment Standards to Public Transportation Projects

As with other development projects in Vermont, if the Stormwater Management Rules apply to a public transportation project, then the project must meet the treatment standards of this Manual. Owners and operators of public transportation projects undertake several general types of roadway projects, including routine maintenance, redevelopment, and new construction. Each type of project is discussed below.

6.1.1 Redevelopment - Major Maintenance

Major maintenance projects involve restoring an existing roadway to its original condition and often include the replacement of pavement to subgrade. There is no net increase in total impervious area and very limited conversion of pervious areas into impervious areas. These projects do not substantively change the existing rate, volume, or quality of stormwater runoff from existing site conditions, and are usually bound by existing right-of-way limits. These types of projects, however, may present opportunities for improving runoff quality, control, and reduction through improvements.

When opportunities exist within the right-of-way, the designer shall consider the use of STPs or other practices to improve pre-existing stormwater runoff conditions. Where existing swales, vegetated shoulders, and median areas within existing rights-of-way can be retrofitted without adversely affecting safety or the integrity of the public transportation project, STPs and other measures shall be designed to disconnect, capture and infiltrate, or evapotranspire the runoff from impervious areas to the extent practicable.

Each drainage area shall be evaluated for the ability to:

[] Retrofit existing swales and median areas with acceptable non-structural or structural STPs and other acceptable methods to increase residence time, slow velocities, and encourage infiltration/evapotranspiration. Opportunities to evaluate include the following:

-- Retrofit portions of existing medians or swales along the project length with structural STPs for infiltration or filtering, including dry swales, unlined filtering systems, or VTrans Micropool Filter systems. Practice sizing may vary and may be limited by existing right-of-way (but this does not exclude practices that treat 100% of WQ_v or meet the Groundwater Recharge, Channel Protection, Overbank Flooding, and Extreme Flooding Standards where full capture or treatment is possible).

-- Restore the profile and function of existing swales, and install adequate erosion protection (including improved vegetative cover, check dams ( Sections 4.1.1.2 and 6.5.3), and stone lining) in existing roadside channels along the project length. Design for retrofits of conveyance swales should also be in accordance with Sections 5.7.4 to 5.7.7 of the VTrans Hydraulics Manual, 2015 (or most recent edition), or with the Vermont Better Roads Manual, 2009 (or most recent edition) as applicable. If swales are being used as pre-treatment for a downstream practice, the design requirements for pre-treatment swales ( Section 4.1.1) should also be considered.

-- Turn out existing swales wherever possible to avoid direct outlet into surface waters. Provide adequate outlet protection at the end of the turnout through the use of structural (rock) or vegetative filtering areas.

-- Retrofit micro-bioretention cells between roadway and sidewalk where right-of-way width allows and sidewalks are present.

-- Eliminate or reduce existing concentrated flows and promote distributed flow over vegetation, particularly during smaller storms.

[] Repair and stabilize rill and gully erosion within the right-of-way.

[] Install headwalls and wing-walls where there is erosion or undermining of existing culverts.

[] Retrofit existing pipe and culvert outlets with splash pads, plunge pools, level spreaders, or energy dissipators. Splash pads and energy dissipators should be designed in accordance with the VTrans Hydraulics Manual, 2015 (or most recent edition). Plunge pools should be designed using the guidance in Section 6.5.2. Level spreaders should be designed in accordance with Section 4.2.3.2.

[] Remove curbing (treated timber, asphalt, granite, concrete) and shoulder built-up berms in areas where distributed flow of runoff from the roadway can be maintained, and disconnect runoff through the use of Filter Strips and Vegetated Buffers ( Section 4.2.3). Disconnection lengths may vary and may be limited by existing right-of-way (but this does not exclude longer lengths where full dispersion is possible).

[] Meet the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard for applicable disturbed areas ( Section 6.3).

[] Preserve trees and revegetate to establish dense and vigorous vegetative cover as appropriate. Native plant species shall be specified over non-native species, where possible; though non-invasive cultivars are also acceptable where they provide comparable functions.

[] Restore areas used for off-site activities including temporary staging areas, haul roads, and material supply and disposal sites in accordance with Standard Specification 105.28. These areas will be restored to the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard where applicable. Preserve permeable (HSG A and B) soils during site construction and restoration activities (e.g., do not place clay waste material on top of permeable native material).

6.1.2 Redevelopment with Expansion

This Section covers reconstruction projects that involve renovation of an existing public transportation project along the existing alignment with net increase of existing impervious surfaces, and do not generally change the direction of runoff.

The WQTS shall apply to the expanded portions of public transportation reconstruction projects (or equivalent areas). 100% of the WQ_v for the net increase in impervious area shall be provided pursuant to Section 2.2.4. In cases where the net increase in impervious surface exceeds 1 acre discharging to any one receiving water, the Groundwater Recharge, Channel Protection, Overbank Flooding, and Extreme Flooding Standards may also apply, pursuant to existing thresholds and exemptions. The "same receiving water" shall be determined by the Agency during pre-application review, required under Section 2.1.1 of this Rule, on a case-by-case basis.

If capture and treatment of the required WQ_v is not practical through acceptable STPs, a designer may propose alternatives that would achieve an equivalent pollutant reduction, in consideration of and with preference for practices that can comparably meet the highest water quality treatment goals (Tier 1 through Tier 3 STPs), where possible, as established in Subchapter 2.0. In such cases, the designer shall document, pursuant to the Section 0 documentation requirements, the site constraints or limitations and expected pollutant removal for any proposed alternative STP. Proposed alternatives shall be subject to Agency approval. If the Agency determines that a proposed alternative will not provide equivalent pollutant reduction or presents greater risks to water quality, in consideration of impervious surface proximity to water resources, existing site conditions, or other factors, the Agency shall deny the proposed alternative.

If capture and treatment of the WQ_v within the drainage area flowing to the same discharge point and receiving water is not practical, a designer may propose to use site balancing as further described in Section 6.2.

6.1.3 New Construction

On projects that involve new impervious surface on undeveloped rights-of-way, the entire project shall be subject to the full suite of stormwater treatment standards, as applicable in Section 2.0. While these projects have unique constraints associated with the nature of public transportation projects, there is greater opportunity for site planning for new public transportation projects than for existing ones.

6.2 Site Balancing for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Public Transportation Reconstruction Projects

Public Transportation Reconstruction Projects shall comply with the Site Balancing requirements under Section 2.1.1, except for the Section 2.1.1. site balancing requirement.

In lieu of the Section 2.1.1 site balancing requirement, Public Transportation Reconstruction Projects shall comply with the following:

1. First, site balancing shall be attempted within the drainage area flowing to the same discharge point and receiving water.

2. If site balancing within the same discharge point's drainage area is not reasonably feasible, then site balancing shall be attempted within the same receiving water within project limits, or to the nearest possible discharge point to the same receiving water where the impervious surface area to be used as compensation is under the ownership or control of the applicant.

3. If site balancing to the same receiving water upstream of the discharge point within project limits is not reasonably feasible, then site balancing shall be attempted within the same watershed as the reconstruction project's discharge point, where the impervious surface area to be used as compensation is under the ownership or control of the applicant.

4. If site balancing within the same watershed as the reconstruction project's discharge point is not reasonably feasible, then site balancing shall be provided the same watershed below the discharge point, where the impervious surface area to be used as compensation is under the ownership or control of the applicant.

6.3 Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Requirements for Public Transportation Projects

As discussed in greater detail in Subchapter 3.0, naturally occurring, undisturbed soil and vegetation provide important stormwater functions. This Section focuses on soil quality requirements and the use of amendments, particularly compost, for roadside projects.

Much of the roadside environment is reduced to subsoil at the surface following a typical roadway construction project. Subsoil has little or no organic matter, few pore spaces, and few microorganisms, all of which are important for absorbing and cleaning water. While the mineral component of soil provides structural support for roads and bridges, most types of native vegetation cannot grow in this environment. The resulting community of native and exotic, invasive plants can require costly maintenance and time consuming management. The job of reconstructing a functioning soil community without establishing healthy soil during project execution is difficult and costly, and might not be achievable.

It is necessary to have healthy soil to revegetate a site. Revegetation is necessary to provide slope stabilization, erosion control, biofiltration and infiltration for water quality, screening, local climate modification, and habitat, and may also be required to meet permit or environmental requirements. As a result, healthy topsoil is an important component of a development project.

Plantlife and water absorption capability require similar soil conditions: loose, friable soil with the right balance of organic matter, microorganisms, and minerals. In contrast, roadway construction requires highly compacted soils with low organic matter content for stability. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) requires that soils for road foundations be compacted to 95% density--however, most plants require that soils have a density of less than 80-85%, and compacted soils similarly have poor water infiltration and stormwater management capability. This density complication poses a challenge in all phases of roadside stormwater and vegetation management.

6.3.1 Requirements for Public Transportation Projects

The requirements of Subchapter 3.0 apply to public transportation redevelopment and new construction projects. Sections 201, 651, and 755 of the VTrans 2011 Standard Specifications for Construction (or most recent edition) (Standard Specifications) contain many similarities to the requirements of Subchapter 3.0. Differences between Subchapter 3.0 and Sections 201, 651, and 755 of the Standard Specifications are described below, along with required modifications to these specifications to ensure that public transportation projects comply with Subchapter 3.0.

SECTION 201 - CLEARING

[] There is no requirement or provision for preserving or stockpiling topsoil in Sections 201.2 Clearing, 201.3 Grubbing, or 201.6 Disposal of the Standard Specifications. Subchapter 3.0 requires that in areas requiring grading, topsoil be removed, stockpiled on site, and reapplied to other portions of the site where feasible. For purposes of this subsection, "on site" shall include public transportation project staging areas.

Specification Modification - Retain native topsoil where practical. In any areas requiring grading, remove and stockpile existing topsoil within the right-of-way or project limits to be reapplied to the site where feasible. If it is not feasible to stockpile topsoil within the right-of-way or project limits, topsoil shall be stockpiled in a nearby staging area if feasible.

SECTION 651 - TURF ESTABLISHMENT

[] Section 651.05 Preparation of Area of the Standard Specifications requires areas unsuitable for vegetation to be covered with 50 mm (2 inches) of topsoil. Section 651.06 Topsoil of the Standard Specifications requires topsoil be spread to depth of 50 mm (2 inches) or to depth shown on Plans. Subchapter 3.0 requires a minimum topsoil depth of 4 inches or to match the native NRCS soil series description depth.

Specification Modification - Required depth of topsoil shall be increased to 4 inches to meet the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Requirements.

[] Section 651.05 Preparation of Area of the Standard Specifications requires that soils shall be loosened to depth of approximately 50 mm (2 inches). There is no "or to depth shown on Plans" language. Subchapter 3.0 requires subsoils be scarified at least 4 inches with some incorporation of upper material.

Specification Modification - Increase required soil loosening depth to 4 inches minimum. Add "or to depth shown on Plans" and require a minimum 4-inch scarification depth for jurisdictional projects.

[] Sections 651.05 and 651.06 of the Standard Specifications both provide for 2 inches of topsoil cover, but the method used to establish compliance with Subchapter 3.0 soil quality requirements (amend existing site topsoil or subsoil; stockpile and replace, import topsoil) for different parts of the site will need to be clearly identified on Plans. Site-specific plan requirements are included in Section 3.3, Vegetation and Landscaping.

Specification Modification - To demonstrate compliance with Section 3.3 Vegetation and Landscaping requirements, designers shall specify construction details on acceptable methods as well as instructions for contractor verification and the verification sampling scheme.

SECTION 755 - LANDSCAPING MATERIALS

Section 755. 05 Compost of the Standard Specifications requires compost to comply with EPA requirements for compost (Table 755.05A), while Subchapter 3.0 requires that compost used to meet "pre-approved" amendment rates meet the definition of "compost" in the Vermont Solid Waste Management Rules. A few of the compost requirements differ between Section 755.05 and this Manual:

[] Section 755. 05 of the Standard Specifications requires an organic matter content of 30-60%, and has no requirement for carbon to nitrogen ratio. Subchapter 3.0 requires that compost must have an organic matter content of 40% to 65%, and a carbon to nitrogen ratio below 25:1.

Specification Modification - Adjust organic matter content range to correspond with this Manual. Add C:N requirement to Standard Specifications, or to bid specifications for applicable projects.

[] Section 755. 05 of the Standard Specifications requires that the compost meet U.S. EPA Part 503 exceptional quality concentration limits for trace elements/heavy metals. Subchapter 3.0 requires compost to meet contaminant standards of the Vermont Solid Waste Management Rules § 6-1104, § 6-1105, and § 6-1106. The Vermont Solid Waste Management Rules in a few cases contain contaminant standards that are stricter than those from EPA (all in mg/kg): Arsenic (41 EPA, 15 VT), Cadmium (39 EPA, 21 VT), Mercury (17 EPA, 10 VT).

Specification Modification - If compost is specified to be purchased from operations licensed under the Vermont Solid Waste Management Rules, it should be compliant with both EPA and Vermont requirements.

6.4 Additional Acceptable STPs for Public Transportation Projects

The following STPs may be considered for meeting the Stormwater Treatment Standards during the design and implementation of public transportation projects. Any STP contained in Subchapter 4.0 may also be used to treat and manage stormwater from public transportation projects in accordance with Subchapter 2.0.

6.4.1 Infiltration Berm

An infiltration berm is a mound of compacted earth with sloping sides that is usually located along (i.e., parallel to) a contour in a moderately sloping area. Berms create shallow depressions that collect and temporarily store stormwater runoff, allowing it to infiltrate into the ground and recharge groundwater. They function similar to infiltration trenches. Berms are ideal in areas where runoff is free to discharge over slopes. A berm can be installed parallel to the road and intercept runoff prior to being discharged into adjacent areas or bodies of water. Berms can be constructed on disturbed slopes and revegetated as part of the construction process. Infiltration berms may also be constructed in combination with a subsurface infiltration trench at the base of the berm to increase retention capacity. Where infiltration is not feasible, filter media and an underdrain may be provided below the depression storage, allowing the practice to function as a filter.

6.4.1.1 Infiltration Berm Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] For practices designed to infiltrate, underlying soils shall have an infiltration rate (f c) of at least 0.2 inches per hour, as confirmed by soil testing requirements for infiltration pursuant to Section 4.3.3.2.

[] For practices designed to infiltrate, relevant feasibility required elements for infiltration trench and basin practices shall be met pursuant to Section 4.3.3.

6.4.1.2 Infiltration Berm Pre-Treatment

Required Elements:

[] If the berm functions as an infiltration practice, required elements pursuant to Section 4.3.3 shall apply.

[] If the berm functions as a filtering practice, required elements pursuant to Section 4.3.4.3 shall apply.

6.4.1.3 Infiltration Berm Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] Conveyance for berms that function as infiltration practices shall be sized pursuant to the required elements pursuant to Section 4.3.3.2.

[] Conveyance for berms that function as filtering practices shall be sized pursuant to the required elements pursuant to Section 4.3.4.2.

6.4.1.4 Infiltration Berm Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Infiltration berms may be used toward meeting the Water Quality (WQ_v), Groundwater Recharge (Re_v), Channel Protection (CP_v ), Overbank Flood Protection (Q_p10), and Extreme Flood Protection (Q_p100) (Treatment Standards. Sizing criteria are dependent on berm function, location, and storage volume requirements.

[] Berms that function as infiltration practices shall be sized pursuant to the required elements in Section 4.3.3.5. For infiltrating berms, the treatment volume (T_v) stored behind the berm and infiltrated shall be credited towards WQ_v, CP_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100. Infiltration berms that infiltrate are Tier 1 practices.

[] Berms that function as Filtering Practices shall be sized pursuant to the required elements in Section 4.3.4.4. Infiltration berms that function as filters are Tier 2 practices.

[] When infiltration berms are located on public transportation project slopes or toe of slopes, the slopes shall be evaluated for stability by a geotechnical engineer.

6.4.1.5 Infiltration Berm Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] Berms that function as infiltration practices shall be vegetated and landscaped pursuant to the required elements in Section 4.3.3.6.

[] Berms that function as filtering practices shall be vegetated and landscaped pursuant to the required elements in Section 4.3.4.5.

6.4.2 Media Filter Drain

The media filter drain (MFD) is a linear flow-through stormwater runoff treatment device that can be sited along public transportation project side slopes (conventional design) and medians (dual media filter drains), borrow ditches, or other linear depressions. Cut-slope applications may also be considered. The MFD is well-suited where the available right-of-way is limited, distributed flow from the public transportation project surface is feasible, and lateral gradients are generally less than 25% (4H:1V). The MFD may also be applied in an end-of-pipe application, where surface runoff is collected and conveyed to a location where flows can be re-dispersed to the MFD.

The MFD removes suspended solids, phosphorus, and metals from stormwater runoff through physical straining, ion exchange, carbonate precipitation, and biofiltration. Stormwater runoff is conveyed to the MFD via distributed flow or is re-dispersed to a vegetation-free gravel zone to ensure sheet flow and provide some pollutant trapping. Next, a grass strip provides pretreatment, further enhancing filtration and extending the life of the system. The runoff is then filtered through a bed of porous, alkalinity-generating granular medium--the media filter drain mix. Then treated water drains away from the MFD mix bed into a downstream conveyance system.

MFDs are suitable for providing water quality treatment, runoff reduction (for exfiltrating filters), and limited peak flow attenuation if designed properly. If large storm peak flow attenuation is required, MFDs need to be coupled with upstream or downstream detention practices.

6.4.2.1 Media Filter Drain Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] For use as an infiltration practice, underlying soils shall have an infiltration rate (f c) of at least 0.2 inches per hour, as confirmed by soil testing requirements for infiltration pursuant to Section 4.3.3.2.

[] Shallow groundwater. Determine seasonal high groundwater table levels at the project site to ensure the MFD mix bed and the underdrain, if applicable, will not become saturated by shallow groundwater. The hydraulic and runoff treatment performance of the MFD may be compromised due to backwater effects and lack of sufficient hydraulic gradient due to shallow groundwater or pooling at the discharge location. Vertical separation from the bottom of the MFD and seasonal high groundwater or bedrock shall be the same as for infiltration practices ( Section 4.3.3.1) if designed to infiltrate, or as for filtering practices ( Section 4.3.4.1) if lined or underdrained.

[] MFDs shall only be used where the site can be reasonably designed to locate a MFD on lateral slopes less than or equal to 25%.

6.4.2.2 Media Filter Drain Conveyance

Required Elements:

[] Water shall be conveyed to the MFD via sheet flow. Concentrated flows shall be re-dispersed prior to entering the MFD.

[] Lateral MFD side slopes adjacent to the roadway pavement shall be equal to or less than 4H:1V. As side slopes approach 3H:1V, without design modifications, sloughing may become a problem due to friction limitations between the separation geotextile and underlying soils.

[] Longitudinal MFD slopes shall be no steeper than 5%.

[] The longest flow path from the contributing area delivering distributed flow to the MFD shall not exceed 150 feet.

6.4.2.3 Media Filter Drain Pre-Treatment

Required Elements:

[] No-Vegetation Zone. The no-vegetation zone (vegetation-free zone) is a shallow gravel zone located directly adjacent to the public transportation project pavement. The no-vegetation zone functions as a level spreader to promote distributed flow and a deposition area for coarse sediments. The no-vegetation zone shall be between 1 foot and 3 feet wide. Depth shall be a function of how the roadway section is built from subgrade to finish grade; the resultant cross section will typically be triangular or trapezoidal. Within these bounds, the width varies depending on VTrans or municipal maintenance spraying practices if applicable.

[] Grass Strip. The grass strip functions as additional pre-treatment and runoff velocity reduction for distributed flow from the adjacent public transportation project surface. Pre-treatment is achieved through filtering and limited infiltration. The width of the grass strip shall be dependent on the availability of space within the public transportation side slope, but shall be 3 feet wide at a minimum. At a minimum, the existing embankment shall be scarified 2 inches and covered with 4 inches of topsoil meeting the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Treatment Standard ( Section 6.3) and seeded. Consider adding aggregate to the soil mix to help minimize rutting problems from errant vehicles. The soil mix shall ensure grass growth for the design life of the MFD.

6.4.2.4 Media Filter Drain Treatment

Required Elements:

[] Credit toward Treatment Standards.

-- For MFDs that are not designed to infiltrate, the treatment volume stored above and within the filter media shall be credited towards WQ_v. MFDs that function as filters are Tier 2 practices.

-- For MFDs that function as infiltration practices, the treatment volume (T_v) stored behind above and within the filter media and infiltrated shall be credited towards WQ_v, CP_v, Q_p10, and Q_p100. MFDs that function as infiltration practices are Tier 1 practices.

-- Where T_v credit for infiltration from the bottom of the filter bed to native soil is desired, the sizing equation from the Media Filter Drain Mix Bed Sizing Procedure below should be combined with the sizing equation for infiltration trenches ( Section 4.3.3.5 ).

[] Components

-- Media Filter Drain Mix Bed. The MFD mix is a mixture of crushed rock (sized by screening), dolomite, gypsum, and perlite. The crushed rock provides the support matrix of the medium; the dolomite and gypsum add alkalinity and ion exchange capacity to promote the precipitation and exchange of heavy metals; and the perlite improves moisture retention to promote the formation of biomass within the MFD mix. The combination of physical filtering, precipitation, ion exchange, and biofiltration enhances the water treatment capacity of the mix. The permeability rate used to size the MFD shall be 10 inches per hour.

-- 4-Inch Medium Topsoil Blanket and Grass. Place a 4-inch medium topsoil blanket with grass over the media filter drain bed area to reduce noxious weeds and unwanted vegetation. Topsoil shall meet required elements of the Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Treatment Standard (Subchapter 3.0 and Section 6.3).

-- Conveyance System below Media Filter Drain Mix. The gravel underdrain trench provides hydraulic conveyance when treated runoff needs to be conveyed to a desired location such as a downstream flow control STP or stormwater outfall. In Group C and D soils, an underdrain pipe helps ensure free flow of the treated runoff through the MFD mix bed. In some Group A and B soils, an underdrain pipe may not be necessary if most water percolates into subsoil from the underdrain trench. The need for underdrain pipe shall be evaluated in all cases. The gravel underdrain trench may be eliminated if flows can be conveyed laterally to an adjacent ditch or onto a fill slope that is properly vegetated to protect against erosion. The MFD mix shall be kept free draining up to the 50-year storm event water surface elevation represented in the downstream ditch.

[] Materials.

-- The MFD mix shall include of the amendments listed in Table 6-6. Mixing and transportation shall occur in a manner that ensures the materials are thoroughly mixed prior to placement and that separation does not occur during transportation or construction operations.

-- These materials shall be used in accordance with the following VTrans Standard Specifications:

-- Drainage Aggregate - Section 704.16

-- Underdrain Pipe - Sections 710.03 or 710.06

-- Geotextile for Underdrain Trench Lining - Section 720.01

[] Design Method

Length (perpendicular to direction of flow).

-- The length of the MFD shall be the same as the length of the contributing pavement.

Cross-Section.

-- The surface of the MFD should have a lateral slope less than 4H:1V (<25%). On steeper terrain, it may be possible to construct terraces to create a 4H:1V slope, or other engineering may be employed to ensure slope stability up to 3H:1V.

-- The resultant slope from the contributing drainage area should be less than or equal to 9.4%, calculated using the following equation:

S CFS [less than or equal] (G [2 ] + e [2)0.5 ]

where:

S CFS = resultant slope of the lateral and longitudinal slopes (%)

e = lateral slope (superelevation) (%)

G = longitudinal slope (grade) (%)

Media Filter Drain Mix Bed Sizing Procedure.

-- The width of the MFD mix bed shall be determined by the amount of contributing pavement routed to the embankment.

-- The surface area of the MFD mix bed shall be sufficiently large to fully infiltrate and filter the runoff treatment design flow rate using the long-term filtration rate of the MFD mix.

-- For design purposes, a 50% safety factor shall be incorporated into the long-term MFD mix filtration rate to accommodate variations in slope, resulting in a design filtration rate of 10 inches per hour.

-- The MFD mix bed shall have a bottom width of at least 2 feet in contact with the conveyance system below the MFD mix.

-- The MFD mix bed shall be a minimum of 12 inches deep, including the section on top of the underdrain trench.

-- For runoff treatment, the sizing of the MFD mix bed shall be based on the requirement that the runoff treatment flow rate from the pavement area, Q Highway, cannot exceed the long-term infiltration capacity of the MFD, Q Infiltration.

-- Q Highway is the water quality volume peak flow rate as determined using TR-20 or an approved equivalent. Water Quality Peak Flow Curve Number calculations apply when determining Q Highway (see Section 2.2.4.2 ).

-- The long-term infiltration capacity of the MFD shall be based on the following equation:

where:

LTIR = long-term infiltration rate of the media filter drain mix (use 10 inches per hour for design)

L = length of media filter drain (parallel to roadway) (ft.)

W = width of the media filter drain mix bed (ft.)

C = conversion factor of 43200 ((in./hr.)/(ft./sec.))

SF = safety factor (equal to 1.0, unless unusually heavy sediment loading is expected)

-- Assuming that the length of the MFD is the same as the length of the contributing pavement, solve for the width of the media filter drain:

Underdrain Design

-- Underdrain pipe can provide a protective measure to ensure free flow through the MFD mix and is sized similar to storm drains. For MFD underdrain sizing, an additional step is required to determine the flow rate that can reach the underdrain pipe. This is done by comparing the contributing basin flow rate to the infiltration flow rate through the MFD mix and then using the smaller of the two to size the underdrain. The analysis described below considers the flow rate per foot of MFD, which provides the flexibility of incrementally increasing the underdrain diameter where long lengths of underdrain are required.

-- When underdrain pipe connects to a storm drain system, the invert of the underdrain pipe shall be placed above the 25-year water surface elevation in the storm drain to prevent backflow into the underdrain system.

-- The following describes the required process for sizing underdrains.

1. Calculate the flow rate per foot from the contributing basin to the MFD. The design storm event used to determine the flow rate shall be relevant to the purpose of the underdrain. For example, if the MFD will be used to convey treated runoff to a detention practice, size the underdrain for the design storm event to be conveyed to the detention practice.

where:

L MFD =length of MFD contributing runoff to the underdrain (ft)

2. Calculate the MFD flow rate of runoff per foot given an infiltration rate of 10 in./hr. through the MFD mix.

Where:

W = width of underdrain trench (ft); minimum width is 2 ft

f = infiltration rate throug the MFD mix (in/hr) = 10 in/hr

3. Size the underdrain pipe to convey the runoff that can reach the underdrain trench. This is taken to be the smaller of the contributing basin flow rate or the flow rate through the MFD mix layer.

4. Determine the underdrain design flow rate using the length of the MFD and a factor of safety of 1.2.

Where:

Q UD = estimated flow rate to the underdrain (cfs)

W = width of underdrain trench; minimum width is 2 ft

L MFD = length of MFD contributing runoff to the underdrain (ft)

5. Given the underdrain design flow rate, determine the underdrain diameter. Round pipe diameters to the nearest standard pipe size and have a minimum diameter of 6 inches.

Where:

D = underdrain pipe diameter (inches)

n = Manning's coefficient

s = slope of pipe (ft/ft)

6.4.2.5. Media Filter Drain Vegetation and Landscaping

Required Elements:

[] Landscape the grass strip using the required elements for Pre-Treatment Filter Strips ( Section 4.1.2).

[] Topsoil shall meet the requirements of Subchapter 3.0 and Section 6.3.

6.5 Runoff Control Measures for Public Transportation Project Redevelopment - Major Maintenance Projects

The BMPs below, referred to in this section as measures, are available for use on Redevelopment-Major Maintenance projects. These measures shall be considered for implementation to improve pre-existing stormwater runoff conditions within existing rights-of-way or if possible, outside of the right-of-way. Where existing swales, vegetated shoulders, median areas, and discharge points within existing rights-of-way or drainage easements can be retrofitted with these measures without adversely affecting safety or the integrity of the public transportation project, measures shall be designed to disconnect, capture and infiltrate, or evapotranspire water quality volume from impervious areas, and to reduce or eliminate existing erosion issues, to the extent practicable.

Runoff control measures in this Section may be implemented on any project, but all new impervious areas subject to Stormwater Treatment Standards shall be treated with STPs in Subchapter 4.0 or Section 3.0 and pursuant to the requirements of this Manual.

6.5.1 Modifications to Acceptable STPs

Any STP contained in Subchapter 4.0 or Section 6.4 may be used to treat and manage stormwater from Redevelopment-Major Maintenance impervious surfaces. They should be designed to meet sizing requirements if practical. If sizing for the full treatment standard is impractical within the right-of-way or project limits, these STPs may be sized to fit within project constraints as long as safe conveyance of larger storm flows can be maintained.

6.5.2 Plunge Pools

Plunge pools are pre-shaped, stone-lined basins located directly downgrade of a discharge point. The man-made structure mimics the natural scour hole that would otherwise form at the conveyance outlet if no energy dissipation were provided. The pool is stabilized with riprap underlain by a gravel layer (or filter fabric in clay and silt soils) to absorb the impact of the discharge, prevent additional erosion and allow suspended particles to settle trapping trash and debris. Once runoff has filled the shallow basin, it overtops the plunge pool and is redistributed as diffuse flow to the surrounding area.

Plunge pools absorb the impact of high velocities and reduce the potential for downgrade erosion from point discharges by reducing flow velocities. When plunge pools are implemented under small peak flow conditions and installed on level ground, they redistribute concentrated inflow to diffuse outflow to adjacent land. Plunge pools provide a water quality benefit by dispersing flow, which achieves the following:

[] Prevents scour at the pipe discharge

[] Promotes runoff infiltration

[] Reduces soil erosion

6.5.2.1. Plunge Pool Design

Required Elements:

[] To prevent erosion immediately downgrade of the plunge pool, an apron of permanent soil reinforcement matting (PSRM) is required downgrade of the measure.

Required Elements (for pipes [less than or equal] 18" diameter and flows [less than or equal] 9 ft [3 ]/s):

[] The downstream area shall be flat (<5%) if diffuse flow is a goal. For slopes greater than 5%, outlet to a stable channel or other stable conveyance shall be provided.

[] The maximum allowable discharge for a 15-in. pipe is 6 ft [3 ]/s, based on the Q_p10 discharge.

[] The maximum allowable discharge for an 18-in. pipe is 10 ft [3 ]/s, based on the Q₁₀ discharge.

[] For 15-in. and 18-in. pipes, only Type II Stone Fill (d50 = 12 in.), VTrans Standard Specification 706.04(b), shall be used to line the plunge pool. This specification is based on empirical relationships between the area of the discharge pipe and the stone fill d50 and unsuccessful applications of smaller stone fill sizes. A d50 of 12 inches allows for a minimum pool depth of approximately 1 foot and a maximum depth of 3 feet. The minimum and maximum stone sizes for Type II Stone Fill are 2 inches to 36 inches, respectively.

[] Stone fill thickness and other design requirements of Section 5.3.2 of the VTrans Hydraulics Manual, 2015 apply.

[] The base of the plunge pool is square. The width is calculated as follows:

-- Base width = 3 W Discharge pipe size

[] Minimum width of the PSRM apron is the standard PSRM roll width.

[] PSRM shall be tucked a minimum of 1 foot underneath the filter fabric and natural ground around the perimeter of the plunge pool.

[] Side slopes for all four sides of the plunge pool is no greater than 2:1.

[] Minimum depth of the plunge pool is 1 foot.

[] Maximum depth of the plunge pool is 3 feet.

[] Required Elements (additional for pipes > 18" diameter and flows > 9 ft [3 ]/s):

[] The size of the stone fill shall be selected using the design criteria of Section 5.3.2 of the VTrans Hydraulics Manual, 2015.

[] The filter fabric shall be placed between the riprap and soil foundation to prevent soil movement through the openings of riprap.

6.5.3 Check Dams

Water quality check dams are permanent structures that reduce the effective slope of a conveyance swale, and create small pools, dissipating the energy of flow, increasing hydraulic residence time, allowing suspended particles to settle trapping trash and debris, and promoting infiltration. The check dams should be used in series, with the toe of the upstream check dam at the same elevation as the top of the downstream check dam.

6.5.3.1. Check Dam Feasibility

Required Elements:

[] Check dams shall not be installed in live streams or channels.

6.5.3.2. Check Dam Design

Required Elements:

[] Check dams shall be spaced based on the channel slope. Spacing shall be pursuant to the requirements in the Vermont Standards and Specifications for Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (2006 or most recent edition).

[] The maximum check dam height is 24 inches (for maintenance purposes).

[] Check dam materials shall be designed appropriately for the design channel velocities.

[] Armoring may be needed at the downstream toe of the check dam to prevent erosion.

[] Check dams shall be firmly anchored into the side-slopes to prevent outflanking; check dams shall also be anchored into the channel bottom so as to prevent hydrostatic head from pushing out the underlying soils. Maximum water elevation in channel (for 10-year design storm) shall be compared against anchoring height of check dam to ensure outflanking does not occur.

[] Check dams shall be designed with a center weir sized to pass the channel design storm peak flow (10-year storm event for man-made channels). Capacity of the drainage conveyance shall be checked to ensure storm flows can pass with at least 6" of freeboard for a 10-year storm.

6.5.3.3 Check Dam Safety Considerations

Required Elements:

[] Check dams shall be installed in channels such that either they are located outside of the clear zone of the public transportation project or they do not constitute a roadside hazard.

PART 7.0 DEFINITIONS

As used in this Manual, the following terms shall have the specified meaning, unless a different meaning is clearly intended by the context. If a term is not defined, it shall have its common meaning.

" 1-year storm" means a storm event which has a 1-year recurrence interval or statistically has a 100% chance on average of occurring in a given year.

" 10-year storm" means a storm event which has a 10-year recurrence interval or statistically has a 10% chance of occurring in a given year.

" 100-year storm" means a storm event which has a 100-year recurrence interval, or statistically has a 1% chance on average of occurring in a given year.

"Agency" means the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.

"Anti-seep collar" means an impermeable diaphragm usually of sheet metal or concrete constructed at intervals within the zone of saturation along the conduit of a principal spillway to increase the seepage length along the conduit and thereby prevent piping or seepage along the conduit.

"Applicant" means a person applying for permit coverage. In some cases, more than one person may apply as co-applicants.

"Aquatic bench" means a 10 to 15-foot-wide bench which is located around the inside perimeter of a stormwater pond permanent pool and is normally vegetated with aquatic plants; the goal is to provide pollutant removal and enhance safety in areas using stormwater ponds.

"Aquifer" means a geological formation that contains and transports groundwater.

"Authorization to discharge" means an authorization to discharge issued by the Secretary pursuant to a general permit.

"Baffles" means guides, grids, grating or similar devices placed in a pond to deflect or regulate flow and create a longer flow path.

"Barrel" means the closed conduit used to convey water under or through an embankment: part of the principal spillway.

"Berm" means a shelf that breaks the continuity of a slope; a linear embankment or dike.

"BMP" or "best management practice" means a schedule of activities, prohibitions or practices, maintenance procedures, green infrastructure, and other management practices to prevent or reduce water pollution, including the STPs set forth in this Manual.

"Channel" means a natural stream that conveys water; a ditch or swale excavated for the flow of water.

"Channel Protection Standard," "channel protection," or "CP_v" means the design criteria in this Manual that requires management of the post-development stormwater runoff from the 1-year, 24-hour storm event for the control of stream channel erosion.

"Check dam" means a small dam constructed in a gully, swale, or other channel to decrease the flow velocity, by reducing the channel gradient; minimize channel scour; and promote deposition of sediment. Check dams may be constructed of wood, small diameter stone, concrete, or earth.

"Chute" means a high velocity, open channel for conveying water to a lower level without erosion.

"Clay" or "clay soil" means:

(1) a mineral soil consisting of particles less than 0.002 millimeter in equivalent diameter,

(2) a soil texture class, or

(3) for engineering, a fine-grained soil (more than 50 percent passing the No. 200 sieve) that has a high plasticity index in relation to the liquid limit

"CN" see definition of "curve number."

"Common plan of development" means a development that is completed in phases or stages when such phases or stages share a common state or local permit related to the regulation of land use, the discharge of wastewater or a discharge to surface waters or groundwater, or a development designed with shared common infrastructure. Common plans of development include subdivisions, industrial and commercial parks, university and other campuses, and ski areas.

"Compaction" means any process by which the soil grains are rearranged to decrease void space and bring them in closer contact with one another, thereby increasing the weight of solid material per unit of volume, increasing the shear and bearing strength and reducing permeability.

"Conduit" means any channel intended for the conveyance of water, whether open or closed.

"Contour" means:

(1) an imaginary line on the surface of the earth connecting points of the same elevation, or

(2) a line drawn on a map connecting points of the same elevation.

"CP_v " see definition of "Channel Protection Standard."

"Crest" means the top of a dam, dike, spillway, or weir, frequently restricted to the overflow portion.

"Curve number" or "CN" means a numerical representation of a given area's hydrologic soil group, plant cover, impervious cover, interception and surface storage derived in accordance with Natural Resources Conservation Service methods. This number is used to convert rainfall volume into runoff volume.

"Cut" means a portion of land surface or area from which earth has been removed or will be removed by excavation; the depth below original ground surface to excavated surface.

"Cut-and-fill" means a process of earth moving by excavating part of an area and using the excavated material for adjacent embankments or fill areas.

"Cutoff" means a wall or other structure, such as a trench, filled with relatively impervious material intended to reduce seepage of water through porous strata.

"Dam" means a barrier to confine or raise water for storage or diversion, to create a hydraulic head, to prevent gully erosion, or for retention of soil, sediment, or other debris.

"Department" means the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

"Detention" means the temporary storage of storm runoff in a STP with the goals of controlling peak discharge rates and providing gravity settling of pollutants.

"Detention structure" means a structure constructed for the purpose of temporary storage of stream flow or surface runoff and gradual release of stored water at controlled rates.

"Development" means the construction of impervious surface on a tract or tracts of land.

"Dike" means an embankment to confine or control water.

"Discharge" means the placing, depositing, or emission of any wastes, directly or indirectly, into an injection well or into the waters of the State.

"Disturbance" means removal of stable surface treatment leaving exposed soil susceptible to erosion.

"Disturbed area" means an area in which the natural vegetative or other soil cover has been removed or altered and, therefore, is susceptible to erosion.

"Diversion" means a channel with a supporting ridge on the lower side constructed across the slope to divert water from areas where it is in excess to sites where it can be used or disposed of safely. Diversions differ from terraces in that they are individually designed.

"Drainage" means:

(1) the removal of excess surface water or groundwater from land by means of surface or subsurface drains, or

(2) soil characteristics that affect natural drainage.

"Drainage area" means all land and water area from which runoff may run to a common (design) point.

"ED" see definition of "extended detention."

"Emergency spillway" means a dam spillway designed and constructed to discharge flow in excess of the principal spillway design discharge.

"Energy dissipator" means a designed device such as an apron of rip-rap or a concrete structure placed at the end of a water transmitting apparatus such as pipe, paved ditch, or paved chute for the purpose of reducing the velocity, energy, and turbulence of the discharged water.

"Exceptional Quality biosolids" or "EQ biosolids" means sludges or biosolids that have been subjected to an advanced pathogen reduction treatment process and meet the vector attraction and pollutant concentration standards such that they are no longer classified as a solid waste pursuant to § 6-301 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, and may be marketed and distributed to the general public for use without a site-specific permit.

"Erosion" means:

(1) the wearing away of the land surface by running water, wind, ice, or other geological agents, including such processes as gravitational creep, or

(2) detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, or gravity. The following terms are used to describe different types of water erosion:

"Accelerated erosion" means erosion much more rapid than normal, natural, or geologic erosion, primarily as a result of the influence of the activities of man or, in some cases, of other animals or natural catastrophes that expose base surfaces, for example, fires.

"Gully erosion" means the erosion process whereby water accumulates in narrow channels and, over short periods, removes the soil from this narrow area to considerable depths, ranging from 1 or 2 feet to as much as 75 to 100 feet.

"Rill erosion" means an erosion process in which numerous small channels only several inches deep are formed.

"Sheet erosion" means the spattering of small soil particles caused by the impact of raindrops on wet soils. The loosened and spattered particles may or may not subsequently be removed by surface runoff.

"Erosive velocities" means velocities of water that are high enough to wear away the land surface. Exposed soil will generally erode faster than stabilized soils. Erosive velocities will vary according to the soil type, slope, structural, or vegetative stabilization used to protect the soil.

"Exfiltration" means the downward movement of water through the soil; the downward flow of runoff from the bottom of an infiltration STP into the soil.

"Existing impervious surface" means an impervious surface that is in existence, regardless of whether it ever required a stormwater discharge permit.

"Expansion" and "expanded portion" means an increase or addition of new impervious surface to an existing impervious surface, such that the total resulting impervious surface is greater than the minimum regulatory threshold.

"Extended detention" or "ED" means a stormwater design feature that provides for the gradual release of a volume of water over a period of time as specified in this Manual, to increase settling of pollutants and protect downstream channels from frequent storm events.

"Extended Detention Method" means a method for meeting the Channel Protection Standard for those sites where the practice or suite of practices is insufficient to achieve the HCM for meeting Channel Protection Standard.

"Extreme Flood Protection Standard," "extreme flood control," or "Q_p100 " means the design criteria in this Manual that requires management of the post-development stormwater runoff from the 100-year, 24-hour storm event for the control of overbank flooding that results from that storm event.

"Filter bed" means the section of a constructed filtration device that houses the filter media and the outflow pipes.

"Filter media" means the sand, soil, or other material in a filtration device used to provide a permeable surface for pollutant and sediment removal.

"Fines" means the silt- and clay-size particles in soil.

"Flow splitter" means an engineered, hydraulic structure designed to divert a percentage of storm flow to a STP located out of the primary channel, or to direct stormwater to a parallel pipe system, or to bypass a portion of baseflow around a STP.

"Freeboard" means the distance between the maximum water surface elevation anticipated in design and the top of retaining banks or structures. Freeboard is provided to prevent overtopping due to unforeseen conditions.

"French drain" means a type of drain consisting of an excavated trench refilled with pervious material, such as coarse sand, gravel, or stone, through whose voids water percolates and flows to an outlet.

"Gabion" means a flexible woven-wire basket filled with small stones. Gabions may be assembled into many types of structures such as revetments, retaining walls, channel liners, and groins.

"Grade" means:

(1) the slope of a road, channel, or natural ground,

(2) the finished surface of a canal bed, roadbed, top of embankment, or bottom of excavation; any surface prepared for the support of construction, like paving or laying a conduit, or

(3) to finish the surface of a canal bed, roadbed, top of embankment, or bottom of excavation.

"Gravel" means:

(1) aggregate consisting of mixed sizes of 1/4 inch to 3-inch particles that normally occur in or near old streambeds and have been worn smooth by the action of water, or

(2) a soil having particle sizes, according to the Unified Soil Classification System, ranging from the No. 4 sieve size angular in shape as produced by mechanical crushing.

"Ground cover" means plants that are low growing and provide a thick growth that protects the soil as well as providing some beautification of the area occupied.

"Groundwater Recharge Standard", "Recharge Volume", or "Rev" means a design criterion that requires infiltration of the recharge volume to ensure annual average recharge rates are maintained at a development site to preserve existing water table elevations.

"Gully" means a channel or miniature valley cut by concentrated runoff through which water commonly flows only during and immediately after heavy rains or during the melting of snow. The distinction between a gully and a rill is one of depth. A gully is sufficiently deep that it would not be obliterated by normal tillage operations, whereas a rill is of lesser depth and would be smoothed by ordinary farm tillage.

"HCM" see definition of "Hydrologic Condition Method."

"HC_v " or "hydrologic condition volume" means the difference between the pre-development and post-development site runoff volume for the 1-year, 24-hour storm.

"Head" means:

(1) the height of water above any plane of reference, or

(2) the energy, either kinetic or potential, possessed by each unit weight of a liquid expressed as the vertical height through which a unit weight would have to fall to release the average energy possessed. "Head" is used in various terms such as "pressure head," "velocity head," and "head loss."

"Healthy soil" means soil that has a well-developed, porous structure, is chemically balanced, supports diverse microbial communities, and has abundant organic matter.

"High marsh" means a pondscaping zone within a stormwater wetland that exists from the surface of the normal pool to a 6-inch depth and typically contains the greatest density and diversity of emergent wetland plants.

"Hotspot" means an area where land use or activities generate highly contaminated runoff, with concentrations of pollutants in excess of those typically found in stormwater.

"HSG" see definition of "hydrologic soil group."

"Hydraulic gradient" means the slope of the hydraulic grade line. The slope of the free surface of water flowing in an open channel.

"Hydrograph" means a graph showing variation in stage (depth) or discharge of a stream of water over a period of time.

"Hydrologic Condition Method" or "HCM" means a method for meeting the Channel Protection Standard, intended to determine a suite of practices, which when implemented, will approximate runoff characteristics of "woods in good condition" for the 1-year, 24-hour storm event.

"Hydrologic soil group" or "HSG" means a Natural Resource Conservation Service classification system in which soils are categorized into four runoff potential groups. The groups range from A soils, with high permeability and little runoff production, to D soils, which have low permeability rates and produce much more runoff.

"Hydroseed" means seed or other material applied to areas to revegetate them after a disturbance.

"Impervious surface" or "I" means those manmade surfaces, including paved and unpaved roads, parking areas, roofs, driveways, and walkways, from which precipitation runs off rather than infiltrates

"Infiltration rate" or "(f c) " means the rate at which stormwater percolates into the subsoil measured in inches per hour.

"Manual" see definition of "Vermont Stormwater Management Manual."

"Microtopography" means the complex contours along the bottom of a shallow marsh system, providing greater depth variation, which increases the wetland plant diversity and increases the surface area to volume ratio of a stormwater wetland.

"Mulch" means a covering on surface of soil to protect and enhance certain characteristics, such as water retention qualities.

"Municipality" means an incorporated city, town, village, or gore, a fire district established pursuant to state law, or any other duly authorized political subdivision of the State.

"New development" means the construction of new impervious surface on a tract or tracts of land where no impervious surface previously existed.

"Normal depth" means depth of flow in an open conduit during uniform flow for the given conditions.

"Off-line" means a stormwater management system designed to manage a storm event by diverting a percentage of stormwater events from an STP or storm drainage system.

"Off-site" means land within a project's drainage area that is not characterized as being part of the site.

"On-line" means a stormwater management system designed to manage stormwater in a STP or storm drainage system without diversion.

"Outfall" means the point where water flows from a conduit, stream, or drain.

"Outlet" means the point at which water discharges from a, pipe, channel, or drainage area.

"Overbank Flood Protection Standard, "overbank flood control," or "Q_p10 " means the design criteria in this Manual that requires management of the post-development stormwater runoff from the 10-year, 24-hour storm event for the control of overbank flooding that results from that storm event.

"Peak discharge rate" means the maximum instantaneous rate of flow during a storm, usually in reference to a specific design storm event.

"Permanent seeding" means establishing perennial vegetation that may remain on the area for many years.

"Permeability" means the rate of water movement through the soil column under saturated conditions

"Person" means any individual, partnership, company, corporation, association, joint venture, trust, municipality, the state of Vermont, or any agency, department or subdivision of the State, any federal agency, or any other legal or commercial entity.

"pH" means a number denoting the common logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration. A pH of 7.0 denotes neutrality, higher values indicate alkalinity, and lower values indicate acidity.

"Pond drain" means a pipe or other structure used to drain a permanent pool within a specified time period.

"Pondscaping" means landscaping around stormwater ponds that emphasizes native vegetative species to meet specific design intentions. Species are selected for up to six zones in the pond and its surrounding buffer, based on their ability to tolerate inundation or soil saturation.

"Porosity" means the ratio of pore volume to total solids volume.

"Post-Construction Soil Depth and Quality Standard" means the suite of practices and management techniques required under this Manual that pertain to restoring healthy soils after soils are subject to compaction and other impacts incurred during construction. "Pre-treatment" means techniques employed in STPs to provide storage or filtering to help trap coarse materials before they enter the system.

"Principal spillway" means the primary pipe or weir that carries baseflow and storm flow through the embankment.

"Project" means new development, expansion, or redevelopment of impervious surface.

"Public transportation project" means a state highway project, town highway project, or other public road project; or a linear public transportation project, such as a trail, bicycle path, or sidewalk project.

"Q₁₀ " see definition of "10-year storm."

"Q₁₀₀ " see definition of "100-year storm."

"Q_p10 " see definition of "Overbank Flood Control Standard".

"Q_p100 " see definition of "Extreme Flood Protection Standard".

"Recharge rate" means annual amount of rainfall that contributes to groundwater as a function of hydrologic soil group.

"Redevelopment" or "redevelop" means the construction or reconstruction of an impervious surface where an impervious surface already exists when such new construction involves substantial site grading, substantial subsurface excavation, or substantial modification of existing stormwater conveyance, such that the total of impervious surface to be constructed or reconstructed is greater than the minimum regulatory threshold. Redevelopment does not mean public road management activities on impervious surfaces, including any crack sealing, patching, coldplaning, resurfacing, paving a gravel road, reclaiming, or grading treatments used to maintain pavement, bridges and unpaved roads. Redevelopment does not include expansions.

"Regulated stormwater runoff" means precipitation, snowmelt, and the material dissolved or suspended in precipitation and snowmelt that runs off impervious surfaces and discharges into surface waters or into groundwater via infiltration.

"Retention" means the amount of precipitation on a drainage area that does not escape as runoff. It is the difference between total precipitation and total runoff.

"Reverse slope pipe" means a pipe which draws from below a permanent pool extending in a reverse angle up to the riser and which determines the water elevation of the permanent pool.

"Right-of-way" means right of passage, as over another's property. A route that is lawful to use. A strip of land acquired for transport or utility construction.

"Rip-rap" means broken rock, cobbles, or boulders placed to prevent erosion.

"Riser" means a vertical pipe that extends from the bottom of a pond STP and houses the control devices (weirs/orifices) to achieve the discharge rates for specified designs.

"Runoff coefficient" or "Rv" means a value derived from a site impervious cover value that is applied to a given rainfall volume to yield a corresponding runoff volume.

"Safety bench" means a flat area above the permanent pool and surrounding a stormwater pond designed to provide a separation from the pond pool and adjacent slopes.

"Sand" means:

(1) (Agronomy) a soil particle between 0.05 and 2.0 millimeters in diameter,

(2) a soil textural class, or

(3) (Engineering) according to the Unified Soil Classification System, a soil particle larger than the No. 200 sieve (0.074mm) and passing the No. 4 sieve (approximately 1/4 inch).

"Secretary" means the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources or the Secretary's duly authorized representative.

"Sediment" means solid material, both mineral and organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by air, water, gravity, or ice and has come to rest on the earth's surface either above or below sea level.

"Seepage" means

(1) water escaping through or emerging from the ground, or

(2) the process by which water percolates through the soil.

"Seepage length" means in sediment basins or ponds, the length along the pipe and around the anti-seep collars that is within the seepage zone through an embankment.

"Sheet flow" means water, usually stormwater runoff, flowing in a thin layer over the ground surface.

"SHGWT" means seasonal high groundwater table.

"Side lopes" means the slope of the sides of a channel, dam, or embankment. It is customary to name the horizontal distance first, as 3 to 1, or frequently, 3:1, meaning a horizontal distance (H) of 3 feet to 1 foot vertical (V).

"Silt" means:

(1) (Agronomy) a soil separate consisting of particles between 0.05 and 0.002 millimeter in equivalent diameter,

(2) a soil textural class, or

(3) (Engineering) according to the Unified Soil Classification System a fine- grained soil (more than 50 percent passing the No. 200 sieve) that has a low plasticity index in relation to the liquid limit.

"Site" means either the drainage area that includes all portions of a project contributing stormwater runoff to one or more discharge points, or the area that includes all portions of disturbed area within a project contributing stormwater runoff to one or more discharge points. The choice of either of these two methods of calculating the site area shall be at the discretion of the designer. In cases where there are multiple discharges to one or more waters, "site" shall mean the total area of the sub-watersheds. For linear projects, including highways, roads and streets, the term "site" includes the entire right of way within the limits of the proposed work, or all portions of disturbed area within the right-of-way associated with the project. The method of calculating the site area for linear projects shall be at the discretion of the designer. Calculations of a site are subject to the Secretary's review.

"Soil Piping" means removal of soil material through subsurface flow channels or "pipes" developed by seepage water.

"Spillway" means an open or closed channel, or both, used to convey excess water from a reservoir. It may contain gates, either manually or automatically controlled to regulate the discharge of excess water.

"Stabilization" means providing adequate measures, vegetative or structural that will prevent erosion from occurring.

"Stage" means, for purposes of hydraulics, the variable water surface or the water surface elevation above any chosen datum.

"Stilling basin" means an open structure or excavation at the foot of an outfall, conduit, chute, drop, or spillway to reduce the energy of the descending stream of water.

"Stone diaphragm" means a stone trench filled with small stone used as pre-treatment and inflow regulation in stormwater filtering systems.

"Stone trench" means a shallow excavated channel backfilled with stone and designed to provide temporary storage and permit percolation of runoff into the soil substrate.

"Stormwater discharge permit" or "stormwater permit" means a permit issued by the Secretary for the discharge of regulated stormwater runoff.

"Stormwater runoff," "stormwater," or "runoff" for purposes of this Manual, means precipitation and snowmelt that does not infiltrate into the soil, including material dissolved or suspended in it, but does not include discharges from undisturbed natural terrain or wastes from combined sewer overflows.

"Stormwater treatment practices" or "STPs" means devices that are constructed to provide temporary storage and treatment of stormwater runoff.

"STP" see definition of "stormwater treatment practices."

"Stream buffers" means zones of variable width that are located along both sides of a stream and are designed to provide a protective natural area along a stream corridor.

"Structures" means buildings such as houses, businesses, pump houses, and storage sheds and infrastructure such as roadways, culverts, bridge abutments, and utilities.

"Subgrade" means the soil prepared and compacted to support a structure or a pavement system.

"Swale" means an open vegetated channel, also known as a grass channel, used to convey runoff and to provide pre-treatment by filtering out pollutants and sediments.

"Tailwater" means water, in a river or channel, immediately downstream from a structure.

"Time of concentration" or "tc" means the time required for water to flow from the hydraulically most remote point of a watershed to the outlet.

"Toe" means where the slope stops or levels out; bottom of the slope.

"Topsoil" means fertile or desirable soil material used to top dress road banks, subsoils, parent material, etc.

"Total Maximum Daily Load" or "TMDL" means the calculations and plan for meeting water quality standards approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and prepared pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 1313(d) and federal regulations adopted under that law.

"Total suspended solids" or "TSS" means the total amount of soil particulate matter that is suspended in the water column.

"TR-20" or "Technical Release No. 20" means a Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS) watershed hydrology computer model that is used to compute runoff volumes and route storm events through a stream valley or ponds.

"TR-55" or "Technical Release No. 55" means a watershed hydrology model developed by the Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS) used to calculate runoff volumes and provide a simplified routing for storm events through ponds.

"Tract" or "tracts of land" means a portion of land with defined boundaries created by a deed. A deed may describe one or more tracts.

"Trash rack" means a grill, grate, or other device at the intake of a channel, pipe, drain, or spillway for the purpose of preventing oversized debris from entering the structure.

"TSS" see definition of "total suspended solids."

"Velocity head" means head due to the velocity of a moving fluid, equal to the square of the mean velocity divided by twice the acceleration due to gravity (32.16 feet per second).

"Vermont Stormwater Management Manual" or "VSMM" means the Agency of Natural Resources' stormwater management manual, as adopted and amended by rule.

"VSMM" see definition of "Vermont Stormwater Management Manual."

"Water Quality Treatment Standard" or "WQTS" means that standard in this Manual that pertains to the treatment of the Water Quality Volume using appropriately sized practices identified in this Manual as suitable for water quality treatment.

"Water quality volume" or "WQ_v " means the storage needed to capture and treat 90% of the average annual stormwater runoff volume.

"Water surface profile" means the longitudinal profile assumed by the surface of a stream flowing in an open channel; the hydraulic grade line.

"Waters of the State" means all rivers, streams, creeks, brooks, reservoirs, ponds, lakes, springs, and all bodies of surface waters, artificial or natural, which are contained within, flow through or border upon the state of Vermont or any portion of it.

"Watershed" means the total area of land contributing runoff to a specific point of interest within a receiving water.

"Wedges" means design feature in stormwater wetlands, which increases flow path length to provide for extended detention and treatment of runoff.

"Wing wall" means sidewall extensions of a structure used to prevent sloughing of banks or channels and to direct and confine flow.

Notes

12-036 Code Vt. R. 12-030-036-X

EFFECTIVE DATE:
2002
AMENDED:
July 1, 2017 Secretary of State Rule Log #16-069

Statutory Authority: 10 V.S.A. § 1264(b) (13)

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