Gemtree project aimed at sustaining Strathalbyn

06/09/2010

Gemtree Property will be installing bioretention basins in its newest property development in Strathalbyn, Frencham Lane, as a way of promoting and enforcing sustainability and urban
biodiversity in the town.

Bioretention is a water quality and quantity control practice and is built into the ground to catch stormwater. It uses chemical, biological and physical properties of plants, microorganisms and soils via densely planted surface vegetation to remove pollutants, contaminants and sedimentation from storm water runoff, before entering the town's stormwater drainage system.

Bioretention basins are landscaped depressions or shallow basins used to slow and treat onsite stormwater runoff. The slowed, cleaned water is allowed to infiltrate native soils or directed to nearby stormwater drains or receiving waters.

Bioretentions do not require extensive maintenance. Therefore in residential areas, similar to Frencham Lane, transferring maintenance obligations to the individual homeowners is not only beneficial but simple.

Bioretention systems are applied to all sizes of sites and can feature a variety of vegetation types. The advantage of bioretention systems is that they give the most efficient treatment when compared to other water sensitive urban design features in terms of environmental footprint.

The systems used at Frencham Lane are also advantageous because they have been installed as a series of smaller systems within the streetscape, adding amenity but still providing the necessary water treatment.

Outerspace Landscape Architect Patrick Graham says, "Generally, anytime is a good time to install bioretentions, for example the plants used in the Frencham Lane project are ephemeral plants and will survive in both wet and dry conditions."

Gemtree Property Managing Director Simon Cross says, "Our commitment to the community and sustainability is evident by the inclusion of bioretention basins in this project."

"The bioretention basins will also provide protection to the small local freshwater fish, the pygmy perches. Protecting these threatened species is important to us and is directly in line with our commitment to sustainability."

The bioretention basins for Frencham Lane will be installed end of 2010.