March 9, 2024

by David Plater Blue, Bricklyn Metro Reporter

Bricklynites have noticed a number of “bioswales” being installed along roadways throughout the Realm over the past year.

The installation of these swales has been funded by a $20 million green bond issue passed by Bricklyn voters in November 2022, to help support both “green infrastructure” and “active living” projects.

Just what are bioswales, and why are they being installed?

What’s a Bioswale: “Bioswales are linear, vegetated depressions where runoff is slowed and managed through infiltration and uptake by native plants, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. Bioswales typically use amended soils and bio-retention media underground so that these landscape features function beyond simple conveyance by infiltrating, retaining, and treating stormwater runoff. Swales can be used to reduce the impervious surfaces in parking lots or along the edge of streets, sidewalks, and residential or commercial lots. — From “Managing Stormwater Runoff: A Green Infrastructure Approach,” by Lynn Richards, Planning Commissioners Journal (Winter 2009).

To learn more, we interviewed former (and now Acting) Department of Public Works Director Chulpin Spancer about the pros and cons of installing bioswales along Bricklyn roadways. Spancer, in his earlier tenure as DPW Director played a key role in advocating for the Realm’s successful green bond issue, which included funding for bioswales.

➤ A bit of history. Chulpin Spancer had served as DPW director until June 2022, when he took the job of Environmental Coordinator in the Office of the Federal Chancellor. After DPW Director Alan Tiler Alman’s recent resignation (following allegations of malfeasance in his oversight of inspections of the historic Hotel Stansbury) Chancellor Thurnbrick named Spancer Acting DPW Director, on top of his other responsibilities as the Realm’s Environmental Coordinator.  

The Bricklyn Eagle: Thanks for your time, Mr. Spancer. Can you start out by telling us why the Public Works Department has been installing so many bioswales along city roads?

Chulpin Spancer: I’d say the single most important reason we’re installing bioswales is so we can more effectively manage stormwater runoff by slowing it down and allowing it to infiltrate the soil. This reduces the risk of flooding and erosion, benefiting both the environment and infrastructure.

Also right near the top of my list is the fact that the vegetation in bioswales helps filter out pollutants — such as sediments, heavy metals, and nutrients –from stormwater. This improves the overall water quality and helps protect nearby Bricklyn Bay and the Brickooski River, a key environment objective of the green bond issue — and of the Realm’s comprehensive plan.

The Bricklyn Eagle: What sort of reaction do nearby homeowners have about bioswales when they’re installed?

Chulpin Spancer: Great question. Almost every homeowner I’ve spoken with has told me that the bioswales have enhanced the visual appeal of the roadways by adding more greenery. This, in turn, supports their own property’s value. I’ll also add that our bioswales, which use LEGO-based native vegetation, create habitats for various plant and animal species, contributing to biodiversity.

It’s also important to note that we hold neighborhood meetings with nearby homeowners and businesses before we install a swale. This gives us the opportunity to educate Bricklynites on why we’re planning to put in a swale, and what the construction timeline will look like.

DPW staff also benefit from these meetings, since we hear about any specific concerns folks have, and can address them before construction of the swale begins. I can tell you that Bricklynites are not shy about asking questions!

The Bricklyn Eagle: Are there any concerns about installing bioswales?

Chulpin Spancer: Not all locations are suitable for bioswales. They require adequate space along roadways, which is not always available, especially in the more densely populated portions of the Realm. Certainly, balancing the need for stormwater management with other land uses can be challenging.

While the bioswales can be thought of as natural systems, they can face issues such as clogging due to the accumulation of debris, sediment, or trash.

We also need to acknowledge that the installation of green bioswales may involve higher initial costs compared to conventional stormwater management systems.

Regular maintenance is required to ensure their effectiveness, and to ensure that their aesthetic benefits are not lost. So that’s an ongoing expense, but I’d say bioswales are less costly to maintain than hardened infrastructure.

In some Outland communities which are prone to extremely intense storms, bioswales may have limitations in handling large volumes of water quickly. But, fortunately, in our temperate climate that’s not been a problem.

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The Bricklyn Eagle: Do you encounter any problems from the roadways that run parallel to many of the bioswales DPW installs?

Chulpin Spancer: As I mentioned, before building any bioswale we carefully assess whether there’s enough space next to the roadway for the bioswale to fit. We have design standards related to the gradient, size, and shape of the bioswale to make sure it’s properly sized and designed to deal with major stormwater events.

Careful site evaluations by our engineers ensure that a planned bioswale will not create an unacceptable safety hazard to any vehicles that might run off the side of the roadway.

The Bricklyn Eagle: Thanks so much for your time, Director Spancer.

Chulpin Spancer: No problem, and if I can add, it’s nice to be back with my colleagues at DPW. ✥

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