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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
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| Swales are linear landscape features consisting of a drainage channel with gently sloping sides. Underground they may be filled with engineered soil and/or contain a water storage layer of coarse gravel material. Two variations on a basic swale are recommended as low impact development strategies, although using a combination design of both may increase the benefits:<br> | | Swales are linear landscape features consisting of a drainage channel with gently sloping sides. Underground they may be filled with engineered soil and/or contain a water storage layer of coarse gravel material. Two variations on a basic swale are recommended as low impact development strategies, although using a combination design of both may increase the benefits:<br> |
| '''[[Bioswales]]''' are sometimes referred to as 'dry swales', 'vegetated swales', or 'water quality swales'. This type of BMP is form of [[bioretention]] with a long linear shape (surface area typically >2:1 length:width) and a slope which convey water,<br> | | '''[[Bioswales]]''' are sometimes referred to as 'dry swales', 'vegetated swales', or 'water quality swales'. This type of BMP is form of [[bioretention]] with a long linear shape (surface area typically >2:1 length:width) and a slope which convey water,<br> |
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| '''Grass swales''' are a relatively common landscape feature already and a great opportunity for retrofit, to reduce flow and improve water quality by encouraging settling and infiltration behind a series of check dams. <br> | | '''Grass swales''' are a relatively common landscape feature already and a great opportunity for retrofit, to reduce flow and improve water quality by encouraging settling and infiltration behind a series of check dams. <br> |
| '''[[Retention swales]]''' can be imagined as linear, sloped [[dry ponds]]. They make a relatively little contribution to water volume and quality control than many other BMPs, but they may feature as part of a site-wide treatment train approach. | | '''[[Retention swales]]''' can be imagined as linear, sloped [[dry ponds]]. They make a relatively little contribution to water volume and quality control than many other BMPs, but they may feature as part of a site-wide treatment train approach. |
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| {{textbox|Swales are an ideal technology for: | | {{textbox|Swales are an ideal technology for: |
| *Sites with long linear landscaped areas, such as parking lots | | *Sites with long linear landscaped areas, such as parking lots |