Step 1: Bioengineering Design and Planning.
We conduct a site assessment, including the ecological needs, geological substrate, and infrastructure uses and planned use. We develop a site-specific implementation of the Bioreactor Garden, inclusive of using local materials and aesthetic incorporation into the landscape.
Technical Implementation
Step 2: Create and line catchment area
A containment area serves to catch overflow waste water where it can be treated naturally with green infrastructure methods; in this case, a rain garden with vetiver grass and biochar.
Step 3: Source and Upcycle Local Materials
Biochar is produced by burning plant material under very low oxygen conditions. Biochar retains contaminants, increases water retention, and enhances microorganism diversity, making soils more fertile.
Step 4: Establish active system layers
Biochar provides habitat for beneficial soil microbes to thrive. These beneficial microbes also treat the wastewater. The soil serves as a filtration system. The biochar for this project was produced on site.
Step 5: Plant vetiver grass and native species
Vetiver grass is has extensive root systems which rapidly uptake water and nutrients. Filtered water eventually leaves the vetiver grass through natural plant processes. Vetiver is hearty and grows quickly, making it a good choice for green infrastructure installations.
Step 6: Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation
An initial intensive performance monitoring period of several months to one year is followed by period check-ins and reassessement. After more than 7 years, weathering hurricanes, high water, and power outages, this nature-based system is still operating at peak performance.