Ecological parking in the MRC of Brome-Missisquoi
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Water
Project value$371,800
Project Type
Pilot Project
Sub Sector
Stormwater Management
Grant amount$185,900
Program type
GMF
Municipality
MRC de Brome-Missisquoi, QC
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
64,786
Project timeline
2013 - 2014
Project number
11009
Description
Wishing to take advantage of the expansion work of its offices and parking lot to create a showcase and develop a non-traditional approach to managing rainwater, the MRC of Brome-Missisquoi will field test the implementation of an ecological parking lot. The parking lot, which is located in the sub-watershed of one of Quebec’s most polluted rivers, will not include any underground drainage pipes. Runoff water will instead be channelled toward three rain gardens, that is to say three bio-retention cells containing different types of substrate and flood/drought-tolerant and road-salt resistant plants. These cells will allow for the drainage, treatment, and percolation back to the water table of run-off generated by the 90% rainfall event and a 100 year storm event.
The field test is aimed at assessing, over a one-year period, bio-retention performances and how this process can be adapted to Quebec. Performance indicators evaluated during the test period include seasonal percolation performance, retention of the volume of rain forecasted, reduction of pollutants, survival and growth of plants and maintenance-related procedures and costs.
It is estimated that setting up traditional retention measures would cost about twice as much as the implementation of rain gardens. By demonstrating the feasibility of a bio-retention system, the MRC would be able to begin implementing the rain garden system on a large scale throughout its territory. Among the anticipated environmental benefits, note the improved quality of run-off water released, the drop in water volume and peak flow, a more aesthetic look, the reduction in heat islands and the creation of a carbon sink.
(Project description from original funding application)
Applicant
MRC de Brome-Missisquoi, QC