May 29, 2012

Half Moon Bay Public Works completes the installation of the city’s first bioswale.

HALF MOON BAY, CA – To further illustrate the City of Half Moon Bay’s commitment to improving water quality along the coast, the city’s Public Works Department has announced the successful completion of its first bioswale at the new Emergency Operations Center.

As a leader in the effort to reduce debris entering the storm drain system, the City of Half Moon Bay chose to incorporate the innovative drainage system into this significant city project. Bioswales are considered environmentally superior to traditional storm sewer systems because they reduce and filter surface runoff water.

“We are very excited to have completed the city’s first bioswale drainage system and look forward to incorporating more of these modern features into future projects,” stated Half Moon Bay Public Works Superintendent Larry Carnahan. “The environmental benefits of bioswales over customary storm sewers systems cannot be overstated.”

According to the regulations set forth by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), cities are responsible for decreasing the amount of debris that enters storm drains. Bioswales are an effective tool to accomplish this goal.

The City of Half Moon Bay was not required to install the bioswale under NPDES guidelines, but it voluntarily opted to do so. The Public Works Department completed work on the bioswale project on May 23.

###

Contact:  Ross Guehring (415) 250-2785