| Title: | Efficacy of the 2017 Vermont Stormwater Management Manual Bioretention Soil Specification in Removing Pollutants and Supporting Plant Health |
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| Author: | Stephanie E. Hurley, Samantha Brewer, Meghan Arpino |
| Publication Year: | 2026 |
| Number of Pages in Article: | 51 |
| Keywords: | LCBP Technical Report |
| Journal/Publication: | Lake Champlain Basin Program |
| Publication Type: | Technical and Demonstration |
| Citation: | Hurley, Stephanie University of Vermont, Brewer, Samantha University of Vermont, Arpino, Meghan Stone Environmental, Inc. (2026). Efficacy of the 2017 Vermont Stormwater Management Manual Bioretention Soil Specification in Removing Pollutants and Supporting Plant Health. Technical Report #115, Grand Isle, VT. Lake Champlain Basin Program. |
| How to Obtain: | Download Now |
| Abstract: | In 2017, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) updated the Vermont Stormwater Management Manual (VSMM) to reflect advances in Best Management Practice (BMP) methodologies and design. Bioretention is among the preferred BMPs for stormwater management. Bioretention systems utilize engineered soil media and vegetation to store, infiltrate, and filter pollutants from stormwater runoff. Some members of the stormwater BMP design community are concerned about the ability of this soil specification to promote vegetation growth due to its low organic matter content and water-holding capacity. Commencing in 2023, the State of Vermont has drafted revisions to the 2017 VSMM, this research can inform the forthcoming updates. |