New Bioswales In Uptown and Oakland Will Help Prevent Flooding, Water Pollution

While some of PRT’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure is highly visible to the public, like the new bus stations, trash receptacles and ADA-compliant curbs, other improvements receive less attention but still do incredibly important work. This includes the five bioswales, commonly known as rain gardens, which are currently being installed throughout the Uptown and Oakland neighborhoods.

Bioswales are shallow, landscaped channels planted with grasses, native plants and shrubs designed to slow, filter and absorb stormwater runoff. Instead of letting rainwater rush directly into storm drains (carrying pollutants like oil, fertilizer and road salt), a bioswale guides the water through soil and plant roots where pollutants can naturally break down or be captured.

We asked the experts at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, an organization that also happens to be a neighbor in Oakland, to further explain how bioswales can help improve the community.

"Bioswales are a great example of cost-effective green infrastructure – so not only are you getting the necessary storm water management, but it’s green and aesthetically pleasing while also costing communities less than traditional grey infrastructure,” said Maria Wheeler-Dubas, Ph.D., Science Education Programs Manager.

Shishir Paudel, PhD., a plant ecologist in the Research and Science Education department at Phipps, added: “Bioswales are a simple but powerful nature-based way to manage stormwater in cities. Bioswales can be much more affordable, and communities can stretch limited budgets while creating greener, more resilient, and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods.”

Bioswales are important infrastructure because they are simple, nature-based solutions to urban flooding and water pollution. They reduce pressure on municipal stormwater systems, help prevent erosion, recharge groundwater, and improve water quality in nearby rivers and streams. They also create small habitats for pollinators, cooling urban areas, and adding green, visually appealing spaces to build environments.

The bioswales and above ground stormwater retention ponds can be located at the following locations:

As stewards of transportation, PRT recognizes that a truly modern transit system invests in green infrastructure alongside more traditional construction. Bioswales protect the current infrastructure and create a cleaner Pittsburgh.

PRT is deeply committed to maintaining its infrastructure and keeping the public informed on related construction, improvements and changes. Check back to our newsroom and our website for regular updates. To learn more about our Bus Rapid Transit work, visit https://prt-brt-newshub.prezly.com/.