BeeMats in a downtown pond improve Flat Creek’s water quality
With proven and innovative nature-based water quality solutions, Ferguson Waterworks helps reduce phosphorus and nitrogen in downtown headwaters.
Overview
Flat Creek is a tributary that flows through Lake Lanier and into the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. This waterway is home to a diverse habitat and is admired by many visitors.
The Flat Creek headwaters, located in downtown Gainesville, GA, experienced nutrient loading from stormwater runoff. Because this depleted the water’s O2 levels, fish habitats suffered. Over the years, both government agencies and universities have performed regular testing to track the water’s quality. Eventually, the EPA considered Flat Creek impaired.
Challenge
Improve water quality in the Flat Creek Watershed by reducing nutrient loads (specifically phosphate levels). Furthermore, the customer wanted to ensure the water quality solution was long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally sensible.
What nature-based solution did Ferguson Waterworks implement to reduce phosphate levels and improve water quality at Flat Creek?
BeeMats floating treatment wetlands support real plants and encourage plant roots to enter the water column. Due to their innovative, nature-first design, they’ve helped reduce algae blooms in local lakes, such as Lake Whelchel, South Carolina. In fact, NC State University students studied BeeMats to determine their impact on water quality and phosphorus/nitrogen removal.
Firstly, BeeMats were installed at a fire pond that once served as a century-old mill in downtown urban Gainesville. At this location, there were three 450 sq. ft. islands. Then, native plants were added to the floating wetland. These plants included: Canna flaccida, Juncus effusus, Pontederia cordata, Canna generalis, Agrostis alba, and sedges.
What advantages did BeeMats floating treatment wetlands offer Flat Creek in Gainesville, Georgia?
Beyond reducing nutrient loads, such as phosphorus, BeeMats provided numerous benefits to Flat Creek and the Gainesville community.
- Not only do the floating wetlands increase native plants and enhance the ecosystem, but they’re also aesthetically pleasing.
- The manufacturer is responsible for both installation and maintenance.
- In addition, the floating wetlands create habitat, bringing more species to the area and providing further interest.
- Beyond the visual benefits, customers receive quarterly water quality tests and documents.
- Lastly, BeeMats offer a cost-effective water quality solution.
When it comes to innovative green stormwater infrastructure, Ferguson Waterworks functions alongside you to accomplish all project goals. From engineering assistance and estimation to project management, consider us your comprehensive supply partner. Connect with your local expert today or send us a message for project assistance.
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