Filterra Bioretention Systems: Products: Bioretention, Stormwater Treatment

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Filterra Stormwater Bioretention Filtration System, tree box filters

Bacterra™

Optimized Filterra® media blend for stormwater bacteria removal

Why Bacterra™?

Adverse economic and public health impacts are on the rise due to increasing bacterial contamination of our swimmable and fishable waters from stormwater runoff. In response to this growing problem, Filterra Bioretention Systems has developed Bacterra media blend, an effective stormwater treatment technology available for removal of bacteria from urban runoff.

The Filterra bioretention BMP blend is currently designed to remove typical stormwater pollutants such as TSS, phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy metals and bacteria. Through extensive studies Bacterra media blend has been optimized to capture and destroy bacteria such as fecal coliform and e.coli. Once the Bacterra media blend has matured it develops a complex natural microbological ecosystem that enhances predation, and other physical, chemical and biological processes that all contribute to the removal process.

Lab Findings

Removal efficiencies ranging from 77% - 99%.

Field Findings

Removal efficiencies of 94% - 99% for fecal coliform and E.coli.
TSS removal efficiencies of 85% - 96%.
Heavy metal removal efficiencies of copper (86%), lead (90%) and zinc (95%).

Based on lab and field data, Bacterra demonstrates a high flow rate media can achieve high bacteria removal efficiencies. Lab data showing removal rates of 77% - 99% has been supported by field results showing removal rates of 94% - 99% for bacteria in stormwater.

All testing conducted using approved EPA methods. Field data obtained by third parties.

Features and Benefits

Water Quality. Achieve receiving water goals and reduce sources of bacteria to beaches and fisheries.

Best Value. The most cost effective stormwater treatment system available featuring low cost and easy installation and maintenance.

Aesthetics. Landscaping enhances the appearance of your site making it more attractive while removing pollutants.

Maintenance Support. Maintenance is safe and inexpensive. A one year maintenance agreement is included free with the purchase of every unit.

Versatility. May be used for new construction or as an urban retrofit device.

Streetscapes
Urban settings
Parking lots
Roof drains

Highways
Combined Sewer
Industrial Settings Overflows (CSO)

Design Support. Our engineers can assist you with all aspects of each Bacterra application, including flora selection and sizing. *Contact us to request a sizing table for your region.

Adaptability. May be used alone or in combination with other BMPs.

Selection. Varying configurations to meet both standard and unique site conditions.

Expected Pollutant Removal

Like Filterra which removes typical stormwater pollutants, Bacterra media blend is expected to remove as much or more of those pollutants with higher bacteria removal. Bacterra media blend is recommended if higher bacteria removal is desired.

(Ranges Varying with Particle Size, Pollutant Loading and Site Conditions)

TSS Removal: 85% - 96%
Predicted Phosphorus Removal: 73%
Predicted Nitrogen Removal: 43%

Heavy Metal Removal: 86% - 95%
Fecal Coliform: 94% - 99%
Predicted Oil & Grease: 85%

Information on the pollutant removal efficiency of the Filterra soil/plant media is based on more than three-years of lab and field studies performed by the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Virginia. Fecal Coliform pollutant removal efficiency for the Bacterra media blend is based on laboratory and field studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Bacterra and Filterra media blends?
Bacterra media blend has been designed to optimize the removal of pathogens using a high flow rate plant/soil media.

How does the Bacterra media blend prevent regrowth of bacteria downstream?
Bacterial regrowth downstream of treatment systems can be caused by increased nutrients and organics that serve as a food supply to stimulate bacteria regrowth. Bacterra helps prevent regrowth caused by nutrient overload by removing much of the nutrients and organics from stormwater runoff thus limiting rerowth.

How does the Bacterra media blend compare to other media filters?
While other sand filters or bioretention mixes show similar removal, Bacterra media blend demonstrates that much higher flow rates can achieve high bacteria removal efficiencies. As with Filterra, this allows larger drainage areas to be treated in a compact space; thus maximizing developable space.

How does Bacterra media blend remove bacteria from stormwater runoff?
Bacterra media blend uses several mechanisms for removal of bacteria including sorption, pH changes and predation by other organisms.

Could bacteria colonies re-establish themselves in the Bacterra media blend?
No. Microscopic examination of the Bacterra media shows no indication of regrowth. As long as the media is well maintained, well drained and stays aerobic the bacteria removal mechanisms prevent regrowth in the media.

Filterra

A Growing Idea In Stormwater Filtration