Dix Street Green Infrastructure

Project Description

The District of Columbia government is required to increase stormwater retention throughout the city in accordance with the Municipal Separated Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits issued by the U.S. EPA. In 2014, as part of their overall effort to improve citywide stormwater management, the District established Green Infrastructure standards. As one of the first projects to be implemented under those standards, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) sought to retrofit areas along Dix Street in a neighborhood in Southeast DC’s Ward 7.

As an ecological subconsultant to Toole Design Group (TDG), Biohabitats helped transform eleven sites along the street into green infrastructure areas that retain stormwater, reduce pollution, and add beauty and habitat to an ultra-urban environment.

After reviewing existing data, which included previously developed street greening concepts, Biohabitats and TDG conducted a thorough site analysis. The team then identified optimal opportunities to retrofit areas with green infrastructure to better manage stormwater. Working within the physical constraints of DDOT’s right-of-way, and minimizing impacts to utilities, property, and existing street trees, Biohabitats provided stormwater management design, hydrologic, hydraulic, and treatment calculations, ecological design, and review of planting selections for eight bioretention basins and three permeable paver BMPs. Biohabitats also assisted with public outreach meetings to seek input from and inform community members about the project.

The resulting streetscapes maximize stormwater retention while calming traffic, enhancing pedestrian accessibility, and adding beauty and biodiversity to the neighborhood.