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Page 1

# 10.4 STANDARD CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

![img-0.jpeg](img-0.jpeg)

Standard constructed wetlands are stormwater management systems designed to maximize the removal of pollutants from stormwater runoff and may be used to address the quantity impacts of land development. Flow is directed through an engineered, open marsh system where pollutants are removed through settling and vegetative uptake/filtration. The total suspended solids (TSS) removal rate is 90%.

|  N.J.A.C. 7:8 Stormwater Management Rules – Applicable Design and Performance Standards  |   |   |
| --- | --- | --- |
|   | Green Infrastructure | Yes  |
|   | Stormwater Runoff Quantity | When designed to receive runoff from all storm events as an on-line system  |
|   | Groundwater Recharge | Not Allowed  |
|   | Stormwater Runoff Quality | Only with a waiver or variance from N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3, 90% TSS  |
|  Stormwater Runoff Quality Mechanisms and Corresponding Criteria  |   |
| --- | --- |
|  Settling  |   |
|  Minimum Length to Width Ratio | 1:1  |
|  Sinuous Flow Pathway | Recommended  |
|  Presence of a Permanent Pool | Required  |
|  Vegetative Uptake and Filtration  |   |
|  Minimum Density of Vegetation | 85%  |
|  Appropriate Species Selection | See Chapter 7: Landscaping  |
|  Minimum Inflow Drainage Area | Pond Category: 25 acres
Marsh Category: 25 acres
Extended Detention: 10 acres  |

Page 2

# Introduction

Standard constructed wetlands are engineered wetland systems used to remove a wide range of pollutants from land development sites; stormwater runoff is directed through the open, marsh system where pollutants are removed through settling and both uptake and filtration by the vegetation. Standard constructed wetlands can also be used to reduce peak runoff rates when designed as an on-line system. On-line systems receive upstream runoff from all storm events; they provide treatment for the Water Quality Design Storm (WQDS) and convey the runoff from larger storms through an outlet or overflow. In off-line systems, most or all of the runoff from storms larger than the WQDS bypass the constructed wetland system through an upstream diversion.

In addition to pollutant removal and volume control, standard constructed wetlands can also be used to provide wildlife habitat and to enhance the aesthetics of a site; however, these systems are designed primarily for stormwater treatment, so they should not be, and in most cases may not be, constructed within natural wetlands because they will not have the same full range of ecological functions. For more information on wetland regulations, refer to N.J.A.C. 7:7A Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act Rules.

There are three categories of standard constructed wetlands:

- pond constructed wetlands
- marsh constructed wetlands and
- extended detention constructed wetlands

The category into which a standard constructed wetland system falls depends on the allocation of the WQDS volume in its different components. Standard constructed wetlands consist of a pre-treatment zone, and a combination of two or more of the following components: pool zone, marsh zone and semi-wet zone. The category of standard constructed wetlands selected will be driven largely by site conditions; for more information, refer to Page 17, How Site Characteristics Shape the Design section under the Considerations section later in this chapter.

Standard constructed wetlands designed in accordance with this chapter can only be used to satisfy the standards for stormwater runoff quantity, unless a waiver from the green infrastructure requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3 is obtained.

Standard constructed wetlands must have a maintenance plan and must be reflected in a deed notice recorded in the county clerk's office to prevent alteration or removal.

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# Applications

![img-1.jpeg](img-1.jpeg)

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.2(a)(2), the minimum design and performance standards for groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality and stormwater runoff quantity at N.J.A.C. 7:8- 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 shall be met by incorporating green infrastructure in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3(c), large-scale green infrastructure BMPs may only be used to satisfy the stormwater runoff quantity standards.

![img-2.jpeg](img-2.jpeg)

Standard constructed wetlands may be designed to reduce peak runoff rates when designed as an on-line system. Regardless of the design storm chosen, standard constructed wetlands must be designed for stability and capacity in accordance with the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey.

Only if a waiver or variance from the green infrastructure requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3 is obtained may standard constructed wetlands be used to meet the stormwater runoff quality requirement.

# Design Criteria

## Basic Requirements

As stated in the introduction, there are three categories of standard constructed wetlands; the following design criteria apply to all categories and must be met in order for the design to merit the 90% TSS removal rate for this BMP, along with the aforementioned waiver or variance. It is critical that all standard constructed wetlands are designed in accordance with these criteria in order to ensure proper operation, to maximize the functional life of the system and to ensure public safety. For criteria specific to each category, see the applicable section, beginning on Page 10.

## Minimum Inflow Drainage Area

- In order to sustain the vegetation and support the flow velocity, each of the three categories of standard constructed wetlands has a minimum drainage area requirement. Smaller drainage areas may be permissible if detailed analysis indicates that sufficient base or groundwater flow is available to maintain the required depths of water throughout the proposed standard constructed wetland. A water budget must be included in this analysis. A standard constructed wetland water budget consists of calculations, on a daily basis, that are intended to show the required depths of water in the standard constructed wetland are maintained throughout the year. This is done for a wet year, a dry year and an average year. A successful analysis must show that the depths of standing water in the various zones of the standard constructed wetland meet the requirements for the appropriate category of the proposed standard constructed wetland for all of the days in each of the three analyses. All of the inputs to and outputs from the standard constructed wetland must be considered; this includes runoff, flooding, groundwater inflow, evapotranspiration, and groundwater outflow. For more information on water budgets, see the Regionalized Water Budget Manual for Compensatory Wetland Mitigation Sites in New Jersey, which is available online at:

Page 4

However, note this source is intended for wetland mitigation design, rather than for constructing a stormwater management BMP and the above demonstration does not have the same goal. The concepts of the calculation are the same, but the calculations must be modified to demonstrate that the requirements of this chapter are met rather than show it will meet the definition of a "freshwater wetland" at N.J.A.C. 7:7A-1.3.

## Pretreatment

- Pretreatment is required in any type of standard constructed wetland system. Pretreatment reduces the velocity of incoming flows and captures coarser sediments and debris.
- Any roof runoff may be pretreated by leaf screens, first flush diverters or roof washers. For details of these pretreatment measures, see Pages 5 and 6 of Chapter 9.1: Cisterns.

☐ This pretreatment requirement for roof runoff can be waived by the review agency if the building in question has no potential for debris and other vegetative material to be present in the roof runoff. For example, a building that is significantly taller than any surrounding trees and does not have vegetative roof should not need the pretreatment. However, in making this determination, the review agency must consider the mature height of any surrounding trees

- Pretreatment may consist of a forebay or any of the BMPs found in Chapters 9 or 11.
- There is no adopted TSS removal rate associated with forebays; therefore, their inclusion in any design should be solely for the purpose of facilitating maintenance. Forebays can be earthen, constructed of riprap, or made of concrete, and must comply with the following requirements:

☐ The forebay must be designed to prevent scour of the receiving basin by outflow from the forebay.
☐ The forebay should provide a minimum storage volume of 10% of the WQDS and be sized to hold the sediment volume expected between clean-outs.
☐ It should fully drain within nine hours in order to facilitate maintenance and to prevent mosquito issues. Under no circumstances should there be any standing water in the forebay 72 hours after a precipitation event.
☐ Surface forebays must meet or exceed the sizing for preformed scour holes in the Standard for Conduit Outlet Protection in the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey for a surface forebay.
☐ If a concrete forebay is utilized, it must have at least two weep holes to facilitate low level drainage.

- When using another BMP for pretreatment, it must be designed in accordance with the design requirements outlined in the respective chapter. For additional information on the design requirements of each BMP, refer to the appropriate chapter in this manual.

Page 5

# Soils and Vegetation

- The character, diversity and hardiness of the wetland vegetation must be sufficient to provide adequate pollutant removal; see Chapter 7: Landscaping for specific information on vegetation for standard constructed wetlands.
- The soils must be sufficiently impermeable to maintain the hydrology of the system and to support the vegetation; otherwise, soil modifications or an impermeable liner may be necessary.

# Hydraulics

- The flow velocity through the various components must be non-erosive but sufficient to carry runoff through to the final component, the pool zone, where particulate settling occurs.

# Safety

- All standard constructed wetlands must be designed to safely convey overflows to down-gradient drainage systems. The design of the overflow structure must be sufficient to provide safe, stable discharge of stormwater runoff in the event of an overflow. Safe and stable discharge minimizes the possibility of erosion and flooding in down-gradient areas. Therefore, discharge in the event of an overflow must be consistent with the current version of Standards for Off-Site Stability found in the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey, as required by N.J.A.C. 7:8. Standard constructed wetlands that are classified as dams under the NJDEP Dam Safety Standards at N.J.A.C. 7:20 must meet the overflow requirements under these regulations. Overflow capacity can be provided by a hydraulic structure, such as a weir or orifice, or a surface feature, such as a swale or open channel as site conditions allow.
- Safety ledges must be constructed on the slopes of all wet ponds with a permanent pool deeper than 2.5 feet. Safety ledges shall be comprised of two steps. Each step shall be 4 to 6 feet in width. One step shall be located approximately 2.5 feet below the permanent water surface, and the second step shall be located 1 to 1.5 feet above the permanent water surface.

# Outlet Structure

- The minimum diameter of any outlet orifice in a standard constructed wetland system is 2.5 inches, as required by N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.2(i)5; additional information regarding outlet structures can be found in the Residential Site Improvement Standards at N.J.A.C. 5:21-7.
- During the summer months, the pool zone can act as a heat sink between storm events, and stormwater runoff discharged from this zone may be as much as $10^{\circ}\mathrm{F}$ warmer than the naturally occurring baseflow in the downstream waterway, which can adversely impact these waterbodies. Thermal impacts can be mitigated through the use of either a hooded outlet or a reverse-slope pipe attached to the outlet riser, for which examples are shown below. These types of outlets discharge cooler bottom waters. If using a hooded outlet, the invert or crest elevation of the hooded outlet should be at least 1 foot below the normal water surface elevation.

Page 6

# Hooded and Reverse-Slope Outlet Structures

![img-3.jpeg](img-3.jpeg)

- The invert of the lowest stormwater quantity control outlet must be set at or above the normal water surface elevation in on-line systems.
- Trash racks must be installed at the intake to the outlet structure. They must also be designed to avoid acting as the hydraulic control for the system, and they must meet the following criteria, as required by N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.2(i)2 and 6.2(a), and the detail on the following page illustrates these requirements:

☐ Parallel bars spaced at 1-inch intervals, up to the elevation of the WQDS;
☐ Minimum bar spacing: 1 inch, for elevations in excess of the WQDS;
☐ Maximum bar spacing: 1/3 the diameter of the orifice or 1/3 the width of weir, with a maximum spacing of 6 inches, for elevations in excess of the WQDS;
☐ Maximum average velocity of flow through clean rack: 2.5 feet/second, under full range of stage and discharge, computed on the basis of the net area of opening through rack;
☐ Constructed of rigid, durable and corrosion-resistant material; and
☐ Designed to withstand a perpendicular live loading of 300 lbs./sf.

Page 7

![img-4.jpeg](img-4.jpeg)

- An overflow grate is designed to prevent obstruction of the overflow structure. If an outlet structure has an overflow grate, the grate must comply with the following requirements:

☐ The overflow grate must be secured to the outlet structure but removable for emergencies and maintenance;
☐ The overflow grate spacing must be no greater than 2 inches across the smallest dimension; and
☐ The overflow grate must be constructed of rigid, durable and corrosion resistant material and designed to withstand a perpendicular live loading of 300 lbs./sf.

- The space below the invert of the discharge pipe must be filled with material, such as concrete, a mixture of sand and cement, or similar grouting material, such that water will not pond in the outlet structure. This material must be sloped towards the discharge pipe to facilitate drainage, as shown in the detail below.

![img-5.jpeg](img-5.jpeg)

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- The minimum diameter of any overflow orifice is 2.5 inches.

- Blind connections to down-gradient facilities are prohibited. Any connection to down-gradient stormwater management facilities must include access points such as inspections ports and manholes, for visual inspection and maintenance, as appropriate, to prevent blockage of flow and ensure operation as intended. All entrance points must adhere to all State, County and municipal safety standards such as those for confined space entry.

- In instances where the lowest invert in the outlet or overflow structure is below the flood hazard area design flood or tide elevation in a down-gradient waterway or stormwater collection system, the effects of tailwater on the hydraulic design of the overflow systems, as well as any stormwater quantity control outlets must be analyzed. Two methods to analyze tailwater are:

- A simple method entails inputting flood elevations for the 2-, 10- and 100-year events as static tailwater during routing calculations for each storm event. These flood elevations are either obtained from a Department flood hazard area delineation or a FEMA flood hazard area delineation that includes the 100-year flood elevation or derived using a combination of NRCS hydrologic methodology and a standard step backwater analysis or level pool routing, where applicable. In areas where the 2-year or 10-year flood elevation does not exist in a FEMA or Department delineation, it may be interpolated or extrapolated from the existing data. If this method demonstrates that the requirements of the regulations are met with the tailwater effect, then the design is acceptable. If the analysis shows that the requirements are not met with the tailwater effects, the detailed method below can be used or the BMP must be redesigned.

- A detailed method entails the calculation of hydrographs for the watercourse during the 2-, 10-, and 100-year events using NRCS hydrologic methodology. These hydrographs are input into a computer program to calculate rating curves for each event. Those rating curves are then input as a dynamic tailwater during the routing calculations for each of the 2-, 10- and 100-year events. This method may be used in all circumstances; however, it may require more advanced computer programs. If this method demonstrates that the requirements of the regulations are met with the tailwater effect, then the design is acceptable. If the analysis shows that the requirements are not met with the tailwater effects, the BMP must be redesigned.

Page 9

# Standard Constructed Wetland Categories

There are three categories of standard constructed wetlands:

1. Pond constructed wetlands
2. Marsh constructed wetlands
3. Extended detention constructed wetlands

The categories of standard constructed wetlands can be differentiated primarily by the allocation of the WQDS volume in each of their components; these volume allocations are shown in the table below.

|  Design Component | Required Size, as a Percentage of the Water Quality Design Storm Volume, By Category  |   |   |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|   |  Pond Wetlands | Marsh Wetlands | Extended Detention Wetlands  |
|  Pretreatment Zone* | 10 | 10 | 10  |
|  Semi-wet Zone | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 50  |
|  High Marsh Zone | 10 | 25 | 10  |
|  Low Marsh Zone | 20 | 45 | 20  |
|  Pool Zone | 60 | 20 | 10  |

*The 10% Water Quality Design Storm volume allocation for this component is only applicable to those systems that utilize a forebay in the pretreatment zone; all other pretreatment options must be sized separately from the remainder of the system. For more information, see the categories below.

Page 10

# Individual Categories of Standard Constructed Wetland

The following section provides detailed design criteria for each standard constructed wetland category; all of these utilize a forebay in the pretreatment zone. As previously mentioned, a vegetative filter strip or a Department-approved MTD may be used instead. For each category of standard constructed wetland, the allocation of the WQDS runoff volume is shown. The illustrations depict possible configurations and flow paths and are not intended to limit the design.

## Category 1: Pond Constructed Wetlands

![img-6.jpeg](img-6.jpeg)
Pond Constructed Wetlands - Profile View

The illustration above shows the various components comprising a standard constructed wetland system from the pond category. Following the direction that runoff would take through the BMP; flow enters the system at A and then flows into the forebay spanning B to C. From the forebay, runoff flows over the spillway at C into the high marsh zone; it then enters the low marsh zone, which is depicted above from D to E. Runoff then exits the low marsh zone and flows into the pool zone, which extends from E to G, and ultimately out of the system through the outlet structure.

The standing water depths vary within each component, and as a result, the types of vegetation also vary within each component. The high marsh zone has shallow standing water depths and supports a large diversity of plant species; the deeper standing water depths in the low marsh zone support primarily emergent vegetation. The pool zone has the deepest standing water depths, and the plant community in this component is predominantly submerged and floating vegetation.

The majority of particulate settling occurs in the pool zone. When flow enters this component, there is a sharp decrease in velocity, which allows suspended sediment to settle out of the runoff. The decrease in velocity is affected by surface area of the pool zone. Therefore, to ensure proper settling, the pool zone must be designed with a minimum length to width ratio of 1:1. The pool zone comprises the largest portion of a pond constructed wetland system; it is generally located immediately upstream of the outlet in order to protect the outlet from clogging.

The illustration below shows the same pond constructed wetland system in plan view. This example depicts a low marsh zone around the perimeter of the pool zone; however, instead of this configuration, the high marsh zone may also extend around the edge.

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# Pond Constructed Wetlands - Plan View

![img-7.jpeg](img-7.jpeg)

The table below shows the design criteria specific to pond constructed wetlands; for additional design criteria, refer to the Basic Requirements section of this chapter, beginning on Page 3.

|  Pond Constructed Wetlands Design Criteria  |   |
| --- | --- |
|  Minimum Drainage Area | 25 Acres  |
|  Standing Water Depth: High Marsh Zone | Maximum 6 Inches  |
|  Standing Water Depth: Low Marsh Zone | 6 – 18 Inches  |
|  Standing Water Depth: Pool Zone | 4 – 6 Feet  |
|  Minimum Length to Width Ratio | 1:1  |

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# Category 2: Marsh Constructed Wetlands

![img-8.jpeg](img-8.jpeg)
Marsh Constructed Wetlands - Profile View

The illustration above shows the various components comprising a standard constructed wetland system from the marsh category. As with pond constructed wetlands, the minimum inflow drainage area is 25 acres. In this illustration, again, stormwater runoff enters the system at A and then flows into the forebay spanning B to C. From the forebay, runoff flows over the spillway at C into the high marsh zone; it then enters the low marsh zone, which in this illustration is found from D to E. Runoff then exits the low marsh zone and flows into the pool zone, which extends from E to F, and ultimately out of the system through the outlet structure.

While the constructed wetlands in these two categories have the same components, the surface area of these components differs. The pool zone in marsh constructed wetlands is smaller than the pool zone in pond constructed wetlands, and the marsh zone in marsh constructed wetland system is larger than the marsh zone in pond constructed wetlands. These differences are important because the majority of particulate settling occurs in the pool zone; to compensate for any loss of settling that results from the decreased pool component, sinuous pathways through the marsh zone should be constructed in marsh constructed wetlands. Longer flow paths increase detention time and contact area, allowing for increased settling of particulates in the marsh zone. Flow paths can be increased by including above-ground berms or high marsh wedges in the design; these structures should be placed at intervals of approximately 50 feet and at right angles to the direction of flow.

The following illustration depicts the same marsh constructed wetland system in plan view. This plan view illustrates the differences in size of both the pool zone and the marsh zone in this category in relation to these same components in the plan view of the pond constructed wetlands.

Page 13

# Marsh Constructed Wetlands - Plan View

![img-9.jpeg](img-9.jpeg)

The table below shows the design criteria specific to marsh constructed wetlands; for additional design criteria, refer to the Basic Requirements section of this chapter, beginning on Page 3.

|  Marsh Constructed Wetland Design Criteria  |   |
| --- | --- |
|  Minimum Drainage Area | 25 Acres  |
|  Standing Water Depth: High Marsh Zone | Maximum 6 inches  |
|  Standing Water Depth: Low Marsh Zone | 6 – 18 inches  |
|  Standing Water Depth: Pool Zone | 4 – 6 Feet  |
|  Minimum Length to Width Ratio | 1:1  |

Page 14

# Category 3: Extended Detention Constructed Wetlands

![img-10.jpeg](img-10.jpeg)
Extended Detention Constructed Wetlands - Plan View

The illustration above shows the various components comprising a standard constructed wetland system from the extended detention category, for which a profile view taken along the centerline would look almost the same as a marsh constructed wetlands. Following the direction that stormwater runoff would take through the BMP; runoff enters the forebay and then flows over the spillway into the low and high marsh zones.

Unlike the previous two categories, extended detention standard constructed wetlands have an additional component, the semi-wet zone. Runoff from both the WQDS and storm events in excess of the WQDS are temporarily stored and attenuated in this component. The semi-wet zone is located above the system's normal water surface elevation; in this example, the semi-wet zone is depicted as the area outside of the high marsh zone, which extends to the perimeter of the system, represented by the darker green shading. The detention time of the WQDS volume stored in the semi-wet zone must be at least 24 hours; which means that the maximum volume of this storm event will drain to at least 10% of that same maximum volume in 24 hours. The runoff that is temporarily stored in this zone must be released in a manner similar to that in an extended detention basin; for more information on the release of this runoff, see Chapter 11.2: Extended Detention Basins.

Page 15

Due to the use of the semi-wet zone, water levels during storm events in an extended detention constructed wetland system may expand beyond the normal standing water limits occupied by the pool and marsh zones; therefore, wetland vegetation that can tolerate intermittent flooding and extended dry periods should be selected for this area.

The following illustrations are cross-sections showing the difference between a channelized area A-B and the area containing the pool C-D. An additional cross-section E-F depicts the view taken at the front face of the outlet riser structure. In these illustrations, the semi-wet zone has been sized to contain the volume of runoff generated by the 100-year design storm.

![img-11.jpeg](img-11.jpeg)
Extended Detention Constructed Wetlands – Cross-section View A-B

![img-12.jpeg](img-12.jpeg)
Extended Detention Constructed Wetlands – Cross-section View C-D

Page 16

# Extended Detention Constructed Wetlands – Cross-section View E-F

![img-13.jpeg](img-13.jpeg)

The table below shows the design criteria specific to marsh constructed wetlands; for additional design criteria, refer to the Basic Requirements section of this chapter, beginning on Page 3.

|  Extended Detention Constructed Wetland Design Criteria  |   |
| --- | --- |
|  Minimum Drainage Area | 10 Acres  |
|  Standing Water Depth: High Marsh Zone | Maximum 6 Inches  |
|  Standing Water Depth: Low Marsh Zone | 6 – 18 Inches  |
|  Standing Water Depth: Pool Zone | 4 – 6 Feet  |
|  Standing Water Depth: Semi-Wet Zone | Only inundated during storm events  |
|  Minimum Length to Width Ratio | 1:1  |

Page 17

# Considerations

A number of factors should be considered when utilizing standard constructed wetlands to treat stormwater runoff.

# How Site Characteristics Shape the Design

The flowchart below is an example of the types of questions a designer should be considering when determining the category of standard constructed wetlands that is appropriate for a particular site; the outcomes shown in this flowchart are not all-inclusive. As previously mentioned, smaller drainage areas may be permissible if detailed analysis indicates that sufficient base or groundwater flow is available; a water budget must be included in this analysis. For more information on how to complete a water budget see the Water Budget Manual at http://www.nj.gov/dep/landuse/download/mit_011.pdf.

![img-14.jpeg](img-14.jpeg)

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# Site Constraints

Standard constructed wetlands may be limited by a number of site constraints, including soil types, depths to groundwater or bedrock, contributing drainage area and available land area on-site. Medium-fine textured soils (such as loams or silt-loams) are best to establish vegetation, retain surface water, permit groundwater discharge and capture pollutants. At sites where the soil permeability rate is too high or where there is potential for groundwater contamination, the use of an impermeable liner should be considered. When designing a standard constructed wetland system with an impermeable liner, proper installation is critical to ensure long term functioning. For more information on the installation of impermeable liners, refer to N.J.A.C. 7:26 Solid and Hazardous Waste Rules.

Setback requirements for standard constructed wetlands vary; ensure compliance with any applicable federal, state or local requirements.

# Design Approach

A pondscaping plan should be developed for each standard constructed wetland system. The plan should include hydrologic calculations (or a water budget), elevations and grades, a site/soil analysis, estimated depths, wetland design/configuration, vegetation plan, site preparation requirements, maintenance requirements and a maintenance schedule.

# Regulatory Issues

A standard constructed wetland system, once constructed, may be regulated by the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act and require additional permits for maintenance or modification. Standard constructed wetlands classified as dams under the NJDEP Dam Safety Standards at N.J.A.C. 7:20 must also meet the overflow standards therein.

# Vegetation

Establishing and maintaining wetland vegetation is an important consideration when planning a standard constructed wetland system.

- Native species are preferred, but it is best when choosing plants to consider the prospects of establishing a healthy plant community. See Chapter 7: Landscaping for more information.
- Selected species must be able to adapt to a broad range of conditions, including wide variations in water depth and inundation; additionally, when designing an off-line standard constructed wetland system, the potential effects of the diversion of larger storm events on the wetland vegetation should be considered.
- A variety of plants should be selected; diversity will minimize the risk of loss from pest and disease that is common in monocultures.
- Plant communities develop best through the use of wetland mulch, which is enriched with plant roots and seeds. Wetland mulch enhances the diversity of the plant community and speeds establishment; however, the content is often unpredictable and undesirable species may be introduced. If wetland mulch is used, it should be collected at the end of the growing season and kept moist until installation.

Page 19

- The planting of shade trees around the perimeter of a standard constructed wetland system should be considered to help reduce the discharge of heated water by reducing the solar warming of the pool zone.
- Wildlife access to the standard constructed wetland system must be prohibited during the initial planting phase; in addition, precautions, such as deer fencing, muskrat trapping and planting after seasonal bird migrations should be considered.

# Maintenance

Regular and effective maintenance is crucial to ensure effective standard constructed wetlands performance; in addition, maintenance plans are required for all stormwater management facilities associated with a major development. There are a number of required elements in all maintenance plans, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.8; these are discussed in more detail in Chapter 8: Maintenance of Stormwater Management Measures. Furthermore, maintenance activities are required through various regulations, including the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) Rules, N.J.A.C. 7:14A. Specific maintenance requirements for standard constructed wetlands are presented below; these requirements must be included in the standard constructed wetland system's maintenance plan.

# General Maintenance

- All components must be inspected, at least once annually, for cracking, subsidence, spalling, erosion and deterioration.
- Components expected to receive and/or trap debris must be inspected for clogging at least twice annually, as well as after every storm exceeding 1 inch of rainfall.
- If a forebay is used in the pretreatment zone, it must be cleaned when it accumulates either 6 inches of sediment, there is a 10% loss of forebay volume, or if it remains wet 9 hours after the end of a storm event.
- Disposal of debris, trash, sediment and other waste material must be done at suitable disposal/recycling sites and in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal waste regulations.
- All valves for maintenance must be clearly shown in the Operations and Maintenance Manual; additionally, it must also be conspicuously stated that all valves are to remain closed except when necessary to perform specific activities, such as temporary drawdown or backflush.
- Drains with lockable valves are required to allow the drawdown or backflush of wetland cells; these drains must be readily accessible.

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# Vegetated Areas

- Bi-weekly inspections are required when establishing/restoring vegetation.
- A minimum of one inspection during the growing season and one inspection during the non-growing season is required to ensure the health, density and diversity of the vegetation.
- Vegetative cover must be maintained at 85%; damage must be addressed through replanting in accordance with the original specifications.
- Pruning within the standard constructed wetlands must be performed on a regular schedule based on specific site conditions; perimeter grass should be mowed at least once a month during growing season.
- Vegetated areas must be inspected at least once annually for erosion, scour and unwanted growth; any unwanted growth should be removed with minimum disruption to the remaining vegetation.

The types and distribution of dominant plants must be assessed during the semi-annual wetland inspections, and an appropriate balance between original and volunteer species must be achieved in accordance with the intent of the system's original design.

- All use of fertilizers, pesticides, mechanical treatments and other means to ensure optimum vegetation must not compromise the intended purpose of the standard constructed wetland.

# Drain Time

- The approximate drain time for the various wetland pools to their normal standing water levels must be indicated in the maintenance manual.
- If the actual drain time is significantly different from the design drain time, the components that could provide hydraulic control must be evaluated and appropriate measures taken to return the wetland system to the design drain time.

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# References

Horner, R.R., J.J. Skupien, E.H. Livingston and H.E. Shaver. August 1994. Fundamentals of Urban Runoff Management: Technical and Institutional Issues. In cooperation with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Terrene Institute, Washington, DC.

Livingston E.H., H.E. Shaver, J.J. Skupien and R.R. Horner. August 1997. Operation, Maintenance, &amp; Management of Stormwater Management Systems. In cooperation with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Watershed Management Institute. Crawfordville, FL.

Maryland Department of the Environment. 2000. Maryland Stormwater Design Manual – Volume 1 – Stormwater Management Criteria. Water Management Administration. Baltimore, MD.

New Jersey Department of Agriculture. November 1999. Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey. State Soil Conservation Committee. Trenton, NJ.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Agriculture. December 1994. Stormwater and Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Best Management Practices.

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