Infiltrating trenches/cells ; tree trenches-image

Infiltrating trenches/cells ; tree trenches

  • Description
  • Fields of action
  • Synergies
  • Good practice examples
  • References

Infiltration cells/trenches and gravel drains (with an overlying swale, as deep bed or tree planting pit) reduce runoff rates and volumes by retention/detention and therefore can help replenish groundwater and preserve base flow in rivers. They treat runoff by filtration through the substrate in the trench and subsequently through soil. They are effective at removing pollutants and sediment through physical filtration, adsorption onto the material in the trench, or biochemical reactions in the fill or soil. Near trenches pavements can be built, or places of recreation and sport activities.

Fields of action Settlement areas
Additionally to flood risk reduction by slowing and storing surface runoff, these measures have medium or high possible benefits for the following biophysical impacts and ecosystem services: Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery; Filtration of pollutants; Increase evapotranspiration; Increase soil water retention; Intercept pollution pathways; Create terrestrial habitats; Absorb and/or retain CO2; Climate change adaptation and mitigation; Groundwater/aquifer recharge

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Sabine Scharfe, Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology