Getting pollutants out of storm water rurnoff

Clemson University’s Carolina Clear and collaborators believe they have changed an unattractive storm water detention basin into a good-looking filtration system that is friendly to the environment.  A rain garden, known as a bio-retention cell, was built at the Green Pond Landing and Event Center in Anderson.  It is designed to filter, trap and remove run-off and contaminants.  Clemson considers this good news to Lake Hartwell and the more than 200 thousand South Carolinians who rely on the reservoir for drinking water.  In the process of bio-retention, cells soak up and store water that might otherwise contribute to flooding.  They also provide a habitat for animals and insects, beautify the landscape and naturally remove toxins.