Protecting our Water, Protecting our Soil, Protecting our Earth
Think of the fertilizers and insecticides in the grass, brake fluid and grease on the road, and livestock and pet waste on the ground. What happens when the snow thaws and rains come? If not managed properly, all this waste—and more—ends up in our water systems. Gaines and Company is committed to upholding environmental responsibility and conservation by meeting or exceeding local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
Gaines and Company’s full-service site development expertise is rooted in integrity, safety, reliability, and environmental responsibility. When it comes to stormwater management, customers trust Gaines to protect lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater from pollutants and prevent flooding with bioretention ponds (also known as bio ponds) and bioswales.
Completed bio pond at Four Seasons development in Easton, Maryland
What are bio ponds and bioswales?
Bio ponds and bioswales capture, direct, and contain stormwater runoff to reduce the risk of flooding while water infiltrates back into the earth. The ecosystems growing in the pond naturally filter the water, improving water quality without the use of chemicals. These ponds also create habitats for wildlife, including insects and birds.
“Bio ponds and bioswales are an essential way to manage flood risks and improve water quality while adding to the development’s landscape,” said Project Manager Keith Eagle. “Since we have a lot of experience creating these structures, developers trust us to construct bio ponds and bioswales on their projects to meet regulatory requirements.”
A liner was used on the bio pond at Hines Farm to prevent water from seeping into the soil, depleting the pond of water.
However, it’s not as easy as digging a hole in the ground to capture water runoff. Gaines uses cutting-edge techniques and works with trusted subcontractors – like Magstone LLC – to successfully create bio ponds and bioswales that meet or exceed conservation standards.
- Determine specifications. Gaines’s Project Managers work closely with the developer and engineers to determine specifications needed for each individual structure, including location, size, and materials.
- Start our engines. Gaines’s fleet of well-maintained heavy machinery gets to work with excavation and grading.
- Install underdrains and overflow outlets. These drains and outlets release overflow water in the case of extreme rainfall.
- Place liner. When needed, a liner is installed to protect the soil.
- Fill layers. Project managers and engineers determine what to line the basin with (sand, gravel, soil mix, mulch) based on soil type and anticipated runoff volume.
- Install filter cloth. A filter cloth protects the pond liner and separates fine soils from drainage layers.
Gaines is not just a site development contractor. Gaines is an environmental partner who is committed to conservation to minimize the impact of urbanization on natural ecosystems and wildlife. Learn how Gaines can help on your next project!
Gaines and Company is a full-service grading and excavation company with offices in Maryland and North Carolina. The organization has 70 years of experience in underground utilities, grading and excavating, sediment and erosion controls, and road work. Gaines and Company delivers safe, reliable, turnkey site development services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Delaware on time and within budget.
