BACKGROUND This project is located on the Anoka sand plain, and has a tremendously fast stormwater infiltration rate. The client needed a new driveway, and was also interested in reducing their contribution of stormwater to downstream environments.

SITE SPECIFIC CONCERNS/GOALS The client's budget was very limited. To move storm water from the roof of the house to a rain garden, water needed to move across the driveway. The slope of the driveway provided a challenge in capturing the moderately-high velocity of water flowing downhill.

SOLUTIONS A light-duty drain grate was installed across the driveway. This is less expensive than a heavier trench drain, and was acceptable because the homeowner parks only relatively lightweight vehicles on the driveway. One week after driveway was installed, a saw was used to cut through the new asphalt to allow for the drain. Because this drain does not have a catch basin, the system was angled to achieve the same effect. A rain garden was constructed near the end of the driveway. The mineral-dominated soils were amended with compost for moisture retention and nutrient availability. Shredded hardwood mulch was installed along with a diverse array of drought-tolerant plants native to Anoka County. The inlet point from the drainage grate empties onto a rock spillway/level spreader that collects sediment and prohibits erosion. A significant portion of the property s stormwater is captured on-site during larger rainfall events, due largely to the high sand content of the soil. In addition, tremendous butterfly habitat was established and no less than 30 butterflies were using this site within the first months after its installation.