PROJECT

The Water Pollution Control Laboratory was established to monitor the quality of Portland’s water and to educate the public on the use of natural systems to mitigate pollutants from stormwater runoff. At the site, a flume composed of basalt fieldstone directs and displays stormwater to a detention pond that is planted with a variety of aquatic and emergent plant material. These wetland plants naturally facilitate sedimentation and biofiltration to ultimately return clean water to the Willamette. Site bioswales also mitigate storm water runoff. The riverbank was restored and stabilized using a combination of riprap and bioengineering practices. For public visitors, the design included a pier overlooking the pond and interpretive signage were integrated throughout the laboratory site