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Chapter 4-Site-Specific bOltrial Storm Water BMPs - <br />What to Consider <br />At a minimum, a filter strip must be approximately 20 feet wide to function well. The length of the <br />strip should be approximately 50 to 75 feet. Where slopes become steeper, the length of the strip <br />must be increased. Forested strips are always preferred to vegetated strips, and existing <br />vegetation is preferred to planted vegetation. In planning for vegetated strips, consider climatic <br />conditions, since vegetation may not take hold in especially dry and/or cold regions. <br />Regular inspections are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the filter strips. Removing <br />sediments and replanting may be necessary on a regular basis. The entire area should be examined <br />for damage due to equipment and vehicles. Vegetation should be dense. Also, the portions of the <br />strip where erosion may have created ponding of runoff should be inspected. This situation can be <br />eliminated by grading. <br />Advantages of Vegetated Filter Strips <br />• Provide low to moderate treatment of pollutants in storm water while providing a natural <br />look to a site <br />• Can provide habitat for wildlife <br />• Can screen noise and views if trees or high shrubs are planted on the filter strips <br />• Are easily constructed and implemented <br />• Are inexpensive- <br />Disadvantages of Vegetated Filter Strips <br />• Are not effective for high velocity flows (large paved areas or steep slopes) <br />• Require significant land space <br />• May have a short useful life due to clogging by sediments and oil and grease <br /> <br />0 <br />4-102