Wetlands have often been considered useless areas of land with little value or significance. This is a gross misunderstanding when we realize the complexity of their ecosystems and their immeasurable value when managed properly. Wetlands can provide a means by which we can utilize natural procedures and living organisms to clean our waters from pollutants and dangerous additives to storm water runoff. A properly designed, constructed, planted and managed wetland can clean urban and hardscape runoff before allowing it to re-enter our watersheds. The key to utilizing this naturally-occurring and sometimes created topographical feature is proper delineation, indigenous assessment, potential impact reduction, and relevant design procedures applicable to each site specifically.
