How do treatment trains maximize pollutant removal?

Choosing to arrange multiple Best Management Practices (BMPs) in sequence is a strategic approach in stormwater management known as a treatment train. This method maximizes pollutant removal by allowing each practice to target different types of pollutants and work synergistically.

Each BMP in the sequence can address various contaminants through different mechanisms—such as sedimentation, filtration, absorption, and biological uptake. For example, the first BMP might remove larger particles from stormwater runoff, while subsequent BMPs further refine the water quality by removing finer sediments and dissolved pollutants. This sequential treatment not only enhances the overall efficiency of pollutant removal but also allows for the management of environmental factors that may compromise water quality.

In contrast, relying on a single BMP may limit the effectiveness of pollutant removal since it can only target a specific range of pollutants. Larger holding ponds, while beneficial for volume control, may not be as effective in removing all pollutant types without additional treatment measures. Lastly, incorporating vegetation alone lacks the comprehensive approach that a treatment train provides, as vegetation typically focuses on specific pollutants and does not encompass the robust multi-faceted strategies involved in a treatment train.