Six Points Interchange, Etobicoke

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ENVIROBASIN™ PILOT TRCA I SIX POINTS INTERCHANGE, ETOBICOKE

PRE-TREATMENT TO URBAN TREE CELLS

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As part of a $50 million upgrade of the Six Points Interchange in Etobicoke, Toronto, over 300 new urban trees have been planted using 'DeepRoot Silva Cells.' These cells are designed to enhance water quality, provide shading, and offer other benefits associated with urban street trees.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) initiated a Pilot Program to pre-treat stormwater runoff before it enters the Low Impact Development (LID) Tree Cells. Several catch basin treatment providers were approached for this program.

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Why they went with EnviroPod™:

The City of Toronto selected the EnviroPod™ EnviroBasin™ Stormwater Quality Inlet (WQI) for its proven ability to capture fine sediment and gross solids (trash and leaves), making it ideal for protecting urban tree cells. This protection ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the tree cells.

The retrofit kitset offered by EnviroPod™ allows for treatment in areas where drainage infrastructure has already been installed, making it a versatile and practical solution.

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Pilot installation:

The pilot involves installing different types of catch basin (CB) pre-treatment systems in three catch basins that drain into a soil cell system, with one basin left as an empty control for comparison. The installation aims to evaluate various parameters, including ease of maintenance, sediment capture effectiveness, debris capture, and scour prevention. This assessment will involve direct participation from the Green Streets operation and maintenance team.

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Benefits of Street Trees & EnviroBasin™:

Street Trees:

• Intercept and uptake water, reducing runoff.
• Shade concrete areas, lowering urban temperatures.
• Enhance biodiversity by creating habitats.

EnviroBasin™:

• Provides passive irrigation to street trees.
• Screens leaves and plastics, preventing clogs.
• Removes over 50% of sediment entering the irrigation system, extending the lifespan of stormwater management assets.
• Can be retrofitted into existing catch basins, adding value without extensive on-site works.

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Climate Resilience and Urban Greening:

Retrofitting street trees into urban environments is a critical strategy for building climate change resilience. The combination of green infrastructure and innovative solutions like EnviroBasin™ plays a key role in reducing the downstream impact of stormwater, improving urban environments, and contributing to sustainable city planning.

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Example layout of EnviroBasin™ pre-treating a tree cell: