Optimize Stormwater Management with FocalPoint: Resilient, Efficient, and Scalable Solutions

Design Questions

How is FocalPoint sized?

FocalPoint systems are typically sized as a percentage of the impervious drainage area that contributes runoff to the system. The specific percentage varies by state, but 175 square feet per impervious acre is usually a good estimate. Some states use routing methodology (such as TR-55) to design systems. Contact us if you would like help with these designs.

Why is FocalPoint so much smaller than traditional bioretention systems?

Traditional bioretention systems filter runoff at a much slower rate than FocalPoint, which means they need far more square footage to treat the same amount of runoff. These traditional systems typically filter runoff at 1-4 inches/hour/square foot, while FocalPoint filters runoff at over 100 inches/hour/square foot.

What is the minimum size of FocalPoint?

Using a mini excavator, preparing a 4’ x 5’ excavation is manageable, so we typically use 20 square feet as the minimum size. We have built systems as small as 12 square feet (3’ x 4’), but there is significantly more hand-work involved to get the dimensions precise.

Is there a maximum size for a FocalPoint system?

There is no maximum size, but be mindful of managing energy dissipation and flow velocities entering the FocalPoint.

What flow rate should I model through the system?

FocalPoint systems should be modelled to flow at 100 inches per hour.

With such a small footprint, how can I infiltrate more water beneath the FocalPoint?

If the runoff treated by FocalPoint needs to be infiltrated after treatment, it is possible to do that either directly beneath the FocalPoint, or in a separate infiltration bed/basin (assuming there is enough elevation/depth above the SHWT). It is frequently possible to infiltrate directly beneath the FocalPoint by increasing the height of the high-performance underdrain, expanding the underdrain outside of the FocalPoint media footprint, or both.

How long will a FocalPoint system last, and does the media have to be replaced?

FocalPoint is a sustainable, living system that should not need to be deconstructed, rebuilt, or replaced. However, in rare instances where regular maintenance does not restore water flow through the system, replacing the top 3” – 6” of the media bed will typically restore the system to its original capabilities.Contact us for guidance on confirming your restoration plan.

What is the typical cross-section depth?

The standard depth for FocalPoint is 42.5” from flowline to the invert of the outlet. This includes 6” ponding depth, 3” of mulch, 18” of media, 6” of bridging stone, and the 9.5” underdrain. It is possible to modify the profile to reduce the overall depth when necessary.

I have a shallow groundwater table. Can I still use FocalPoint?

There are two options to consider when dealing with depth limitations. It is possible to either reduce the overall depth of the system or to add an impermeable geomembrane envelope to the system. Contact us to explore the options.

What is acceptable ponding depth?

Typical ponding depth in a FocalPoint system is 6”, and many systems have been built with 12” ponding depths over the FocalPoint. However, it is possible to have much deeper ponding areas with FocalPoint. Successful installations have been constructed with ponding depths as great as 60”. Contact us, we can help with non-standard applications.

How should the area around FocalPoint be graded?

The grading around a FocalPoint should be no different than traditional bioretention systems. This includes side slopes no greater than 3:1, and the inclusion of energy dissipation at any areas of concentrated flow. For steeper grades in tight spaces, there are several options that can be explored, such as the use of Turf Reinforcement Mats, decorative stone, short curbs, and a variety of other options. Contact us about options that will work best for your site.

Should I have a border around the system?

Most systems don’t require a border. However, in some cases, borders can be useful for energy dissipation as well as delineation of the system. There are multiple ways to handle both of these objectives, contact us for help identify the best solution for your project

Is pretreatment required upstream?

In most states and localities, upstream pretreatment is not required. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea! Good pre-treatment facilitates future maintenance and will pay for itself quickly.

Can this system be used for capital improvement projects?

Yes! Because FocalPoint uses an open, generic, performance-based specification, it can easily be used on all types of projects where proprietary devices are prohibited.

Where has FocalPoint been approved and installed?

The FocalPoint system has been approved and installed in more than 25 states and the District of Columbia. While not all states maintain an “Approved Products” list, FocalPoint has been approved as a stand-alone treatment practice for new construction, retrofit and redevelopment projects in CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, PA, VA and many others.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary based on the size and location of the job. Experience has shown that FocalPoint costs are similar to traditional bioretention systems that treat the same volume of runoff, with the added benefit of a drastically smaller footprint and the resulting reduced maintenance costs of the smaller footprint.

In which locations has FocalPoint been permitted?

Cities, Counties, Regional and State permitting authorities across the country, in at least 25 states and the District of Columbia, have permitted FocalPoint installations, including states that don’t have an ‘approved products’ lists. States which do have an innovative technology/products list, and in which FocalPoint has been accepted as a stand-alone water quality BMP or primary treatment practice include CT, DE, FL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, OH, PA, VA, VT and WV.

Where has FocalPoint been approved and installed?

The FocalPoint system has been approved and installed in more than 25 states and the District of Columbia. While not all states maintain an “Approved Products” list, FocalPoint has been approved as a stand-alone treatment practice for new construction, retrofit and redevelopment projects in CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, PA, VA and many others. Contact us for permitting and approval assistance.

---

Components Questions

Are the media components secret?

The media components are listed in the specification and are not proprietary. The only secret of FocalPoint is in consistently building systems that exceed the performance-based specification used in the design.

How are the components shipped?

All components, including mulch, media, and bridging stone, are typically shipped in supersacks to avoid contamination from on-site soils. The structural underdrain is typically shipped on pallets, along with any other components that may be necessary for your project.

Can I purchase any of the components individually?

FocalPoint is sold exclusively as a complete system. The components have been tested together to guarantee compatibility, prevent problems, and ensure the installed system meets the performance specification.

Are plants required to make the system work?

Yes! Plants are a critical component, and they help ensure the long-term performance of the system. Plant roots help create pathways for water to flow, and they pull nutrients from the soils, recharging the media and allowing it to continue to treat runoff.

What is unique about the mulch that is used?

All of the mulch supplied with FocalPoint Systems has been screened through a trommel to remove the fine particles. These fine particles can plug up bioretention systems and negatively impact the flow of runoff through the system. Outside mulch sources and bagged mulch from home improvement stores should not be used in a FocalPoint system.

Can any traditional inlet structure be used for the overflow/bypass?

When installed along the curbline, traditional curb inlets are ideal for the bypass structure. When drop-inlets are used, flat grates should be avoided and domed or slanted grates should be used. These grates shed mulch and debris as ponded water recedes to prevent clogging of the overflow.

Can the 6″ depth of bridging stone be modified if necessary?

In some cases it is possible, even necessary, to reduce the thickness of the bridging stone layer. Contact us to explore this possibility.

Why does Construction EcoServices provide the bridging stone?

Incompatibility between filtration medias and bridging materials is a common reason for failure of traditional bioretention systems. Construction EcoServices has done modelling, lab testing, and field testing to ensure the bridging stone supplied with the FocalPoint system is an ideal match to properly bridge the media.

When gabions are used, are they installed OUTSIDE of the FocalPoint footprint, or INSIDE of the footprint (on the media)?

When used, Gabions typically sit within the FocalPoint footprint just below the top of the media. The gabion remains completely permeable, so flow through the system, including the media below the gabion, is unaffected.

Is the gabion border required?

No, the gabion border is not required and should only be included when needed for delineation or energy dissipation. Delineation of the FocalPoint can be useful when the system is installed in a larger landscaped area that looks uniform once mulch is applied, but it is not necessary if turf or other materials are used around the system that make the maintenance area obvious. Energy dissipation can be a useful function of the gabion, but other systems such as the Rain Guardian or PreTx are better suited for this purpose.

Why don’t you use pipe and stone for the underdrain?

Perforated pipes usually have 2-5% of their surface area open for water to move into the pipe. This limitation restricts flow and prevents the FocalPoint system from operating at its maximum efficiency. The high-performance underdrain that comes with FocalPoint has a surface that is 90% open area, allowing for much greater flow through the system.

How do you maintain the underdrain?

The underdrain should only receive runoff that has been treated by the FocalPoint system, so no maintenance of the underdrain should be necessary. Overflow structures should be located on the outlet side of the system to avoid introducing untreated water directly into the underdrain. If access to the underdrain for maintenance is critical to your project, contact us for options to include this capability.

Can I use a different underdrain?

The underdrain supplied with the FocalPoint must be used to ensure the system performs as specified, and other options must be avoided. Construction EcoServices provides multiple underdrain depth options to ensure there is a good fit for every type of project. Contact us for more information about the underdrain options available to you.

Will textile layers cause a clogging problem?

No geotextiles are used in the operational cross-section of the FocalPoint, as these fabrics have a history of clogging in bioretention applications. FocalPoint does incorporate different geosynthetic materials to form the outer envelope of the system, and there are specific recommendations to mitigate clogging when infiltration of runoff from the system underdrain into the surrounding soils is desired.

What geosynthetics can be used to form the outer envelope of the FocalPoint?

There are three different materials that can be used to form FocalPoint’s outer envelope based on the design goal of the system.

• Nonwoven Geotextile: Appropriate for most systems, the standard nonwoven geotextile envelope will protect the system from the backfill materials while remaining permeable, allowing some of the treated runoff to infiltrate into surrounding soils.
• Woven Monofilament: Used when infiltration is required, this material has larger openings than the nonwoven material, which helps mitigate clogging.
• Geomembrane: Used to prevent infiltration, geomembranes (typically 30 mil PVC) retain all water within the system when issues like karst, groundwater contamination, or soil contaminants are a concern.

Are there geotextiles in the system cross-section?

Geotextiles are used to form the outer envelope of the system, but not within the operation cross-section. A microgrid separates the bridging stone from the structural underdrain, and its larger openings are not susceptible to clogging like a geotextile would be.

---

Installation Questions

How is excavating for FocalPoint different from any other excavation?

Many excavations are oversized or done to rough measurements, but FocalPoint excavations must be done to precise measurements with no additional area excavated. This is critical since components are supplied in the exact quantities necessary to fill the excavation, with limited waste factors included.

Is a specialty or certified contractor required for the installation?

There is no special certification needed to install a FocalPoint system. All of the steps are fairly simple and similar to construction of a traditional bioretention system. However, working in smaller spaces with precise requirements can be tricky, and Construction EcoServices can provide recommendations for installers that have successfully built many FocalPoint systems if desired.

Will Construction EcoServices be on-site to provide install assistance?

Construction EcoServices will conduct a pre-construction meeting at no additional cost and will be on-site as much as possible to ensure a successful installation.

What is the third party infiltration test verification?

FocalPoint uses a performance-based specification that requires the installed system to perform at the specified standard. After installation a hydraulic conductivity test is performed at no additional charge to ensure the system is functioning properly. This testing is typically done 30-90 days after installation.

What are the maintenance requirements?

Maintenance requirements for FocalPoint are similar to those for traditional bioretention. Mulch should be removed and replaced every 6-12 months, and plants should be trimmed back to encourage growth (and the consumption of nutrients). Read the Operations & Maintenance Guide for more information.