6.2 Channels and Swales
Open vegetated channels and swales are
typically components of the minor system,
and are designed to convey peak discharges
of runoff. All vegetated channels
provide significant amounts of storage and
infiltration, and are excellent techniques for
reproducing pre-development hydrologic
conditions . For example, the use of roadside
swales instead of curb and storm sewer
in many cases can reduce peak discharges
below pre-development conditions . This
results from the sheer quantity of swale
length and volume.