Biochar is a granular, carbon-rich material produced by heating organic matter such as crop residue, forestry waste, in a low-oxygen environment. The result is a stable carbon structure which is highly porous, and, if appropriately incorporated, can improve infiltration, water holding capacity, plant survivability, and pollutant removal within stormwater best management practices (BMPs). 

The Center for Watershed Protection, Inc. (CWP), in partnership with the American Biochar Institute (ABI) and Infinite Solutions (IS) is excited to announce the release of the Biochar in Stormwater Best Management Practices Guidebook for Stormwater Practitioners (version 1.0)!  

This Guidebook is the first nationally applicable resource focused on incorporating biochar into stormwater BMPs. It provides stormwater practitioners resources and decision support tools for biochar material selection and biochar incorporation into eight (8) common stormwater BMPs – bioretention (with and without underdrains), vegetated swales, filter strips and roadside embankments, green roof, soil amendment, and dry ponds. 

Accompanying the Guidebook are:  

• BMP Factsheets: Brief overview of how biochar amendments may improve system performance, 
• Specification Templates: Adaptable for use as specification in stormwater BMP designs using biochar, and 
• Technical Basis Report: Research and expert feedback supporting recommendations. 

The guidebook and supplemental documents can be found on ABI’s website. 

The Center for Watershed Protection | www.cwp.org