Emerge Environmental Design are at the forefront of ICW design, construction,operations and maintenance with over 12 years experience in ICW design, landscape and planning projects. We pride ourselves in our wealth of experience, our adaptable nature, cost effective solutions while providing flexibility as a core part of our service. ICWs operate by means of bioremediation, harnessing the associations between plants and soil using naturally occurring organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or non toxic substances. Design of an ICW is a whole site approach to waste and water management that involves an in depth analysis of the proposed site, informing site specific design while having regard for the impact on the associated catchment basin within which it operates. ICW Applications:
Landscape design and stormwater management combined to provide a multifunctional site asset within public parks, residential open space, schools and hard surfaced areas. The basic concepts of SUDS design are to:
Reduce runoff rates, thus reducing the risk of downstream flooding
Reducing the additional runoff volumes and runoff frequencies
Encouraging natural groundwater recharge to minimise the impacts on aquifers and river baseflows in the receiving catchment.
Reducing pollutant concentrations in stormwater, thus protecting the quality of the receiving water body
Acting as a buffer for accidental spills by preventing a direct discharge of high concentrations of contaminants to the receiving water body.
Reducing the volume of surface water runoff discharging to combined sewer systems, thus reducing discharges of polluted water to watercourses via CSO spills.
Contributing to the enhanced amenity and aesthetic value of developed areas
Providing habitats for wildlife in urban areas and opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.