Thoughts from your WA President - Australian Water Association

SeminarAdvancing Biofilters in Western Australia - Research SeminarWhen: 9am - 3.45pm, Tuesday 31 July 2012Where: The State Library Theatre, Ground Floor State Library, 25 Francis Street, Perth Cultural CentreBiofilters are used as part of a stormwater management system to improve water quality, reduce runoff volumes,mitigate urban heat, improve urban amenity and enhance urban ecosystems. Biofilters are becoming more widelyused due to their flexibility in terms of size, location, configuration and appearance, as well as the benefits theyprovide.Biofilters typically consist of a vegetated swale or basin overlaying a porous filter medium. The choice of media andplant species has a major impact on the nutrient removal performance of biofilters to the extent that poor design andincorrect implementation can result in these systems becoming a source of nutrients rather than a managementsolution.The use of biofilters in Western Australia is relatively new and designs are largely based on eastern states practice.However recent research by Monash University and the University of Western Australia is being undertaken undersouth-west climatic conditions, using WA plant species and local supplies of filter media. This research is thereforeaimed at addressing the knowledge gaps currently limiting the adoption of biofilters in WA.This research work builds on research undertaken by the Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration (FAWB) at MonashUniversity during 2005-2009 which established a methodology for improving stormwater quality through filtration bybiologically influenced media. The Adoption Guidelines for Stormwater Biofiltration Systems (FAWB 2009) weredeveloped to facilitate application of FAWB’s research findings in practice.Please note the closing date for registration is Friday 20 July, 2012.http://www.newwaterways.org.au/files/files/189_Advancing_biofilters_in_WA_-_Research_seminar.pdfJul-127