Burien, WA
May 2025
PROJECT SUMMARY
The Burien School District Transportation Department required a dedicated stormwater management system to effectively control and treat runoff in a high-risk area where school buses are regularly parked and maintained. This measure was necessary due to the potential for hydrocarbons—such as oil, fuel, and other petroleum-based fluids—to leak from the buses and contaminate the surrounding environment. Without proper containment and filtration, these pollutants could enter the stormwater system, posing serious risks to local water quality, soil health, and compliance with environmental regulations.
SOLUTION
To enhance the stormwater system’s environmental performance, Layfield recommended the use of NuBarrier™, a sustainable, nonwoven geotextile designed to improve water quality while maintaining efficient infiltration. The project featured the installation of a Brentwood StormTank® infiltration system, which was wrapped with NuBarrier™ to deliver both filtration and hydrocarbon mitigation.
NuBarrier™ is composed of advanced nonwoven polypropylene, engineered to retain oil and promote biofilm growth—an essential process that supports the natural breakdown of petroleum-based pollutants. By combining the StormTank’s high-capacity modular storage with NuBarrier’s filtration capabilities, the system offers a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible solution tailored for areas affected by vehicular runoff. exposed to vehicular runoff.
CHALLENGES & RESULTS
The contractor had no prior experience installing this type of StormTank® system and initially expressed concerns about the unfamiliar process. Layfield provided comprehensive support to ensure a successful outcome, including an on-site preconstruction meeting, detailed installation guidance, and consistent communication throughout the construction phase.
Multiple site visits allowed Layfield to monitor progress, address questions in real time, and ensure quality standards were met. By the end of the project, the contractor reported that not only was the system superior to those previously used, but the installation proceeded smoothly thanks to Layfield’s proactive and responsive approach.