What is the function of a buffer strip?

A buffer strip primarily functions to filter pollutants before they reach water bodies. This is achieved through the establishment of a vegetated area that acts as a protective barrier between potential pollution sources, such as agricultural fields, roads, or developed lands, and nearby water bodies, including streams, wetlands, and lakes. The vegetation in a buffer strip helps to trap sediment, absorb nutrients, and break down contaminants, thus enhancing water quality by reducing the runoff of harmful substances into adjacent aquatic systems.

While it is true that buffer strips can provide additional benefits such as serving as habitats for wildlife and potentially reducing noise pollution, their primary and most critical function in the context of stormwater management is focused on pollutant filtration. The structure of the buffer, including its plant composition and the depth of the root systems, is specifically designed to maximize its ability to intercept and treat contaminants before they have a chance to impact water quality. Therefore, this characteristic underscores the importance of buffer strips in both erosion control and the overall health of environmental ecosystems.