In June 2022, several Brightstorm collaborators, including Opti, received an Innovation Award at the annual Maryland Quality Initiative (MdQI) conference. The project that earned the award was for the creation of three smart stormwater retention ponds in Maryland that use Opti’s onsite sensors and cloud-based technology in order to improve the quality of the water that flows from the ponds—and eventually into Chesapeake Bay.
By analyzing weather forecasts, the Opti systems installed at these ponds proactively and autonomously control a stormwater pond’s water levels, holding runoff for longer periods and releasing it at slower flow rates. Not only does this improve water quality, but it also enhances habitat for plants and wildlife and reduces downstream erosion—often by 50 percent or more. (Watch a video to learn more.)
Although Opti had installed this technology at smart stormwater ponds around the country, the award-winning innovation of this project is the execution of the unique Public Private Partnership (P3), as it was the first of its kind in the U.S. between a state DOT and a private entity.
Additional partners that received the MdQI Innovation Award include the Maryland Department of Transportation, which purchased the credits in order to meet compliance requirements to improve water quality in Chesapeake Bay, and Maryland Environmental Services, which certified the project benefits. Apex Construction was responsible for construction and equipment installation necessary to complete the project.
“We were excited to be part of this project,” said Brightstorm Chief Operations Officer Matt Rea, who is also Opti’s strategic manager. “At Brightstorm, we truly are a hub that links government agencies that seek compliance with corporate landowners that want to meet or improve their sustainability goals. This project—which was the first of its kind—is a clear example of this principal at work.”