| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.39 |
| Liaison | Mary Whitney |
| Submission Date | Sept. 25, 2012 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Chatham University
OP-23: Stormwater Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Mary
Whitney University Sustainability Coordinator Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have a policy, plan, and/or strategies to reduce stormwater runoff from new development projects? :
Does the institution have a policy, plan, and/or strategies to reduce stormwater runoff from ongoing campus operations? :
A brief description of the institution's stormwater management initiatives:
One major environmental concern in Pittsburgh is the management of stormwater. With an antiquated storm system, large rain events have a harmful effect on its waterways. Chatham has implemented a number of techniques to reduce the effects of stormwater. A historical pond has been restored to capture rainwater from the Mellon Green. The new athletic field allows water to infiltrate and slowly releases it into the sewer system, after the main push of the rain event. In 2010, a rain barrel was installed outside of the Rea house to capture rooftop run off and for watering the surrounding garden and in summer of 2011, a rain garden was installed behind Dilworth that contains certain species of plants capable of withstanding more saturation from water runoff.
All new buildings will be planned to have a rain garden, and all existing buildings where a rain garden is possible are having them installed over a 10-year period.
The website URL where information about the institution's stormwater management initiatives, plan or policy is available:
Does the institution have a living or vegetated roof?:
A brief description of the institution's living or vegetated roof:
In addition to what may be the oldest green roof in America, above our Mellon Board Room (installed in early 1900s with two mature honey locusts as features of the plantings), we have a smaller green roof on the new addition to Mellon. More green roofs are planned, including one on the Eddy Theater to support beehives.
Does the institution have porous paving?:
A brief description of the institution's porous paving:
Porous paving is laid behind Rea, Laughlin and Beatty Halls. We also use brick laid on sand, wood chips on sand, and gravel for pathways.
Does the institution have retention ponds?:
A brief description of the institution's retention ponds:
Mellon Pond has been redesigned to manage runoff from Mellon and the surrounding hillside.
Does the institution have stone swales?:
A brief description of the institution's stone swales:
Does the institution have vegetated swales?:
A brief description of the institution's vegetated swales:
A rain garden and vegetated swale are located behind Dilworth Hall.
Does the institution employ any other technologies or strategies for stormwater management?:
A brief description of other technologies or strategies for stormwater management employed:
We have a complicated and extensive system of piping, sand beds and baffles beneath an artificial turf playing field designed to slow the water down in heavy rain events and allow reabsorbtion before reaching the public sewer system in lighter events.
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.