| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.04 |
| Liaison | Larry Cook |
| Submission Date | Feb. 29, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of South Carolina
OP-27: Rainwater Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Namita
Koppa Assistant Director for Program Management Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution use Low Impact Development (LID) practices as a matter of policy or standard practice to reduce rainwater/stormwater runoff volume and improve outgoing water quality for new construction, major renovation, and other projects?:
A brief description of the institution’s Low Impact Development (LID) practices:
The University has an established stormwater management plan (2013) that outlines stormwater issues relating to operations and new construction. It outlines procedures to follow in all conditions and the processes when dealing with violations. This plan is shared with the state regulatory board as well as the City of Columbia. The campus Design Guidelines (2008) for new construction emphasize LID techniques to maintain recharge and minimize runoff. Gamecock Park, completed in 2012, used asphalt recycling, permeable pavement and bioswales to concert a 53-acre brownfield site into a tailgating green space. Site perviousness was increased by almost 80%, Rainwater harvesting and bio-swales are the most common LID practice; green roof projects have been completed as well. Moore School; green roof completed 2014, rainwater harvest system under development. William Brice Stadium: bio-swales completed 2015. Greene St streetscape: raingardens under construction. Student Health Center: green roof under construction.
Has the institution adopted a rainwater/stormwater management policy, plan, or strategies that mitigate the rainwater runoff impacts of ongoing campus operations through the use of green infrastructure? :
A brief description of the institution’s rainwater/stormwater management policy, plan, and/or strategies for ongoing campus operations:
A formal policy is in proposal satages. In evaluating ongoing maintenance needs and troubleshooting drainage issues, Facilities staff is emphasizing infiltration techniques to capture run-off including raingardens, rock swales, and improved soil management. A 2013 study of a portion of the campus stormwater system draining to nearby Rocky Branch identified sub-watersheds on the campus that are a priority for reducing the risk of flooding. Projects are encouraged to include LID practices such as rainwater harvesting, green roofing and infiltration zones.
A brief description of any rainwater harvesting employed by the institution:
Rainwater harvesting is done at three sites, the Athletic Village (477,000 gallon capacity), the Carolina Community Farm & Garden (1,000 gallons), and the Moore School of Business (15,000 gallon capacity).
Rainwater harvested directly and stored/used by the institution, performance year:
A brief description of any rainwater filtering systems employed by the institution to treat water prior to release:
Bioswales and convential detention basins are used to filter sediment and pollutants before release into stormwater drain systems.
A brief description of any living or vegetated roofs on campus:
Vegetated roofs are present at three buildings: the West Quad, Patterson Hall and the Moore School of Business. These sites total 31,500 square feet.
A brief description of any porous (i.e. permeable) paving employed by the institution:
Permeable pavements are used at the PHRC parking lot, Gamecock Park, the Honors Dorm, and Cooper Library addition fire lane, as well as small motocycle/moped spaces. Both permeable pavers and reinforced turfgrass pavements have been used.
A brief description of any downspout disconnection employed by the institution:
Downspout disconnection is seen at the West Quad site, where roof run-off is filtered through vegetated swales before entering the piped drainage system.
A brief description of any rain gardens on campus:
A small raingarden at the West Quad site has featured wetland plants such as Horsetail. This site is being re-developed to feature edible plants.
A brief description of any stormwater retention and/or detention ponds employed by the institution:
Conventional open detention basins are used in a limited way on our urban campus (Band/Dance and the PHRC block). Underground storage tanks have been used in several new construction projects.
A brief description of any bioswales on campus (vegetated, compost or stone):
Bioswales are found at the West Quad, the Cooper Library Addition, and Gibbes Green. Both vegetated and cobblestone swales are used.
A brief description of any other rainwater management technologies or strategies employed by the institution:
The website URL where information about the institution’s rainwater management initiatives, plan or policy is available:
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.