| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.29 |
| Liaison | Olivia Shehan |
| Submission Date | Aug. 18, 2011 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Wellesley College
OP-23: Stormwater Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Patrick
Willoughby Sustainability Director Facilities |
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:
The campus has a large storm water interceptor and multiple sedimentation bays, including the Cattail Marsh, for high storm events. Most storm water is treated before it enters Lake Waban. Where feasible we also put this into vegetated swales and retention basins. These are preferred by the college since they not only trap sediments and oils but also limit the amount of phosphorus entering adjacent waterways. Where vegetated swales are not feasible the college utilizes “vortechnic” type mechanisms. We incorporate bell hoods in catch basins and sensitive areas to capture oils and fuels. Where feasible we reduce impervious surfaces which would include reducing paved areas, incorporation of green roofs, and efficient management of stormwater run-off. We have removed over 5.7 acres of asphault over the past 10 years. Lastly, we implement storm water best practices management (BMPs) for new and renovation projects. Storm water management is extremely important to the college because we are in the Charles River watershed.
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 the green roof at the campus center, green roofs have also been installed at the Davis Parking Facility, Alumnae Hall, the water treatment facility, the number six oil vault/tanks, and above a large transformer vault at the Central Utility Plant.
Does the institution have porous paving?:
A brief description of the institution's porous paving:
Does the institution have retention ponds?:
A brief description of the institution's retention ponds:
Retention ponds in many areas have been designed to become a landscape feature and are referred to at the college as "fore bays". This combined with vegetated swales vastly improve storm water quality before entering the lake.
Does the institution have stone swales?:
A brief description of the institution's stone swales:
Stone swales are primarily used where water velocity may cause severe erosion problems. Many times, plants are incorporated even into the stone swales since vegetated swales are preferred at the college where feasible.
Does the institution have vegetated swales?:
A brief description of the institution's vegetated swales:
Given the naturalistic nature of the large portion of our campus, vegetated swales have been incorporated into the asthetic design process, utilizing primarily native, wetland, and border species.
Does the institution employ any other technologies or strategies for stormwater management?:
A brief description of other technologies or strategies for stormwater management employed:
Where vegetated swales are not feasible the college utilizes “vortechnic” type mechanisms that separates oil and sediments. We also incorporate deep sump catch basins with bell hoods in or near sensitive areas to capture sediments, oils and fuels.
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.