Incorporating LID Management Practices and Ecological Restoration on Redevelopment Properties Presented to LID Conference Philadelphia, Sept 2011

Presented by Dani Wise Johnson Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Considerations for Stormwater Management on Redevelopment Properties

 Site-specific issues and treatment options • Design not “one size fits all” • Extensive site investigations required to properly address site characteristics (drainage patterns, soils, contaminants, ground water, etc)

 Challenges related to stormwater treatment • Limited opportunities (soils) • Land cost high • Physical lack of space • Existing soil/groundwater contamination LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Considerations for Ecological Restoration on Redevelopment Properties

 Site-specific issues and restoration options • Design not “one size fits all” • Extensive site investigations required to properly address site characteristics (drainage patterns, soils, contaminants, ground water, etc)  Challenges related to restoring , wetlands, and other habitats • Land cost high • Physical lack of space • Existing soil/groundwater contamination • Funding for such projects LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Approach: Integrated Stormwater Management Practices – Master Planning

 Look for opportunities to implement run-off capture/treatment and re-use in planning stages

 Utilize a Tiered Approach if necessary/possible • Utilizing more than one practice for additional treatment, particularly when infiltration into groundwater limited  Landscaping as • Carried over into the restoration/creation of ecologically sensitive areas: corridors, wetlands, riparian buffers, etc ….”Green Fingers”  Requires Planners, Engineers, and Environmental Scientists to work TOGETHER LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Supports Ecological Restoration Efforts

Considers Site Meets Regulatory Low Impact Constraints – Requirements – Development Utilities, Roads, and Future Stormwater Management Practices Buildings

Improves Site Aesthetics – Consider End User and Marketability LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

University of Delaware: Science and Technology Campus (STC)

• Previously a Chrysler Plant (~1950- 2008) • Over 80% Impervious • Adjacent University properties include College of Agriculture & Natural Resources • Christina Watershed, Newark, DE • Piped across property • Brownfields site • 50 Year Master Plan LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

STC Stormwater Considerations

 Existing Condition: Site predominately impervious

 Little known about existing infrastructure (underground utilities)

 Very low “time of concentration” during storm events

 Need to address existing and upcoming stormwater regulations as site Master Plan is developed

 Stream daylighting options need to incorporate stormwater practices

 Results of Brownfields investigation will influence location and design of practices LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Silver Brook today….. LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Status of Evaluation of the Daylighting of Silver Brook

 Analyzed historical conditions and available data • Appreciation for previous condition of Silver Brook and its significance in the landscape

 Conducted site visit to assess current conditions of stream on the STC; also visited the upstream and downstream portions of the drainage

 Met with Agency/Stakeholders to discuss their knowledge of the watershed, relevant data they have available, and potential for funding sources for restoration

 Evaluate the pro & cons of daylighting or not daylighting the

 Coordinate efforts with the Brownfields investigation to aid in conceptual plans for stream and placement LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Considerations for Daylighting Silver Brook

 Provide green-space within the STC

 Create visual barrier between E & W

 Create aquatic and terrestrial habitat

 Create floodplain – providing various storm water treatment options

 Create area for recreation and greenway

 Improve water quality

 Provide location for various research opportunities for UD Faculty and students ------

 Cost of restoration, particularly with risk of contaminated soil treatment/removal

 Cost related to stream crossings (auto and pedestrian)

 100yr floodplain - regulated LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Considerations of not daylighting Silver Brook

•Stream would remain in on property •No constraints related to 100 yr floodplain boundary •Property more accessible ------

•No greenspace on- site/connection to off-site parks

•Disappointment of local citizens

•Require all storm water treatment occur in other areas on property

•Potential issues with integrity of existing culvert LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Expanding on Ecological Aspects

 Re-opening the piped channel restores a once free-flowing stream and vastly improves the ecological condition of the stream itself as well as the adjacent landscape

 Provides a “sink” for , nutrients and other pollutants entering the drainage upstream of the STC.

 In support of UD Climate Action Plan and Sustainability goals

 Connects the green-space to the north (Prichard Park) and to the Christina River riparian area (Rittenhouse Park) to the south

 Improves the water quality of Silver Brook prior to its with the Christina River ( fishery) - 303d listed river with TMDLs in place LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

University of Delaware School of Agriculture

Science and Technology Campus

University of Delaware Athletics Dickey Park LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

White Chapel Park West Park Place Lewis Park Elementary

Phillips Park

University of Delaware School of Agriculture

Science and Devon Park Technology Campus

University of Delaware Athletics

Christina Creek

Robscott Manor

Rittenhouse Park Dickey Park LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

White Chapel Park West Park Place Lewis Park Elementary

Phillips Park

University of Delaware School of Agriculture

Science and Devon Park Technology Campus

University of Delaware Athletics 100’ Floodplain Christina Creek

Robscott Manor

Rittenhouse Park LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Master Plan – Stormwater Management/Ecological Restoration

 Integration of innovative stormwater practices throughout the STC can offer multiple benefits • Incorporate BMPs into landscaping rather than set aside valuable real estate for large scale (regional) approaches • Naturally lends itself to creating these green corridors or “fingers” • If soil contamination is an issue in a particular area, stormwater facilities can be installed to prevent mixing with groundwater • Opportunity for incorporation of newly designed practices and monitoring for research and learning opportunities • Needs to allow for PHASED DEVELOPMENT but with whole site plan in mind

Sustainability Approach UD Path to Prominence LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

PRECEDENTS: STORMWATER STREETSCAPES LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

DNREC Stormwater Management Regulations

City of Newark is the Delegated Agency for most UD projects DNREC is Delegated Agency for S&TC because it is in the Brownfield Program

Current Regulations:

 Quantity: post-development peak cannot exceed pre-development peak for 2, 10 and 100 year frequency storm events

 Quality: 80% TSS removal as modeled by the Delaware Management Model (DURMM)

 Impact on Redevelopment: no quantity management required if reducing impervious, quality management required for all runoff LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Proposed Regulations (Draft, implemented 2011?)

Quantity: Volume control for Resource Protection (1 yr), Conveyance (10 yr) and Flooding (100 yr) Events (promoting recharge and infiltration of 1 year storm)

Quality: 80% TSS removal and Nitrogen and Phosphorus reductions consistent with receiving watershed’s TMDL requirements (using updated DURMM model)

Impact on Redevelopment:

As currently drafted: .

5.6.3.2 Redeveloped areas shall employ runoff reduction practices to achieve a 20% reduction in the effective imperviousness based on the pre-developed condition. LID and Ecological Restoration in Redevelopment

Funding Considerations

 Grant funding opportunities include local, state, and federal • Existing TMDL for Christina River – this can open up avenues for funding through EPA 319 program • City of Newark securing their NPDES permit (Phase II) and as a result will be required to create and implement a stormwater management plan; Potential for a “utility” (fee) in the future. • Possible funding through cooperation with Research at UD and Water Resources Agency • Willingness to utilize more progressive storm water BMPs and emphasize sustainability will aid in securing public funding • Brownfields Remediation funding