Abstract
Increasing competitiveness, educational opportunities and available funding, investment in sustainable infrastructure can be an immense value-add to the modern-day college campus. This paper explores the use of green low impact development to mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff on the University of Richmond (UR) campus. Rich in sediment, nutrients, heavy metals, bacteria and other organic matter, stormwater runoff is one of the main non-point sources of pollution in urban water bodies and a key area of opportunity for UR to improve stewardship to the nearby James River. A review of academic and industry literature was conducted to determine whether or not a comprehensive watershed management plan which employs the use of green stormwater infrastructure would be a value add to the University of Richmond campus. Results indicate that by effectively reducing stormwater volume and pollution loads, LID has the potential to reduce UR’s environmental footprint and operating costs, while increasing educational opportunities. Results also support the installation of a vegetative buffer around the Westhampton Lake, rainwater harvesting facilities, permeable pavement, and bioretention basins on UR’s campus. The findings of this study have implications on the valuation of sustainable infrastructure in higher education and conceptualization of water management issues in the modern-day urban watershed.
Paper prepared for the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar/Geography Capstone.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Todd Lookingbill
Document Type
Unpublished Paper
Publication Date
4-30-2020
Recommended Citation
Cambridge, Nia. "Stormwater Management for a Healthier Campus Watershed: The Value-Add of Green Stormwater and Watershed Management to the University of Richmond’s Campus Landscape." Paper for Environmental Studies Senior Seminar/Geography Capstone, University of Richmond, April 2020.