A LOW COST METHOD TO ENHANCE STORMWATER BASINS AND REDUCE MAINTENANCE COSTS
Applied Research
Mike Haberland
County Agent II (Associate Professor)
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Blackwood
Abstract
\r\n Stormwater detention basins are primarily designed for flood control but can be “retrofitted” by increasing native vegetation, altering flow through structures and minimizing mowing to provide increased infiltration and increased wildlife habitat. Retrofitting, or “naturalizing” basins can provide a benefit to the surrounding ecosystem by providing sufficient time and area for stormwater to infiltrate on site, while incorporating native vegetation for pocket suburban habitats. Naturalizing a basin can also provide valuable environmental education opportunities. This project was designed to implement and report on the efficiency of a cost effective stormwater basin retrofit option using native switchgrass. The current basin retrofit and renovations took advantage of the existing basin soil conditions and topography to improve the basins effectiveness in reducing peak rates of runoff and treating stormwater for nutrients, bacteria and total suspended solids, while increasing infiltration. The use of native switchgrass resulted in a decrease in maintenance costs, as mowing now occurs only once per year.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: M. Haberland, C. McGee, C. Williams
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Haberland, M. Environmental and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers University Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08021
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McGee, C. Project Director, Camden County Soil Conservation District, New Jersey, 08091
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Williams, C. Watershed Management Specialist, Camden County Soil Conservation District, New Jersey, 08091