lake wingra watershed: implementing the vision · 2013-08-02 · lake wingra watershed:...

Lake Wingra Watershed: Implementing the Vision

2

Table Of Contents

3

Green Infrastructure 1

Goals: 2

Sub Goal 1- Urban Forest Canopy 4

Sub Goal 2- Install Rain Gardens 8

Sub Goal 3- Increase Tall Grass Plantings 12

Sub Goal 4 - Increase Pervious Surfaces 16

Answer: Design with Nature 20

Comparing and Combining Strategies 21

Opportunities for Green Infrastructure 22

Introduction 23

Project Details 24

Comprehensive Implementation 28

Surfaces 30

Road 30

Sidewalks On Monroe 36

Parking Lot 41

Buildings 46

How Can Rain Benefit? 47

Green Buiding 49

Reduction of Pollution Runoff 52

Community Stewardship and Involvement: 57


4

Adopting Green Infrastructure Strategies For The Lake Wingra Watershed

Green Infrastructure - Introduction

1

Green Infrastructure is coming to Madison. Our trajectory toward environmental planning leaves little doubt that Madisonians desire the environmental, social, and economic robustness that has accompanied a reduced ecological footprint enjoyed in many contemporary cities. While Madison is not Copenhagen, Zurich, or Portland, our citizens seek the same benefits of livability, public health, and social cohesion that are inseparable from the ecological thinking employed by progressive cities across the globe. Efforts to clean our lakes have recently been spurred by groups such as the Dane County Clean the Lakes Initiative (pledging $27 million to clean and protect the Yahara Watershed); and the Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership, a collaboration of sub-watershed citizen groups including the Friends’ of Lake Wingra.

While a trans-disciplinary effort among stakeholders seems to be emerging, policy changes addressing environmentally minded infrastructure have yet to be realized.

Madison’s existing storm-water infrastructure is a direct cause of most challenges facing Lake Wingra. Sediment loads, excess nutrient runoff, toxic pollutants, and an absence of groundwater re-charge have each made themselves evident over time. Such unnatural flows will necessarily require increasing investments. Rather than trying to maintain the quality of the Watershed without changing the causes of its decline over time, we must adopt better thinking. Green infrastructure

is a framework of design solutions that will meet our needs of storm-water “management” while enhancing the livability of the fourteen neighborhoods making up the Watershed.

The City’s traditional engineering approaches must flex to incorporate alternative, environmentally sound, and cost / time-efficient methods of creating transportation networks, buildings, and landscapes that are “dramatically more ecological in design and functioning and that have ecological limits at their core” (Beatley, 2000). Rather than solving immediate needs (such as reduced flooding) through shortsighted modification of the environment, we must strive to answer the needs that will arise in the urban ecosystem over time. We must not continue to invest in ‘status quo’ infrastructure at the expense of the ecological health and human enjoyment of our land and water. We must think globally, considering habitat loss and biodiversity, urban sprawl, freshwater resources, and climate change; and act locally.

Factors that have been plaguing our lakes for over a century now find themselves unacceptable in light of our increased awareness of benefits forfeited by poor urban design. A rain garden constructed at Sequoya Commons

a newly constructed mixed-use development in Madison. The rain garden is very effective, though the parking lot is sloped incorrectly, and some water is lost to neighboring roads. http://saveourstream.blogspot.com/


2

Attributes of green infrastructure include the following from Metro Portland’s “Green Streets” handbook.

● Infrastructure is a component of a larger watershed approach to improving regional water quality through the restoration and conservation of natural processes

● Impermeable surfaces are reduced and incorporate storm-water infiltration

● The amount of precipitation piped directly to lakes is minimized as storm-sewers are phased-out over time

● Green Infrastructure is made visible, and enhances the aesthetics as well as biodiversity and public health functions of the urban landscape

● Tree canopy is maximized to provide storm-water interception, improve air and water quality, and reduced the urban heat island effect.

We’ve considered the relationships between city infrastructures, land uses, biotic communities, and Lake Wingra with the goal of demonstrating design that replicates natural processes.

1. Increase Urban Tree Canopy CoverDense tree cover provides numerous ecosystem functions such as intercepting storm-water, filtering pollutants, increasing air quality, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Trees provide habitat for urban wildlife and developing children.

2. Establish a Vast Network Rain Gardens Among Street TerracesWhile a minimal number of rain gardens have been established in neighborhoods surrounding the Lake, we recommend a vast network of rain gardens along all street terraces. Such plantings will achieve each of the aforementioned priorities while unifying private property in a pleasing commitment to the local environment.

3. Transform Underutilized Lawns with Tall Grass EcosystemsPlanting Tall Grass Prairie is a well-accepted solution to slowing storm-water while providing habitat and filtering air and water. Tall grass systems sequester significant amounts of carbon, and are often considered as emissions offsets in emerging carbon-trading policy.

4. Increase Pervious SurfacesExtensive paved surfaces are presently inhibiting the natural hydrologic cycle. In many cases, buildings, roads, and parking lots can be feasibly modified to reverse the historic “drain-age” while enhancing the landscape.

To assess the hydrological outcomes of green infrastructure within the Lake Wingra Watershed, the computer modeling program i-tree hydro was used. i-Tree software was developed by researchers from the U.S. Forest Service, State University of New York (SUNY), Davey Institute, and Syracuse University to model storm-water infiltration brought about through increased forest canopy and pervious surfaces in urban watersheds.

Goals:

Title:Looking out from the large storm-sewer drain to the recently re-constructed Ho Nee Um Pond. The pond collects sediments, and must be reconstructed periodically to function.

Green Infrastructure - Goals & Coast

3

COSTCost alone may justify the implementation of green infrastructure practices. There are also further difficult to quantify financial benefits. These benefits include faster property turnover in green infrastructure areas, pollutant remediation by natural processes, fresh water recharge, reduced flooding, and higher property values. This document’s sub-goals of improving urban forest canopy, increasing tall-grass plantings, installing rain gardens, and increasing pervious surfaces are measures that can be taken to provide financial and nonmonetary benefits to the Madison, Wisconsin community.

There is a give and take on savings and increased costs. Savings generally occur through reduced gray infrastructure materials and installation. Increased costs are often associated with types of green infrastructure materials used and additional green infrastructure materials. Although the large body of available case studies points to positive monetary gains, it is important to realize that projects do lose money. The difference between losing and gaining savings may be up to design creativity.

The EPA document titled: “Reducing Storm Water Costs Through Low Impact Development Strategies and Practices,” was invaluable to this section. The document is succinct and inclusive; it demonstrates the economic and societal benefits of Green Infrastructure practices well beyond this report and should be referenced for a more thorough understanding of this topic.

Project Location Conventional ($) LID/BMP Cost ($) Cost Difference($)/%2nd Ave, WA 868,803 651,548 217,255/25%

Auburn Hills, WI 2,360,385 1,598,989 761,396/32%

Bellinham City Hall, WA 27,600 5,600 22,000/80%

Bellingham Bloedel Donovan Park,WA 52,800 12,800 40,000/76%

Gap Creek, AR 4,620,600 3,942,100 678,500/15%

Garden Valley, WA 324,400 260,700 63,700/20%

Holiday, CO (Model) 118,131 112,214 5,917/5%

Kensignton Estates, WA 765,700 1,502,900 (737,200/96%)

Laurel Springs, WI 1,654,021 1,149,552 504,469/30%

Meadow ont the Hylebos, WA X X 9%

Mill Creek, IL 12,150 9,099 3,411/27%

Prairie Glen,WI 1,004,848 599,536 405,312/40%

Somerset, MD 2,456,843 1,671,461 785,382/32%

Tellabs Corporate,IL 3,162,160 2,700,650 461,510/15%

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: Summery of case study project cost comparisons between conventional and green infrasctructure. All projects utilized a variety of these methods.(EPA, Econorthwest, Alexander et. al. and Eorinc)

Savings from LID designs often come from the reduction of material costs.


4

Urban Forest CanopyTrees are an important part of a functioning watershed as they improve water quality by intercepting storm water and protecting the groundwater supply. Additionally, trees help with air quality, provide shade to reduce heating and cooling costs, improve city aesthetics, and provide some habitat.

Current Practices:The City of Madison’s Forestry Department is a subsection of the Parks Department. Forestry maintains over 100,000 street trees on 700 miles of streets, as well as thousands more in the system of parks.

Tree PreservationIn 2010 Madison adopted a tree preservation ordinance that protects public trees from construction activities and fines contractors for damages.

2011 Sustainability PlanThe Madison Sustainability Plan lists restoring and maintaining natural habitat as a goal. The Plan recommends actions including:

● Create a comprehensive tree program, with tree maintenance, tree preservation ordinance, and species variation.

● Promote tree planting by residents to complement municipal planting through a well-planned and systematic program,

including education. ● Redesign streetscapes and other built areas

to incorporate non-traditional green space to create more open space.

● Minimize loss of tree cover and green space in public rights of way.

● Promote and replace tree canopy trees whenever possible and encourage landowner collaboration on strengthening tree canopy where appropriate.

Urban Canopy Precedents:Many U.S. cities have found innovative ways to both preserve the existing canopy cover and increase it for the future. Here are some examples:

Champaign, Illinois:Urbana developed a Share-the-cost tree planting program which provides incentives to

plant more trees in the city rights-of-way. (See City of Champaign Tree Plan)

Woodinville, Washington:Woodinville has several tree preservation programs including a Heritage Tree Program, a Tree Tribute Program, and a rebate program for construction permits that work to preserve existing trees. (See City of Woodinville Tree Preservation Plan)

Sub Goal 1:

Native trees should be densely planted among public lawns and barren roadsides. Trees intercept large volumes of storm-water while cleaning our air and groundwater, and reducing the urban heat island effect (reducing energy costs; not to mention carbon storage and providing habitat. Note the reduced road width and tall grasses.



Green Infrastructure - Sub Goal 1

5

Canopy Cover Density Of The Lake Wingra Watershed

Map of the existing canopy cover in the Lake Wingra Watershed as of 2011. Data acquired using 2005 Lidar Data. Map created by: Evan Slocum, December 8, 2011


6

Implementation Strategies ● Apply for DNR Urban Forestry Grant ● Public Outreach/Strategic Tree Inventory

and Management Plan ● Fundraiser to match Urban Forestry Grant ● This is an obtainable objective that can

be accomplished in the near future. The visible results automatically increases public awareness and creates a notion that the Friends of Lake Wingra are seeking to make positive changes

● Hang “No Root Cut” signs on Trees that surround Construction Projects

● Enforce fines for errant contractors ● Essential to not only increase urban canopy,

but also protect what is already in place

CostsA research on benefits and costs by planting trees in Midwest community provides average net costs per tree for a 40 years period as well as average annual net benefits (benefits minus costs) as follows (in case of public site such as streetside or park) (McPherson et al, 2006);

● Annual costs$26 - $36 per tree (Small tree : $26, Medium tree: $33, Large tree: $36)

● Annual benefits $30 - $94 per tree (Small tree: $30, Medium tree: $49, Large tree: $94)

● Annual net benefits (benefits minus costs)$4 - $58 per tree (Small tree: $4, Medium tree: $16, Large tree: $58)

The annual benefits include benefits from stormwater runoff reduction as well as other environmental benefits such as energy savings and reduced air-pollutant uptake. On the other hand, the costs include planting and maintenance costs.

http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/UF/

12

Oak wilt and general forestry informational kiosk developed through a DNR Urban Forestry Grant.

Village Forester Matt Riberich at 2007 Arbor Day celebration demonstrating proper tree planting.

LEAF's Forest Education Specialist and village tree board member Sarah Gilbert leading a session at 2007 Arbor Day celebration.

On February 28, 2006, the public works and parks committee established a Tree City USA board. The goal was to meet or exceed all standards by the end of 2006. The fi rst daunting task facing the commit-tee was to review and update ordinances. By October the committee succeeded with the updates and gained approval of the village board. Another major step was celebrating Arbor Day on April 28, 2006. The village invited the students and chaperones from a local el-ementary school to plant trees in Lower Whiting Park. There were speeches, games and tree educational opportunities for all involved. This was a huge success for the community and we could not wait to have the kids back for the following year. By the end of the fi rst year the village had accomplished all the standards and achieved Tree City USA status.

DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator Don Kissinger was paramount in helping the village receive an urban for-estry grant in 2007. The grant addressed oak wilt edu-cation and its control in our well fi eld. The village was very concerned about the spread of oak wilt, since it had already killed approximately eight acres of oaks,

as well as how tree loss would impact local water quality. The infected areas were logged off and cleared from the area. Still concerned about the root grafts, we performed a double line trench to separate the roots of healthy trees from the stumps of the infected trees. With oak wilt under con-trol at the park, we began to focus on educating the public about oak wilt.

Educational outreach began at the trailheads in the well fi eld with the construction of two informational kiosks with high-quality signage. A brochure was produced that discussed oak wilt and the tree walk lo-cated in the well fi eld. Trees of many different species were planted along the trail with signs describing the benefi ts of these trees. Overall, trail use and oak wilt awareness have both increased greatly. Most impor-tantly oak wilt has been controlled and about 30 acres of mature oaks adjacent to the infection center have been saved. The work completed in the well fi eld was a great success and a huge step forward for our urban forestry program.

Future goals for the village include continuing to educate the public—via fl iers, public events and the quarterly village newsletter—on the value of trees and how to care for them. We are also trying to start an

inventory of trees in our parks and streets to reveal the value and benefi ts of our trees. Once the inventory is complete we will be able to create a master work plan for the urban forest. The village is even looking into starting our own nursery for street tree planting and tree replacement in our parks. With the creation of the Tree City USA committee the village will always be committed to improving our urban forest.

We give special thanks to the DNR urban forestry program, their great staff and the grants that they offer. Without their help the village would not be where it is today with its urban forestry program. With our central location and great park system, we welcome everyone to come and take time to enjoy the village and everything we have to offer, especially the shade under our great trees. |

Village of Whiting, continued from page 2

Phot

o: V

illag

e of

Whi

ting

Phot

o: V

illag

e of

Whi

ting

Phot

o: V

illag

e of

Whi

ting

Tree Planting in DrummondPlanting a tree in Drummond to commemorate new town buildings and a mini-arboretum by using DNR Urban Forestry Grant.Source: Wisconsin DNR b (n.d.)

Information Board On ForestryGeneral forestry and Oak wilt informational kiosk developed in Village of Whiting through a DNR Urban Forestry Grant.Source: Wisconsin DNR (2008)


7

Forest Canopy Scenario Model OutcomesUrban forest canopy currently occupies 30% of the land cover of the Lake Wingra Watershed. This baseline data was calculated using a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data acquired by the city of Madison in 2005.

Working from the current condition of 30% canopy cover, each successive management scenario involved a 5% increase in overall canopy cover. Herbaceous, impervious, and soil cover classes were all decreased to account for greater canopy cover.

The graph at the right shows significant decreases in all runoff categories. Of note is a decrease in base flow. While trees generally assist in storm water infiltration through the channels created by their roots, the i-tree hydro model calculates less base flow in the presence of greater canopy. This is likely a result of precipitation being intercepted by leaves, stems, and bark of trees before interacting with the ground surface.

Difference in Runoff Amounts

Forest Canopy Scenario Model Outcomes

Urban forest canopy currently occupies 30% of the land cover of the Lake Wingra Watershed. This baseline data was calculated using a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data acquired by the city of Madison in 2005. Working from the current condition of 30% canopy cover, each successive management scenario involved a 5% increase in overall canopy cover. Herbaceous, impervious, and soil cover classes were all decreased to account for greater canopy cover. The graph at the right shows significant decreases in all runoff categories. Of note is a decrease in base flow. While trees generally assist in storm water infiltration through the channels created by their roots, the i-tree hydro model calculates less base flow in the presence of greater canopy. This is likely a result of precipitation being intercepted by leaves, stems, and bark of trees before interacting with the ground surface.

Current Management 1 Management 2 Management 3 Surface Cover Tree Cover 30 35 40 45 Shrub Cover 3 2 2 2 Herbaceous Cover 15 13 12 10 Water Cover 8 8 8 8 Impervious Cover 36 34 32 30 Soil Cover 8 8 6 5 Total Cover 100 100 100 100

Beneath Tree Cover Shrub 5 5 5 5 Herbaceous 15 15 15 15 Soil 40 40 40 40 Impervious 40 40 40 40 Total 100 100 100 100

Storm water reduction according to runoff type and management scenario.

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

160000

Total Runoff(m³/hr)

Base Flow(m³/hr)

Overland Flow(m³/hr)

ImperviousFlow (m³/hr)

Cubi

c M

eter

s

Management 1

Management 2

Management 3

I-tree Hydro model input parameters.


8

Install Rain GardensThe strategic instillation of Rain Gardens can help absorb runoff from roofs, roads, and other impervious surfaces, as well as filter pollutants such as oil, road salt, sediment, etc. They can be placed in lawns under drain spouts, roadside terraces, or other areas of high runoff to help alleviate pressure on the storm water system.

Current Practices:Rain gardens are listed as a Distributed BMP by the Stormwater Utility. The 2011 Madison Sustainability Plan also states that improving surface water quality is a goal of the city, and includes the use of rain gardens as a natural water purification method.

The city has a stated goal of achieving 1,000 private and public rain gardens, and reports a city-wide total of 456, with the vast majority of rain gardens currently being built by private individuals.

82 rain gardens have been installed in city terraces, and City Engineering is currently offering rain gardens installation in conjunction with some street reconstructions and resurfacing projects. Streets need to have terraces that meet the following criteria to be considered eligible:

● Terraces must be at least 10 feet wide; ● There must be at least 15 feet in length

available for a rain garden; ● Trees must be at least 10 feet from the edge

of a rain garden; ● Terraces cannot be too steep (in any

direction); ● There cannot be issues with high

groundwater. The Lake Wingra Watershed has a large percentage of the total rain gardens in the city, demonstrating the area’s interest and capacity.

Rain Garden Precedents:Citizens can be encouraged to add rain gardens in a variety of ways. The following are examples from around the U.S.:

Montgomery County, Maryland:Montgomery County developed RainScapes, a reward program that provides monetary rebates

for instillation of rain gardens and other green infrastructure. The rewards can be upwards of $1,200 per single unit property. (See Montgomery County Rainscapes Program)

Seattle, Washington:Similarly, Seattle has developed a Rainwise program to help with storm water management education as well as provide rebates for rain garden instillation. (See Seattle Public Utilities Green Stormwater Infrastructure)

Sub Goal 2:

Private and public properties should incorporate natural plantings and a reduction of impervious surfaces to the greatest extent possible; such transitions will reduce storm-water runoff while filtering pollutants and supporting biodiversity.




9

Existing Rain Gardens in the Lake Wingra Watershed

Map of the existing and planned rain gardens in the Lake Wingra Watershed as of 2011. Original source data from City of Madison. Map created by: Julia Ela and Evan Slocum, December 8, 2011


10

Implementation Strategies ● City Incentives Already In Place ● Public Outreach ● Work with city to promote more and make

residents aware ● Flyers in lawn care section of area stores

(hardware, grocery, Lowes, Home Depot, etc)

● Native Plants in Rain Gardens in order to receive incentive is working with Sub Goal 3 as a means of efficiently implementing both.

CostsThe costs vary depending on condition such as who builds the garden (landowners or landscape professionals), how the plants are acquired and size and features of the site (e.g. soil types). However, according to some guidelines, the cost with native plants ranges from $3 to $12 as follows (Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities n.d.; Wisconsin DNR n.d.).

● Without professional service: Approximately $3- $5 per square feet of rain garden

● With professional service:Approximately $10- $12 per square foot of rain garden

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES>>>>(SAMPLE TEXT:We propose eliminating the street-‐side storm-‐sewer system that currently pipes unfiltered sediment and pollutants to the lake (and retention ponds) by implementing a large network of rain gardens among roadside terraces throughout the watershed and replacing paved surfaces with permeable pavement. Such an initiative could be feasibly carried out over time as streets undergo reconstructionWe propose eliminating the street-‐side storm-‐sewer system that currently pipes unfiltered sediment and pollutants to the lake (and retention ponds) by implementing a large network of rain gardens among roadside terraces throughout the watershed and replacing paved surfaces with permeable pavement. Such an initiative could be feasibly carried out over time as streets undergo reconstruction

We propose eliminating the street-‐side storm-‐sewer system that currently pipes unfiltered sediment and pollutants to the lake (and retention ponds) by implementing a large network of rain gardens among roadside terraces throughout the watershed and replacing paved surfaces with permeable pavement. Such an initiative could be feasibly carried out over time as streets undergo reconstruction.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES>>>>(SAMPLE TEXT:We propose eliminating the street-‐side storm-‐sewer system that currently pipes unfiltered sediment and pollutants to the lake (and retention ponds) by implementing a large network of rain gardens among roadside terraces throughout the watershed and replacing paved surfaces with permeable pavement. Such an initiative could be feasibly carried out over time as streets undergo reconstructionWe propose eliminating the street-‐side storm-‐sewer system that currently pipes unfiltered sediment and pollutants to the lake (and retention ponds) by implementing a large network of rain gardens among roadside terraces throughout the watershed and replacing paved surfaces with permeable pavement. Such an initiative could be feasibly carried out over time as streets undergo reconstruction

We propose eliminating the street-‐side storm-‐sewer system that currently pipes unfiltered sediment and pollutants to the lake (and retention ponds) by implementing a large network of rain gardens among roadside terraces throughout the watershed and replacing paved surfaces with permeable pavement. Such an initiative could be feasibly carried out over time as streets undergo reconstruction.

We propose eliminating the street-side storm-sewer system that currently pipes unfiltered sediment and pollutants to the lake (and retention ponds) by implementing a large network of rain gardens among roadside terraces throughout the watershed and replacing paved surfaces with permeable pavement. Such an initiative could be feasibly carried out over time as streets undergo reconstruction.


11

Rain Garden Scenario Model OutcomesWhile rain gardens (or bioswales) can be an effective means of intercepting storm water, their impact is not directly calculated using the I-tree hydro model. Instead, a simple equation of the amount of impervious surface area served by a rain garden was set at 1000 square feet (roughly the size of an average residence’s footprint), and a standard rate of rainfall interception by the rain garden was set at 90%.

The three scenarios represent the construction of 100, 200, and 300 additional rain gardens within the Lake Wingra watershed. Their benefits are immediate and significant with 300 rain gardens intercepting 15,643 cubic meters (over 4 million gallons) of storm water per year.

Rain Garden Scenario Model Outcomes

While rain gardens (or bioswales) can be an effective means of intercepting storm water, their impact is not directly calculated using the I-tree hydro model. Instead, a simple equation of the amount of impervious surface area served by a rain garden was set at 1000 square feet (roughly the size of an average residence’s footprint), and a standard rate of rainfall interception by the rain garden was set at 90%. The three scenarios represent the construction of 100, 200, and 300 additional rain gardens within the Lake Wingra watershed. Their benefits are immediate and significant with 300 rain gardens intercepting 15,643 cubic meters (over 4 million gallons) of storm water per year.

Storm water Reduction in Cubic Meters

Management #1 Management #2 Management #3

100 rain gardens 200 rain gardens 300 rain gardens

5214.51 10429.02 15643.53

*assuming a rain gardens intercepts 90% of runoff from a 1000 sqft (93 square meter) surface. *assuming annual rainfall of 623 mm (24.5 inches)

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

Cubi

c M

eter

s of S

torm

wat

er

management #1

management #2

management #3

Storm water reduction according to management scenario.

Setting a rain gardenBefore and after detting a rain garden at Spaight Street, MadisonSource: City of Madison


12

Increase Tall Grass PlantingsTall grass and native wildflowers can be added to existing areas and can help improve the absorption and filtration of storm water. These plantings can be added existing lawns in residential areas, city parks, golf courses, and school areas. If properly maintained, these areas can provide both aesthetic value and increased filtration and slowing of stormwater.

Current Practices:Currently, tall grass is considered a nuisance by the City of Madison, and homeowners can be fined $172 for having grass that is over 8 inches tall.

“Natural lawns”A homeowner must fill out a permit and apply for a natural lawn, where they may grow grass over 8”. All neighbors within 200 feet of the property have the ability to object and block the application.

The 2011 Madison Sustainability Plan does not address tall grass plantings or prairie restoration as a means to reduce erosion and runoff, improve water quality, or restore habitat. This would be a valuable addition to the City’s best management practices.

Tall Grass Precedents:The city and landowners can increase the amount of tall grass in Madison in several

ways. The following are examples from around the U.S.:

Santa Monica, California:The Sustainable Landscape Program awards grants to green infrastructure programs that use appropriate plants in their plantings. This could be applied to the use of tallgrass plantings in landscaping projects. (See City of Santa Monica Sustainable Landscape)

“Green” Golf Courses:More and more golf courses around the country are adhering to the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. The program promotes sustainable management of golf courses to aid in water conservation, water quality, habitat, and chemical use reduction. This could be implemented on the four major golf courses in the watershed with good results.

(See Audubon Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses)Sub Goal 3:

Golf courses and large mowed areas around commercial buildings make up a high percentage of the watershed's current land use. Such areas should consider incorporating tall grass prairie. Tall grasses take up and filter large amounts of storm-water, provide essential wildlife habitat, and eliminate the need for mowing and chemical applications.

Golf courses and large mowed areas around commercial buildings make up a high percentage of the watershed's current land use. Such areas should consider incorporating tall grass prairie. Tall grasses take up and filter large amounts of storm-water, provide essential wildlife habitat, and eliminate the need for mowing and chemical applications.

Golf courses and large mowed areas around commercial buildings make up a high percentage of the watershed’s current land use. Such areas should consider incorporating tall grass prairie. Tall grasses take up and filter large amounts of storm-water, provide essential wildlife habitat, and eliminate the need for mowing and chemical applications.


13

Targeted Lawn Areas of the Lake Wingra Watershed

Areas of large, existing lawn areas separated by type in the Lake Wingra Watershed. Lawn areas determined using aerial imagery. Map created by Julia Ela, December 8, 2011.


14

Implementation Strategies ● Rebates for approved projects ● Grants/Rebates for 50% of Project ● Working with Sub Goal 2, Native Plants in

Rain Gardens in order to receive incentive ● Hold competition for “Best Yard” using native

plantings ● Prairie restoration ● Encourage city for prairie restoration in large

public lands such as golf courses and parks

CostsThe following costs are general examples of prairie installation and maintenance costs by landscape firms (Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, 2004).

● Example 1 (from seed and plugs, 5 year average): $2,876 per acre per year

● Example 2 (from seed,10 year average): $1,600 per acre per year

● Example 3 (from seed, 10 year average): $1,617 per acre per year

Each example also shows the costs for turf grass lawn with an irrigation system as follows. While costs vary among different firms depending on their assumption, costs for prairie are lower than those for turf grass lawn.

Costs for Prairie(acre/year)

Costs for Turf Lawn(acre/year)

Savings

Ex1 $2,876 $6,282 $3,406

Ex2 $1,600 $5,550 $3,950

Ex3 $1,617 $6,471 $4,854

Table1. Costs for Prairie & Turf Lawn InstallationSource: Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (2004)

4 Volume 25(3) December 1999 Burgess, Caslavka, and Howell

(Roundup) once in early October; (3) rototilling every few weeks (June-October). Figure 2 is an aerial photo showing the plots in September, 1998. That fall students collected prairie seeds at nearby prairies and in early November hand broadcasted the same seed mixture of 61 prairie species on all nine plots (Henderson, 1995). This is shown in Figure 3. Some of the seeds were purchased from a prairie nursery, which was our biggest expense. (We were able to fund this through a small grant program made possible through the Kemper K. Knapp bequest to the university.) Students also surveyed and characterized the woody vegetation along the edges of the site. They found many invasive species (such as honeysuckle, buckthorn, and black locust) that we need to control if our prairie is to thrive.

Table 1 Instructions for Vegetation Sampling

Objectives: To determine the plant species composition of the site and the species frequency (fraction of quadrats that contain each).

Procedure:

When we arrive at the site, the staff will help you to identify the common species there. We will be sampling using stratified random quadrats. We have placed gridlines on the site to divide it into 20 subdivisions, each labeled with a number. Each team will analyze 6 quadrats, 2 in each of 3 subdivisions (do more if you have time). First, draw 3 chips out of the Subdivision box to determine the 3 subdivisions you will work in. Then, draw 6 sets of 2 random numbers from the Random Numberbox and write them down. Start at the southwest corner of your subdivision: the first random number in each set tells you the number of paces north and the second tells you the number of paces east to go. Place the lower left corner of your quadrat at the indicated spot and record the presence of each species whose stem at ground level lies within the quadrat. If you encounter plants you cannot identify, make a sketch in your notebook and save a sample in a plant press until you can identify it using the guides in the lab.

Data summary:

List the species present in each of your quadrats and the number of quadrats that include each species.

Future classes of Biocore students will monitor the growth of prairie plants and non-native weeds to see which site preparation method gives the best results. Since it would be very difficult for beginners to be able to identify all possible species (especially when they are not in flower), we will select a subset of prairie indicator species to monitor in the vegetation assays. Students will also help to decide on future research as we expand the project each year into the adjacent field. The land available totals about eight acres.

Figure 2. Aerial photograph from September, 1998 showing the preparation procedures. White plots were mulched with newspapers; striped black plot was mulched with plastic; rough-textured plots were repeatedly mowed and then later treated with herbicide; gray plots were repeatedly rototilled.

Figure 3. Students planting the same density of 61 prairie species in the nine treatment plots in November, 1998.

Project Evaluation We need to evaluate the Biocore Prairie restoration project on two levels. First, are we successful in recreating a prairie community? Students will be assessing this by surveying the plants (and eventually the animals) present at the site over the coming years. Second, are we successful in teaching ecology, methods for obtaining and analyzing

Restoration Biocore Prairie in Madison The project to restore an abandoned agricultural field near Picnic Point to tall grass prairie. Students planting at the beginning of the project (upper) and measuring grasses for monitoring (lower). Source: Burgess et al (n.d.) for upper photo; Janet Batzli (n.d.) for lower photo


15

Tall-Grass Scenario Model OutcomesTall grass has greater ability to absorb and store storm water as well as facilitate infiltration as compared to bare soil or turf grass. While the I-tree hydro model offers some alteration of the later two parameters it does not distinguish between tall and short grass. As a surrogate for this, we chose to simply increase herbaceous cover in the watershed. Herbaceous cover was increased by 2, 3, and 5% in scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In doing so, soil cover and ultimately impervious cover were decreased in their relative representation of land cover.

Under the first two management scenarios, impervious surface area was not altered and the model showed little influence resulting from the minor increase in herbaceous cover. However when herbaceous cover increase was accompanied by a decrease in impervious cover, total runoff, base flow, and impervious surface showed positive responses.

Tall-Grass Scenario Model Outcomes

Tall grass has greater ability to absorb and store storm water as well as facilitate infiltration as compared to bare soil or turf grass. While the I-tree hydro model offers some alteration of the later two parameters it does not distinguish between tall and short grass. As a surrogate for this, we chose to simply increase herbaceous cover in the watershed. Herbaceous cover was increased by 2, 3, and 5% in scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In doing so, soil cover and ultimately impervious cover were decreased in their relative representation of land cover. Under the first two management scenarios, impervious surface area was not altered and the model showed little influence resulting from the minor increase in herbaceous cover. However when herbaceous cover increase was accompanied by a decrease in impervious cover, total runoff, base flow, and impervious surface showed positive responses.

Current Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Surface Cover Tree Cover 30 30 30 30 Shrub Cover 3 3 3 3 Herbaceous Cover 15 17 20 25 Water Cover 8 8 8 8 Impervious Cover 36 36 36 34 Soil Cover 8 6 3 0 Total Cover 100 100 100 100


-150000

-100000

-50000

0

50000

100000

150000

200000


Base Flow(m³/hr)


ImperviousFlow (m³/hr)Cu

bic

Met

ers o

f Wat

er

Management #1

Management #2

Management #3




16

Increase Pervious SurfacesPervious surfaces are a critical piece of improving storm water management. Water filtered by pervious surfaces doesn’t have to enter the storm water system, decreasing the occurrence of floods and amount of total runoff. In addition, the natural filtration of water through these surfaces can reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants.

Current Practices:The Madison Stormwater Utility charges the following rates for impervious surfaces:

● The Customer Charge for each six months shall be $5.45 for each lot or parcel of land.

● The Impervious Area Charge for each six months shall be $12.0950 per 1,000 square feet of Impervious Area.

● The Pervious Area Charge for each six months shall be $0.8500 per 1,000 square feet of Pervious Area.

The Madison Water Utility and the 2011 Madison Sustainability Plan also recommend reducing impervious areas, but no further monetary incentives are available. The Madison Zoning Code has maximum allowable impervious surfaces allowed for parcels for many types of zones.

Pervious Surface Precedents:The city and landowners can increase the pervious surfaces in Madison in several ways. The following are examples from around the U.S.:

Centennial, Colorado:Centennial created a Stormwater Fee Equitability Program which imposes a fee onto developed land based on the ratio of impervious area to pervious area on the site. The more pervious surface a landowner incorporates, the lower this rate is for the landowner. (See Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority).

Knox County, Tennessee:Developers can gain credit when impervious areas are disconnected from the main storm water system and routed instead to pervious

areas. Examples of attaining this objective include increasing the pervious materials used on the site, and grading the site to route water to vegetated areas. (See Knox County Stormwater plan)

Sub Goal 4:

Lake Wingra Watershed is home to several acres of under-utilized impervious pavement. Land devoted to the automobile should seek additional public functions, incorporating rain gardens and dense tree canopy cover to achieve multiple environmental goals.




17

Impervious Surface Cover of the Lake Wingra Watershed

Impervious surfaces in the Lake Wingra Watershed. Cover developed using 2007 aerial imagery and 2009 Dane County Land Cover Data. Map created by Evan Slocum, December 8, 2011.


18

Implementation Strategies ● Generate List of Certified Pervious Concrete

Technicians in Dane County ● Recommend these contractors as being

engaged in “best practices” to the city, developers, and private residences

● Engage contractors that are certified pervious concrete technicians. Literature on benefits of pervious surfaces and encourage contractors to influence private clients in using pervious surfaces

● Grant Tax Credits to developers when impervious areas are disconnected from storm water control system

● Continue dialogue with city engineering. Ask for their input and value their opinions. Demonstrate how pervious surfaces can be a benefit to them

● Incentives for developers implementing pervious or greening parking lots

● “Best Practices” for private home owners when installing new driveways

CostsBasically, production costs of porous asphalt is higher than regular asphalt (e.g. $10-$15 more per ton than regular asphalt (AC, Fiber, Rubber, and Polymer additive) (City of Madison, 2009).

However, a case shows reducing the construction cost of pervious surface in a parking lot by using gravel pave system: at a unit cost of $4.75 per square foot (at a unit cost with concrete of $5.75) (Industrial Economic

Copulated, 2007)

As for maintenance cost for porous pavement, research shows approximately $200 per acre per year (Lakesuperiorstreams, 2009).

In addition, as one of ways for pervious parking lots, greening parking lots was used in some cases. The City of Bellingham saved about 75 to 80 percent per project by constructing rain gardens rather than conventional in-ground storage and treatment systems (vaults) in the parking lots. The City of Bellingham estimated $52,800 for Conventional vault (4400 ft3 wet vault: approximate cost of $12.00/ft3) and $12,800 for installing rain gardens that treat same amount of water as the conventional vault (Puget Sound Action Team, n.d.).

TORONTO CITY PLANNING URBAN DESIGN

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ‘GREENING’ SURFACE PARKING LOTS

14

D R A F T

A low hedge and shade trees enhance the public sidewalk andparking lot edge

A decorative wall, fencing and shade trees screen views into theparking lot

A soft landscaped berm lessens the appearance of parked vehiclesfrom the street

4.4.2 Streetscape and Perimeter Landscaping

a. Provide a landscaped area at least 3m inwidth between surface parking and allproperty lines. Consult the applicable ZoningBy-law for additional setback requirements.

b. Edge treatments along streets and otherpublic spaces should visually screen parkedvehicles, but not completely obstruct viewsinto and out of the parking lot for thepurpose of supporting pedestrian safety andsecurity.

c. For parking lot edges adjacent to streets,parks or other public open space, provide thefollowing:

• at least one row of shade trees, spacedevenly at 5m to 6m intervals (or asappropriate to the selected species) for thelength of the parking lot edge

• screening, consisting of continuousplanting, alone or in combination with alow decorative fence/wall or a landscapedberm. Typically, keep shrubs, fences or wallsto a maximum height of 1m

Note: The location, design and character ofthe screening should fit in with andenhance the existing landscape and builtform character of the street or public openspace.

• a coordinated appearance with the existingor planned streetscape treatment (refer tothe Toronto Urban Design StreetscapeManual)

d. Set back screening at least 1m from the edgeof public sidewalks and 0.6m from parkinglot curbs. Screening should not encroach intothe public street right-of-way.

Example of greening parking lot A landscaped median shades and cools parked vehicles and surfaces and provides stormwater benefitSource: Tronto City Planning. 2007


19

Impervious Surface Scenario Model OutcomesCurrently the estimated amount of impervious surfaces, not covered by tree canopy, is 36% of the watershed. The three management scenarios each represent a 5% decrease in the amount of exposed impervious surfaces. As a result, other categories needed to be increased in area. This gap was taken-up evenly by the herbaceous and soil cover classes. More detail about the three modeling scenarios is given in the table on this page.

Referring to the chart to the right, the model outputs become slightly scattered between the 3 scenarios and the four runoff categories with impervious flow, predictably, being the most influenced by change in impervious area. Not to be understated, total runoff did decrease by nearly 46,000 cubic meters (over 12 million gallons) with just a 5% decrease in the amount of impervious surface. Using the U.S. Forest Services value of $0.0017 per gallon of storm water mitigated, this results in annual savings of $20,658.

Impervious Surface Scenario Model Outcomes

Currently the estimated amount of impervious surfaces, not covered by tree canopy, is 36% of the watershed. The three management scenarios each represent a 5% decrease in the amount of exposed impervious surfaces. As a result, other categories needed to be increased in area. This gap was taken-up evenly by the herbaceous and soil cover classes. More detail about the three modeling scenarios is given in the table on this page. Referring to the chart to the right, the model outputs become slightly scattered between the 3 scenarios and the four runoff categories with impervious flow, predictably, being the most influenced by change in impervious area. Not to be understated, total runoff did decrease by nearly 46,000 cubic meters (over 12 million gallons) with just a 5% decrease in the amount of impervious surface. Using the U.S. Forest Services value of $0.0017 per gallon of storm water mitigated, this results in annual savings of $20,658.

Initial Management 1 Management 2 Management 3 Surface Cover (%) Tree Cover 30 30 30 30 Shrub Cover 3 3 3 3 Herbaceous Cover 15 18 21 23 Water Cover 8 8 8 8 Impervious Cover 36 31 25 21 Soil Cover 8 10 13 15 Total Cover 100 100 100 100

Beneath Tree Cover (%) Shrub 5 5 5 5 Herbaceous 15 17 19 21 Soil 40 43 46 49 Impervious 40 35 30 25 Total 100 100 100 100

-1500000

-1000000

-500000

0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000


Base Flow(m³/hr)


Impervious Flow(m³/hr)

Management 1

Management 2

Management 3




20

Answer: Design with Nature“Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land” (Leopold, 1949). Accordingly, our focus started with challenges of sedimentation, nutrient runoff, pollution, and decreased groundwater flow; which currently threaten the stability and human enjoyment of Lake Wingra. We broadened our vision to address the causes of Lake decline at the Watershed scale. Borrowing from successful examples across the globe, we outlined Green Infrastructure objectives that should be achieved over the following 30 years:

● Establish an urban tree canopy cover of 40% ● Establish a vast network of rain gardens

among street terraces ● Transform underutilized lawns by planting

tall grasses ● Increase Permeable Surfaces

Computer modeling with i-Tree software demonstrates our potential to significantly increase storm-water infiltration, foregoing the need for continuous investment in a debilitating storm-sewer system.

While restoring a clean flow of groundwater to the Lake, our communities can expect many associated benefits:

● Increased public health ● Increased abundance of highly valued plants

and animals ● Increased social capital (as neighbors work

together to achieve a common goal) ● Economic robustness (local businesses

will benefit from neighborhood livability and inspiring streetscapes)

● Increased property values ● Reduced urban surface temperatures ● Cleaner air and carbon sequestration ● Increased environmental awareness (as

storm-water is made visible)

Every act of urban development impacts the ecosystem provisions that we have historically taken for granted. We must strive to reduce this “footprint” by adopting design principles that respect natural processes. All construction projects should be oriented to the healthy watershed (especially street re-constructions; as they are a costly, visible opportunity to enhance water quality). In comparison to existing structures, green infrastructure is a healthier, more sustainable, and cost-effective strategy that will better serve our communities.

The sustainable landscape requires less financial investments over time. Investment in green infrastructure now will enhance the local economy, and reduce future costs associated with public health and water quality. We can invest now, or we can invest later, without gaining any of the benefits of investing now.

From New Urbanism to Landscape Urbanism, ideas in the field of urban design are changing. In a landscape where everything is connected, dare we deny the fact that we too are part of the landscape? The city has its laws, as does nature. Every living organism and population, including humanity, exists within nature’s laws. We might want to reconsider the City’s as to honor those that nature has set in place. Over time, designing with nature is not only our best choice; it is our only choice!

Erosion from a nearby construction muddies Lake Wingra -Save our streams blog-spot, 2010 http://saveourstream.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html

Green Infrastructure - Answer

21

Comparing and Combining StrategiesWhile any of the four green infrastructure strategies discussed in this document can be effective by themselves, it is both realistic and advisable that they all be used to some extent.

The chart to the right compares the outcomes of the four strategies in terms of reduction in total runoff. This chart also adds a fifth, combined, strategy that utilizes the previous four in unison. The table below illustrates how this was done.

While each strategy is effective in reducing storm water runoff, both tree canopy and impervious surface cover seem to have the greatest impact.

More time can and should be spent on understanding the feasibility of each of these strategies and the direct costs and benefits of each.

Comparing and Combining Strategies

While any of the four green infrastructure strategies discussed in this document can be effective by themselves, it is both realistic and advisable that they all be used to some extent. The chart to the right compares the outcomes of the four strategies in terms of reduction in total runoff. This chart also adds a fifth, combined, strategy that utilizes the previous four in unison. The table below illustrates how this was done. While each strategy is effective in reducing storm water runoff, both tree canopy and impervious surface cover seem to have the greatest impact. More time can and should be spent on understanding the feasibility of each of these strategies and the direct costs and benefits of each.

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

management #1 management #2 management #3

Cubi

c M

eter

s of S

torm

Wat

er

Rain Gardens

Tree Canopy

impervioussurfacesTall Grass

combined

Combine Treatments

Initial Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 Surface Cover Tree Cover 30 35 40 45 Shrub Cover 3 2 2 2 Herbaceous Cover 15 18 20 22 Water Cover 8 8 8 8 Impervious Cover 36 31 26 21 Soil Cover 8 6 4 2 Total Cover 100 100 100 100


Rain Gardens 100 200 300

Total storm water reduction according to management scenario.



22 Mon

roe

Stre

et R

econ

stru

ctio

n:

Opp

ortu

nitie

s fo

r Gre

en In

fras

truc

ture

A Streetside BioswaleBioswales, natural areas that remove silt and pollution from surface water runoff, can be incorporated into a street corridor to improve water quality and calm traffic at the same time. The addition of bioswales to Monroe Street would enhance the pedestrian experience while improving the water quality in the Lake Wingra Watershed.Source: www.emanate.org

Monroe Street is an important arterial located in the Lake Wingra Watershed. A large segment of Monroe Street will be reconstructed and resurfaced beginning in the spring of 2014. This engineering project is the perfect opportunity for the City of Madison to invest in green street infrastructure.

Green infrastructure can positively affect the pedestrian environment and calm traffic all while improving the water quality in the Lake Wingra Watershed. Using green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff on the streets of Madison is a sustainable approach in terms of the environment and the city budget. Investments in green infrastructure today will forestall costly future investments. To protect our water for the future and to maintain our reputation as a first-class city, Madison needs to begin investing in cutting edge green technology.

Building green infrastructure is inherently a multidisciplinary undertaking. The greening of Monroe Street will need the expertise of the city’s engineers, neighbors, landscape architects and planners. For a new model of

infrastructure building to succeed in Madison, leaders from each of these groups will need to participate in an ongoing exchange of ideas. The Monroe Street reconstruction should be the beginning of this exchange.

Why use Green Infrastructure?Green infrastructure uses rain gardens, pervious pavements, infiltration systems and other technologies to slow stormwater down. Instead of piping runoff directly into our streams and lakes, green infrastructure gives the runoff water time to infiltrate through natural or enhanced natural features. This green engineering approach can enhance groundwater recharge, reduce pollutants in our watershed, and improve human health1.

Introduction


24

Project DetailsThe resurfacing and reconstruction of Monroe Street is included in the City of Madison’s Engineering Department’s Capital Improvement Program for 2014.

Project Budget ● 2013: $232,000, for project bidding ● 2013: $6,208,000, for project construction3

Monroe Street will be reconstructed from Regent St. to Leonard Street and resurfaced from Leonard Street to Odana Road.3 This segment of Monroe Street is a four lane, two way road with curbside parking allowed along most of the street. A sidewalk lines the entire segment on both sides of the street.

Reconstruction: Involves full curb and gutter replacement as well as a new layer of asphalt. Sidewalks are replaced if broken, offset or poorly draining. Utilities infrastructure, sanitary, stormwater and sewer pipes, located underneath the road will often be replaced during a reconstruction.

Resurfacing: Involves a new layer of asphalt over existing pavement. Pavement in very poor condition is pulverized prior to a new surface being place.4 Curb and gutter is only replaced on a case-by-case basis.

Existing Conditions Monroe Street is classified by the City of Madison as a Standard Arterial Street. Standard Arterials serve a relatively large geographic area with concentrated

development. They are intended to link local service streets and major city traffic

streets. They should be designed to accommodate short trips and access to commercial uses.5

The Lake Wingra WatershedThe Lake Wingra Watershed: The majority of surface water runoff from the Monroe Street corridor flows into the Lake Wingra Watershed. The reconstruction and resurfacing of Monroe Street is an opportunity to improve water quality in the watershed by incorporating green infrastructure into the streetscape.

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Introduction

25

Average Daily Traffic Counts in the Monroe Street AreaThe Monroe Street corridor is an important part of the city’s street network. It carries relatively heavy traffic loads, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hour. Maintaining the current level of service in this corridor must be balanced with the neighborhood’s desire to calm traffic speeds. This will only be accomplished through creative use of the right-of-way. The effects of creative engineering approaches, such as a four-to-three lane conversion and lane narrowing, should be modeled and studied.

Source: City of Madison Engineering Department


26

The Monroe Street corridor is one of the most vibrant parts of the Dudgeon-Monroe Street Neighborhood. There are three distinct commercial nodes in the corridor, the largest one ranging from S. Prospect Ave. to Regent Street. A large segment of the southwest portion of the corridor is directly adjacent to the Arboretum. Although it is not visible from the street, this location is very close to the shores of Lake Wingra. Edgewood College also has a large presence in the corridor. The rest of the corridor is mainly residential.

The last neighborhood plan written for the Dudgeon-Monroe Street Neighborhood Association (DMNA) was completed in 1995. With this large construction project coming to the neighborhood in the near future, now is the time for the DMNA to begin updating their neighborhood plan. Having an updated plan in place could facilitate the introduction of green infrastructure to this important neighborhood corridor.

However, the Dudgeon-Monroe Street Neighborhood Association’s issues and recommendations for the area as stated in its 1995 Long-Range Neighborhood Plan are still relevant today. This plan may be due for an update, but these goals call for a livable as well as watershed-friendly Monroe Street.

Transportation

Physical Resources

Transportation & Physical Resources Issues and Recommendations: These issues and recommendations are from the DMNA’s 1995 Long-Range Neighborhood Plan. Despite being over fifteen years old, many are still relevant today. However, the DMNA should look into updating its plan in order to help influence the reconstruction and resurfacing of Monroe Street.

Issues Recommendations

Crossing Monroe Street

Speeding

Cut through-traffic

Parking enforcement

Motorists’ disregard for pedestrians

● Create a livable, traffic-calmed neighborhood

● Improve Monroe Street and other streets for crossings and access for pedestrians and bicyclists

● Improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety in the neighborhood

● Participate in the development of the present rail corridor into a rail/trail

● Encourage Madison Metro ridership

Issues Recommendations

Lake Wingra water quality

Park and green space upkeep

Maintaining character of physical

attributes

Converting rail corridor to rail/trail

● Work to improve the water quality of Lake Wingra

● Promote restoration, maintenance, and enhancement of neighborhood parks and open spaces

● Enhance the streetscape and visual character of the neighborhood

● Create clearly identified entrances to the neighborhood

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Introduction

27

Monroe Street has commercial, residential and institutional uses. The focus of the plan is the three primarily commercial areas (Figure A-2). The district provides neighborhood retail for the Dudgeon-Monroe, Vilas, University Heights, Westmorland, Nakoma and Regent Neighborhoods, as well as shopping appeal to visitors in the city.

Figure A-2: Locations of the Three Commercial Nodes

7

Locations of Commercial Nodes Along Monroe Street The Monroe Street corridor has three lively commercial nodes. The Monroe Street merchants are an active and organized group. City engineers, planners and landscape architects should tap into the merchant’s network in order to facilitate the introduction of green infrastructure to Monroe Street.

Source: Monroe Street Commercial District Plan


28

The Monroe Street redevelopment project presents a great opportunity for implementing green infrastructure on the Monroe Street Corridor. This section is broken down into chapters that each focus on a specific component of Monroe Street. The chapters introduce green infrastructure technologies and discuss how they can be applied to the Monroe Street Redevelopment area. Each chapter presents Best Management Practices and discusses ways of implementing the practices on Monroe Street. The chapters have been divided into the following categories:

● Streets ● Terraces/Sidewalks ● Parking Lots ● Pollutants ● Green Buildings ● Water Management for Buildings ● Stewardship

Comprehensive Implementation

SurfacesBuildingsContaminationCooperation

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Comprehensive Implementation

29

INFRASTRUCTURE

Cistern

1.

3.

2.

1.

3.

2.

Green W

all

Green R

oof

Stormwate

r

Harv

eting

Rain C

hain

Leaf

Litter

Snow

Remov

al

Polluta

nts

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.9.

10.

11.

7.

1.

Sidewalk

s and

Terra

ces

Parking

Lots

Roads

6.

10.

9.

11.

8.

4.

5.

6.

8.

8.

MANAGEMENT

BUILDINGS

These implementation measures can

be used throughout the Monroe Street

Redevelopment Project.


30

Road

IntroductionMonroe Street, a major arterial road, plays the most important role in improving water quality in Lake Wingra watershed. According to “Sources of Pollutants in Wisconsin Stormwater,” the total drainage area of Monroe Street is up to 404,800 square feet, traffic volume is more than 20,000 cars per day, and the data of contaminant is serious (Bannerman, Owens, Dodds and Hornewer, 1993). Monroe St Stormwater runoff carries pollutants that seriously harm Lake Wingra Watershed. Sustainable Monroe St. design is a key element to a healthy watershed. Re-evaluating road design creates a great opportunity to benefit the environment and become a model for future sustainable designs. By implementing the following best management practices, Monroe Street needs to utilize porous pavements instead of the current standard asphalt and improve the underground stormwater storage

system. Additional pretreatment features might be necessary in some specific areas to facilitate improvements to water quality.

Goals ● Reduce stormwater run-off flow of Monroe

Street ● Extended storage and slow, measured

release of collected stormwater runoff ● Improve water quality of collected

stormwater runoff ● Economical costs for underground storm

water retention/detention systems ● Durability and long lifeww

Best Managements PracticesPervious Pavement with Infiltration BedPervious pavement allows infiltrate storm water through the surface into the soil below where the water is naturally filtered and pollutants are removed. Normal pavement is an impervious surface which sheds rainfall and associate with surface pollutants forcing the water to run directly into nearby storm drains and then into streams and lakes. (www.lakesuperiorstreams.org)

Pervious pavement consists of a permeable surface course, such as porous asphalt, porous concrete or various porous structural pavers,

underlain by a uniformly-graded stone bed and uncompacted soil that provides storm water management.

“The stone bed is uniformly graded and clean-washed course aggregate, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches in size, with a void space of at least 40%. It is designed with an overflow control structure so that during large storm events peak rates can be controlled, and the water level has not time to rise to the pavement level. A layer of nonwoven geotextile filter fabric separates the aggregate from the underlying soil, preventing the migration of fines into the bed. The bed bottoms should be level and uncompacted soil” (Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, 2005).

Surfaces

Porous asphalt highwayA standard asphalt shoulder in Japan, courtesy of Infrastructure Development Institute of Japan Source: Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, 2005

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Surfaces

31

Underground stormwater retention/detention System with some water quality BMPs

On-site, underground stormwater retention /detention can capture and store stormwater collected from surrounding impervious areas. Riser pipes or curb cuts shed surface storm water to subsurface systems which have large diameter interconnected storage pipes or chambers. Then, stored water is released directly through an outlet pipe back into natural waters. The rates are designed to reduce peak water flows during large storm events. In some cases stored water can be allowed to infiltrate to recharge groundwater. (www.lakesuperiorstreams.org)

However, underground storm water retention/detention systems are designed to control

storm water quantity and they have little impact on storm water quality. Thus, most underground retention/detention systems are coupled with some other water quality BMPs, such as catch basins, curb inlets, water quality inlets, sand filters, or sumps. These BMPs can help to improve the water quality of the overall storm water control system, especially during the first part of a rain event when pollutants are at their highest concentrations. The materials of Underground retention/detention systems can be concrete, steel, or plastic (Storm Water Technology Fact Sheet, 2001).

ImplementationsPorous asphalt pavement with Infiltration Bed

1. MaterialsCurrently, the pavement of Monroe St. is standard asphalt which means about 404,800 square feet is impervious area. Impervious surfaces shed rainfall and associated pollutants forcing the water to run off road directly into Lake Wingra which seriously harms the watershed.

Pervious pavement should be used both in the new reconstructed segment and the resurfaced segment. According to the existing conditions of Monroe St, the average slope is 2.2% and the soil type is slit loam which are very suitable for using pervious pavement. Porous asphalt would be the best material because it better adapts to cold climates in Madison.

Porous asphalt requires the same mixing and application materials and the same ‘blacktop’ appearance of traditional impervious asphalt. However, it has a lower concentration of fines and the reduced quantity of tar because they allow water to drain through virtually imperceptible openings. Sealants to waterproof new surfaces are also not applied. Sand and gravel cannot be used on pervious pavements, although salt may be used on porous asphalt, and commercial deicers may be used on porous concrete.

2. Construction

TIt is very important to pay special attention and follow engineering design for substrate base and hydraulic design. Geotechnical testing should be conducted prior project start,

Corrugated Metal Pipe System for Underground Stormwater Storage Source: Contech Construction Products, USA

Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center – underground storage, MNSource: The Minnesota Stormwater Manual, 2005


32

to determine site and derive engineering design plan.

Since the uncompacted soil is a key element of structure, using light equipment to do excavation and grading is very important to prevent soil compaction.

Another thing needs to be mention is that stormwater events during construction will contaminate cleaned and washed basement materials by adding sediments, and the void spaces will be filled and pervious function of pavement will be weaken.

3. Maintenance

The primary goal of porous asphalt pavement

maintenance is to prevent the pavement surface and underlying infiltration bed from being clogged with fine sediments. To keep the system clean throughout years, the pavement surface should be vacuumed biannually with a commercial cleaning unit. All inlet structures within or draining to the infiltration beds should also be cleaned out on a biannual basis.

Planted areas, such as rain gardens along the sidewalk of Monroe St., adjacent to pervious pavement should be well maintained because soil washout onto the pavement sometimes, especially after large storm events. If any washout occurs, the pavement should be cleaned off immediately to prevent further clogging of the pores.

Porous asphalt should be used with caution in winter Madison. Regular winter pavement maintenances such as:

● Materials which collect in the snow pack must be vacuumed after snow melt to prevent clogging because it is easy to clog pervious pavement.

● Snow plowing can catch the edge of pavers and damage the pavements surface.

4. Costs

Porous Asphalt, with additives, is generally 10% to 20% higher in cost than standard asphalt on a unit area basis.

Prescribed maintenance costs for pervious pavement amount to about $200 per acre per year (1999 dollars) (Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, 2005).

Underground stormwater retention/detention System with some water quality BMPsUnderground stormwater retention/detention system relies on construction of water storage structures made of concrete (vaults) or large diameter, rigid plastic or steel pipes, inlet and outlet pipes and maintenance access (man holes). They are attached in a predetermined excavated area, and then the entire area is

Porous asphalt pavement on a road in Chandler, Arizona Source: Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, 2005

Typical section of roads with pervious paving Source: Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, 2005


33

back-filled to surrounding landscape surface height with gravel and subsequently surfaced.

1. Materials Monroe St is a continuous space which allows the use of concrete structures, while angular spaces favor the use of pipe systems. Following strategies need to be noticed:

● Pipes store less water than square concrete vaults per cross sectional area.

● Pipes require more fill than concrete structures, thus using more excavated area.

● Use the largest pipe diameter possible. Doubling pipe diameter quadruples capacity and only doubles cost (www.lakesuperiorstreams.org).

Concrete structures can be used in the construction of the new segment – from Regent St to Leonard St. However, junction of drain pipes with old ones under resurfacing segment should be noticed.

2. Design: Since the stormwater requirements of Monroe St would be set up, typical design requirements should be met:

● Pipes and floors of vaults should be designed with a maximum of two percent slopes to facilitate drainage of water.

● An Emergency overflow system should be designed to convey flows larger than can be handled by the storage system or to divert water in case system becomes inoperable for any reason.

● Maintenance accesses (man holes) should be incorporated in design to facilitate easy maintenance. They should be placed, at a minimum, one near the intake and another at the outlet end of the system. The number depends on maintenance methods used.

3. Maintenance: Once underground storm water retention/detention systems are installed, they require very little maintenance. They have no moving parts and remain intact for many years.

However, storm water retention/detention structures must be cleaned periodically to remove accumulated trash, grit, sediments, and other debris. Usually vacuum accumulated sediment and debris twice a year is required.

Typical Underground Stormwater Storage SystemSource: Montgomery County, MD


34

Maintenance is also required when there is visible damage to the inlets or outlets.

4. Cost: Underground storm water retention/detention structures can vary greatly in cost, depending on:

● Materials used

● Storage volume required

● Construction and labor costs

● Physical conditions of site location

Reported price ranges of $3 to $10 per cubic foot of water storage in plastic and metal pipes depending on size of pipes.

The filter cloth and gravel of sand filters need to be removed and replaced every three to five years, and the annual cost is between $3,000 to $ 10,000, depending on the type and size of the sand filter.

The annual maintenance fee of underground detention is between $1,000 and $1,500 depending on the size and if vacuum accumulated sediment and debris twice a year is required.

EvaluationBoth Porous asphalt pavement and Underground stormwater storage system can be evaluated by simply observing how much water it is holding on Monroe St after a large storm event and how fast it is being infiltrated

or drained.

The volume reduction can be calculated by following calculations:

Total volume(ft3) = Depth(ft) x Area (sf)

*Depth is the depth of the water surface during a storm event, depending on the drainage area and conveyance to the bed.

According to the Madison weather information which is based on the average of the previous 3-7 years of data, the most monthly

precipitation in Madison occurs in August with 5.3 inches (0.442 ft) (www.areavibes.com/madison-wi/weather/). The total area of Monroe St. is about 404,800 square feet. Therefore, the total volume of runoff is:

Total volume = 0.442(ft) x 404,800(sf) = 178,921.6(ft3)

The total length of Monroe St. is roughly 8,800 feet. Therefore, the storage volume per feet is about 20.3 ft3, and 72-inch diameter pipe(28.3 ft3/ft) would be enough to be used in

Delaware Sand FilterSource: Center for Watershed Protection, courtesy of Earl Shaver


35

underground stormwater storage system.

Infiltration Volume(ft3)= Bed Bottom Area (sf) x Infiltration design rate (in/hr) x Infiltration period* (hr) x (1/12)

*Infiltration Period is the time when bed is receiving runoff and capable of infiltration. Not to exceed 72 hours.

Volume reduction(ft3) = Total volume (ft3) - Infiltration volume (ft3)

Both reconstruction and resurfacing of Monroe St are complicated works which allows collaboration between different areas, such as city engineering, urban planning and pavement professionals. Good collaboration will help building a better Monroe St as well as reducing the cost of construction. These BMPs can be implemented on both reconstructed and resurfaced segment of Monroe St. However, they just provide general strategies for this case. The implementations might be varies in the future construction.


36

Sidewalks On Monroe

IntroductionStormwater runoff has steadily become a problem for urban areas. The sidewalk environment provides many opportunities to improve the quality of stormwater runoff and decrease the amount of stormwater entering the storm sewer system while improving the experience of pedestrians. The Monroe Street Reconstruction provides the opportunity to rebuild the sidewalk environment and implement several best management practices (BMPs) reducing run off from streets and sidewalks while improving water quality.

Best Management PracticesBMPs are “any program, process, location criteria, operating method, measure or device which controls, prevents, removes, or reduces pollution.” (http://www.lvstormwater.com/bmps.htm). During each storm event, urban runoff from sidewalks, terraces, and roads pollutes the surface water of lakes and streams and increases the risk of flooding. If implemented along the sidewalk environment of Monroe Street, BMPs could increase the amount of water which infiltrates the groundwater system and improve the quality of water which enters Lake Wingra via storm sewers.

Low impact development (LID) is an approach to managing stormwater runoff that could be used in conjunction with green infrastructure to support the effort of reducing the amount of stormwater while improving its quality. LID

empasizes the conservation and use of natural systems to mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff and protect surface water quality. It relies on a natural system to infitrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain stormwater at its source where it can help recharge ground water systems.

Implementation of BMPs along Monroe Street will also reduce the reliance on storm sewer systems by using green infrastructure, an interconnected series of natural ecosystems that support long-term stainability. These living systems mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff and naturally clean stormwater before it ever enters the sewer system. Using green infrastructure as part of a BMP strategy will decrease the cost of implementing stormwater management plans because the reliance on traditional, engineered stormwater systems is offset by a more natural, living alternative.

● Define Best Management Practices ● Public Education about Stormwater ● Involve Residents and Local Business

Owners ● Incorporate Landscape Buffers ● Design for minimum amount of Impervious

Area -> Incorporate Permeable Paving ● Direct Street and Sidewalk Runoff into

Retention areas for GW Infiltration ● Provide Filtration Areas for Snow Storage

and Infiltration

Goals of Best Management PracticesImprove Water Quality of Stormwater Runoff from Sidewalks

● Reduce Pollutants ● Reduce Nutrients from Leaves and Other ● Reduce Salt

Reduce Quantity of Water Entering Stormsewer

● Reduce Impervious Surface Area

● Increase Groundwater Infiltration

Raise Awareness of Watershed Issues ● Use Sidewalk Features to connect people to

the Watershed

Monroe Street: The existing sidewalk conditions limit the use of BMPs to mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff. Expanding the sidewalk to provide opportunity for green infrastructure and LIDs would reduce the effects of stormwater runoff.


37

● Provide Educational Opportunities

Existing ConditionsThe existing sidewalk conditions along Monroe Street are not conducive for managing storm water from rainfall or snow melt events. At the moment, all water running off the sidewalk flows into the stormwater system eventually finding its way into Lake Wingra. The reduced width of the sidewalk limits the implementation of best management practices that could mitigate the effects of storm water runoff in the Lake Wingra watershed. Now, limited numbers of tree wells and planting beds or raised planters...

During the reconstruction approximately 1 mile of street and sidewalks will be rebuilt. If every sidewalk is 5’ wide on both sides of the sidewalk, that is over 52, 000 square feet of impervious area contributed by sidewalks. A 20% reduction of impervious surface area during sidewalk reconstruction would mean adding 10,500 square feet of pervious area with rain gardens, permeable paving, and bioswales.

ImplementationThis will be an introduction to the implementation of sidewalk strategies

Rain GardensA rain garden is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas such as sidewalks, terraces roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and

compacted lawn areas the opportunity to be absorbed into the groundwater system. This reduces rain runoff by allowing stormwater to soak into the ground as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters which causes erosion, surface water pollution, flooding, and diminished groundwater. Rain gardens are versatile and can be designed for specific soils and climates and implemented in small areas along sidewalks. Rain gardens can even be implemented as expanded tree wells in a connected system. The purpose of a rain garden is to improve water quality in nearby bodies of water such as Lake Wingra. Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30%.

Native plants are recommended for rain gardens because they generally do not require fertilizer and are more tolerant of one’s local climate, soil, and water conditions, and attract local wildlife such as native birds and insects. A selection of wetland edge vegetation, such as wildflowers, sedges, rushes, ferns, shrubs and small trees is recommended to take up excess water flowing into the rain garden. Water filters through soil layers before entering the groundwater system. Root systems enhance infiltration, maintain and improve soil permeability, provide moisture redistribution, and sustain diverse microbial populations involved in biofiltration. Some rain gardens have overflow mechanisms that divert some water into a holding area or the storm sewer

Bio-Swales and Rain Gardens


38

which are used to handle large rainfall events. Using rain gardens can mitigate the effects of larger rain events and also be used to hold snow.

● What are Rain Gardens ● How do Rain Gardens Work ● Precedents/Examples ● Where can Rain Gardens be implemented

BioswalesAnother method for mitigating the effects of stormwater in sidewalk areas are bioswales which are gently sloping ditches designed to remove suspended solids and pollutants from stormwater as it flows through the

system. Bioswales are typically filled with a rock and mulch bed with swaths of grasses along the edges to filter water entering the swale. Preferably, bioswales have a slightly menadering channel, but...

Bioswales are landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. They consist of a swaled drainage course with gently sloped sides and filled with vegetation, compost and/or gravel. The water’s flow path, along with the wide and shallow ditch, is designed to maximize the time water spends in the swale, which aids the trapping of pollutants and silt and helps infiltrate water into the groundwater system. Depending upon the geometry of land available, a bioswale may

have a meandering or almost straight channel alignment. Biological factors also contribute to the breakdown of certain pollutants.

A common application is around parking lots, or along roads where substantial automotive pollution is collected by the paving and then flushed by rain. The bioswale, or other type of biofilter, wraps around the parking lot, along the roadside or sidewalk and treats the runoff before releasing it to the watershed or storm sewer.

● How do Bioswales Work ● Precedents/Examples ● Where can Bioswales be implemented

Tree Wells as Rain GardensRain Gardens


39

Snow Removal Areas ● What are Snow Removal Areas ● How do Snow Removal Areas Work ● Precedents/Examples ● Where can Snow Removal Areas be

implemented

Curb ExtensionsA curb extension is a traffic calming measure, primarily used to extend the sidewalk, reducing the crossing distance and allowing pedestrians about to cross and approaching vehicle drivers to see each other when vehicles parked in a parking lane would otherwise block visibility.

A curb extension is an angled narrowing of the roadway and a widening of the sidewalk. This can be accompanied and enhanced by expanded tree wells, rain gardens, bioswales or snow melting areas to produce a vegetated sidewalk environment and improve the pedestrian experience. Curb extensions can be used with other traffic calming measures to decrease traffic speed and help make drivers aware of pedestrians.

● What are Curb Bump Outs ● How do Curb Bump Outs Work ● Precedents/Examples ● Where can Curb Bump Outs be

implemented

Permeable Paving SystemsPermeable paving is a range of materials and techniques for paving roads, parking lots and sidewalks that allow the movement of water

and air around the paving material. Although some porous paving materials appear nearly indistinguishable from nonporous materials, such as porous asphalt or concrete, their environmental effects are qualitatively different. Whether pervious concrete, porous asphalt, paving stones or bricks, all these pervious materials allow stormwater to percolate and infiltrate through areas that would traditionally be impervious to the soil below. This decreases the amount of stormwater entering the storm sewer and increases ground water infiltration recharging the ground water system.

● What are Permeable Paving Systems ● How do Permeable Paving Systems Work ● Precedents/Examples ● Where can Permeable Paving Systems be

implemented

Curb Extensions Permeable Paving

Permeable Paving


40

Implemetation: Aerial image and photos of where sidewalk strategies can be used


41

Parking Lot

IntroductionSeveral parking lots are located along Monroe Street; these impervious surfaces currently allow rainwater to flow directly into the sewer system and eventually to lakes without treatment. This runoff is polluted with oil and gas from vehicles. Polluted runoff harms wildlife that depends on clean water and makes the lakes undesirable for human recreation. With the upcoming reconstruction of Monroe Street, it’s a critical time to embrace sustainable

parking lot design. Re-evaluating design strategies is an opportunity to benefit the environment, economy, and become a model for future sustainable designs. By implementing the following best management practices, storm sewer “tie-ins” may not be necessary, eliminating the need to do maintenance on them or spend the money to connect new parking lots to the system. “According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 90 percent of surface pollutants are carried by the first 1-1/2 inches of rainfall.” Thus, a key element to a healthy watershed is to capture and filter this rainfall. Water-conscious design deals with water at the source; it is one part of decreasing the amount of money and time spent on clean-up efforts after water has reached Lake Wingra. Open space next to parking lots can also filter water diverted from streets and other impervious surfaces such as surrounding buildings. These BMPs should be used for new parking lot construction as well as refurbishing existing parking lots.

Goals ● Improve water and air quality ● Reduce the strain on the current sewer

system ● Spread and slow water to prevent high

volume flows ● Stop and infiltrate water at the source (i.e.

turn surface flows into groundwater flows) ● Recharge groundwater levels ● Increase pervious surfaces

● Decrease the heat island effect

Best Managements PracticesTreesTrees provide shade, increase air quality, filter water, reduce noise pollution, and beautify the surrounding area. Trees can reduce the surface temperatures of asphalt by as much as 36*F. Design recommendations include shading at least 50% of the parking lot with mature tree canopy and channeling water to open space planted with trees.

Vegetated infiltration areasA bioswale is a shallow trench laid out dead level along the land’s contours. A raingarden is a shallow depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants. An infiltration island is a bioswale or raingarden surrounded by a parking lot. Parking lot runoff can be channeled through a curb cut out into these vegetated infiltration areas, where it will spread out and

Infiltration IslandRainwater is channeled into infiltration islands, rain gardens and/or bioswales to slow, spread and infiltrate water. Trees and native vegetation can be planted to filter water and provide shade. Source: Valley Branch Watershed District.

Angled parkingTwo examples of angled parking with infiltration areas. Parking lot sheet flow is directed to infiltration areas (bioswales, trees, rain gardens). Source: Valley Branch Watershed District.


42

slowly percolate into the soil (Hemingway, 2009). Native plants and certain mushrooms can help to filter pollutants and clean the water. To read more about mushrooms and mycoremediation, see Mycelium Running by Paul Staments. Organic matter in the soil is key to it’s capacity to hold water. Infiltration

areas should be planted densely to shade soil, smother weeds, and increase biodiversity. After initial plantings are done, they should be mulched to slow soil evaporation, cool the soil, add organic matter and smother weeds.

Efficient space designDesign parking lots for efficient space usage by considering if angled parking makes

sense for your site, reducing the lane widths, and dedicating at least 30% of the spaces for compact cars. Collaborate with nearby businesses to create shared parking lots for demands at different times of the day (Valley Branch Watershed District, 2000).

Pervious concrete pavingPervious concrete is a pavement with a large volume (15 to 35 percent) of interconnected voids. Like conventional concrete, its made from a mixture of cement, coarse aggregates, and water but is designed with a network of voids which results in a porous open-cell structure that water passes through. Pervious concrete can take in stormwater at a rate of 3 to 5 gallons per minute per square foot of that 90 to 95 percent of the hydrocarbons in the urban runoff is from the binder and sealer used for asphalt pavements.” Therefore,

Close up concrete pavement“Close-up of a pervious pavement at Splashpad Park, Oakland, California The network of voids gives the concrete its characteristic honeycomb texture” Source: www.concretenetwork.com

Morton Arboretum Bioswale picture:The Morton Arboretum permeable parking lot with infiltration island and curb cut out. Source: dupagerivers.org

Priarie PlantDeep-rooted prairie plants create channels for quick water infiltration. They also hold up to a half-inch of stormwater on their leaves and in the thath they createSource: Valley Branch Watershed District


43

the replacement of asphalt pavements with pervious concrete would greatly reduce the amount of hydrocarbon pollution from draining into our storm water sewage system (concretenetwork.com).

Additionally, pervious concrete lasts as long as regular concrete, about 20-40 years (concretenetwork.com).

Pervious concrete is a lighter color than traditional pavement so it reduces the heat island effect by absorbing less heat and reflecting more light. Pervious concrete also reduces the number of street lights needed because it reflects light.

According to the Center for Watershed Protection, installing traditional curbs, gutters, storm drain inlets, piping, and retention basins can cost two to three times more than low-impact strategies for handling water runoff, such as pervious concrete.

Initial costs tend to be more expensive because the design accounts for a weaker subgrade (since water is percolating through it instead of running off it). For example, a pervious parking lot may be 6 inches thick versus 4 inches for conventional concrete.

ImplementationBioswales/rain gardens and trees can be installed at existing and new parking lots. Local landscaping companies will design and install a system that can hold maximum water flows. They also know which plants

thrive in both dry and wet conditions, take up pollutants, and are salt tolerant. The owners of the parking lot should set up a maintenance schedule to do necessary weeding until the planting becomes established and fills in; watering new plantings may also be necessary the first year, although using native plants and thick mulch will reduce the frequency. Do not drive on planting areas during construction to avoid soil compaction.

Pervious concrete pavement should be used when resurfacing old parking lots and in the construction of new ones. One way to encourage the use of pervious pavement is to have tax incentives offered to those who install pervious concrete pavement. Another option is passing a city ordinance that mandates that all new surfacing of parking lots

is done with pervious materials.

The following is an overview of pervious concrete pavement installation and is from the Concrete Network:

“Pervious concrete is delivered to the jobsite by conventional ready-mix trucks and placed within standard forms. Because pervious

Willy St. curbcutoutAt Willy Street Coop East in Madison, Wisonsin water from the parking lot is channeled into this rock bed where the water is slowed down, then goes into the rain garden (in the background) to be filtered. Source: photo taken by Sara Randle

Coop raingardenAt Willy Street Coop East in Madison, Wisonsin this raingarden cleans water from the parking lot, the adjacent road and the building. Source: photo taken by Sara Randle


44

concrete is thicker in consistency than regular concrete, a vibrating mechanical screed is used to level it off. Vibration is followed by compaction with a heavy steel roller to attain greater strength. Because pervious concrete has a low water content, curing is especially critical. After placement, the concrete is misted with water and then covered with plastic sheeting and kept damp for at least 7 days to allow full hydration of the cement. Often paving crews can complete pervious concrete jobs faster than when installing regular concrete. That’s because pervious concrete doesn’t need to be worked with a bull float or trowel, since these finishing operations can seal off the pavement surface and decrease water penetration.” (www.concretenetwork.com).

EvaluationBioswales/rain gardens can be evaluated in many ways. The most practical way is to go to the site of the rain garden after a large rain event and observe how much water it is holding and how fast it is being infiltrated. These observations can help you decide if you need to amend the soil with organic matter to help with infiltration, plant more plants, or make the rain garden larger to hold a bigger volume of runoff.

TreesYou can evaluate the effectiveness of trees by

measuring the temperatures on a hot day in the shade of a tree versus that on open traditional pavement. You can also use models such as iTree to calculate an estimate of the amount of water that is taken up annually.

Pervious concrete pavement can be evaluated by simply observing the flow of water during a rain event on pervious pavement and compare it to impervious pavement. The Wisconsin Ready-Mix Concrete Association (http://www.wrmca.com/) is a source of information on local contractors and industry- related links.

Installation pic:“Often paving crews can complete pervious concrete jobs faster than when installing regular concrete.”Source: concretenetwork.com

Parking lots along Monroe Street. Source: Map created by Evan Slocum


45

These BMPs can be implemented on both public and private parking lots along Monroe Street. During the design process, there should be collaboration between City engineers, planners, landscape architects, local landscaping companies, and pavement professionals. Knickerbocker Plaza, Monroe Street Family Dental, Taste of India, Michael’s Frozen Custard, and Laurel Tavern are all examples of parking lots that could be designed for sustainable water management.

Some examples of areas that have completed sustainable water-conscious designed parking lots include:

Morton Arboretum in Illinois: http://www.mortonarb.org/sustainable-practices/environmental-parking.html

San Mateo County-Brisbane City Hall Parking Lot:http://www.flowstobay.org/ms_greenstreets_brisbane.php

Jackson County Courthouse, Missouri Discovery Center, Fort Osage Education Center and Applebee’s Support Center. All project are summarized here: http://www.sustainableskylineskc.org/assets/BNIMppt.pdf


46

Lake Wingra Watershed Goals

“Slow it, sink it, spread it.” ● Reduce impervious paving ● Reduce direct sewer building roof run-off ● Reduce amount of run-off while

simultaneously reducing the number of toxins that are discharged into Lake Wingra

● Increase stormwater infiltration ● Increase spring flow

Capturing, Storing and Recycling Rain and Waste WaterWater is an essential element to our existence and survival and as such should be managed carefully. Man-kind has impacted the natural systems, in particular, that of hydrology. Our development of cities has created vast expanses of impervious surfaces and has been managed by collecting and removing it through closed engineered systems. As a result our groundwater aquifers, lakes, rivers and oceans have been contaminated and depleted.

Rain can be collected and re-used in a variety of ways to irrigate landscapes, flush toilets be used in commercial processes, laundry systems, fire suppression systems, agricultural process water, washing cars, etc...

Conservation of water takes precedent in the management of our physical water resources. Understanding that development is a part of our existence, intelligent management and balancing site disturbances should be considered through Best Management Practices (BMP’s). BMP’s for water management include stormwater harvesting through engineered wetlands (bio-swales/ rain gardens), rain chains, rain barrels, cisterns, innovative and decorative water features and gray water recycling systems.

The following sections will introduce and explain each of the BMP’s, many of these options can be used in conjunction with one another.

Stormwater HarvestingDue to mans’ infringement and modification of the natural infiltration of land, surface run-off occurs during and after a rain event. Stormwater harvesting is a technique that refers to the collection of rain water for storage and later use. Our main concern is reducing, eliminating or planning to mitigate any excess run-off. The amount of run off associated with a site is a critical component of determining what water management system could be retrofitted to an existing building or how much a new development might alter the amount of runoff. This can be easily calculated using the equation:

Q = ciAQ= Peak discharge in cubic feet per second (cfs),c=Rational method of runoff coefficient

(Values are assigned to different surfaces:

lawn (.35 ), Asphalt/concrete (.7-.95) etc...), i= Rain fall intensity, inch/hour, a= Drainage area

Stormwater run-off is a substantial issue in the Lake Wingra watershed. Reducing the amount of water that runs off the site will improve water quality by reducing the amount of chemicals that are collected via leaf litter, salt spray and other residues. There are several possible ways to achieve the “slow it, sink it, spread it” goal. Monroe Street will benefit from these measures by enhancing the already unique neighborhood by implementing Best Management Practice.

Buildings

Image TitleAldo Leopold Center Stormwater Feature Brad Vowels

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Buildings

47

How Can Rain Benefit? ● Conserves drinking water ● Protects water quality by reducing

stormwater run-off ● Can save you money on your water bills ● Increases supply through wet and dry

periods ● To see how much you can collect go to:

www.braewater.com

Rain ChainsRain chains replace traditional gutter downspouts and attempt to slow water down,

instead of collecting it and removing it as fast as possible. Rain chains are exactly how they sound, a chain typically with metal cups that hangs in place of a gutter. There are many different styles and they can be both functional and decorative. Rain chains can terminate at the ground and allow the water to infiltrate immediately or they can drain into a collection container, either a rain barrel, under ground storage tank, pond, etc... Not only are rain chains functional and beautiful they celebrate rain by making it visual and audible to the owner. Encouraging businesses and residents to use these features in the area will assist in achieving the goals established by the friends of Lake WIngra on Monroe Street.

Rain Barrels and CisternsRain barrels and cisterns are synonymous to one another, a rain barrel refers to a residential sized barrel that collects water from your gutters or rain chain for future use. Cisterns are typically used to refer to larger tanks associated with commercial or larger scale buildings. Barrels and cisterns slow the water down, collect it and allow it to be used for a variety of needs at a later time. This allows a home owner to use the water stored to water their garden or lawn during periods of drought, or in lieu of using water from their own tap.

Interactive Stormwater SystemsTypical stormwater management systems are closed, meaning we can’t see what’s going on the surface. Creating interactive stormwater systems educate people by allowing them to

view, interact and celebrate with a storm water event, much like a kid playing in puddles. These systems can take on a variety of characteristics including: rain gardens, bio-swales, dry stream beds and fountain features. The Aldo Leopold Center, pictured on the previsou page, showcases a a stormwater feature that collects roof water and creates a decorative stepped, waterfall fountain.

Gray Water Systems Gray water is waste water that can be generated from doing the dishes or laundryand bathing. This water can be recycled on the site and used for things like irrigating planting beds or lawn, could be used in constructed wetlands to filter pollutants out of the water. There are a host of products produced and installed by a variety of companies that make use of gray water at the site where waste is produced. This can be beneficial on residential and commercial scales within the Monroe Street area. These systems can be added to existing structures.

ImplementationThe Lake Wingra Watershed needs an active citizenry to help accomplish their sustainable watershed goals, without it, any substantial change is unlikely. Community members should take pride in their neighborhood and take part in the efforts to improve the quality of the watershed. Citizens can take action by implementing some of these techniques on their own properties within their own homes and by advocating for policy change to encourage sustainable practices in

Water Management Options for Buildings: Rain chain and rain barrel examples


48

development. Government and organizations should also take an active role in making sure these mechanisms are encouraged through education, grant programs, incentives and precedent.

EvaluationThe success of these management strategies can be evaluted on their conversions; impervious to pervious, lawn to rain gardens, gutters to rain chains and rain barrels or cisterns, reuse of stormwater runoff and a host of others.. Any of these implementations could be measured by amount of water infiltrated, collected, diverted, stored, or re-used. Likewise we can see how much of that water has improved in quality due to these measures.

Sustainable Sidewalk and Terrace Planting http://greenbuildingchronicle.com


49

Green BuidingIntegrating green design into the buildings on the Monroe Street redevelopment area will provide substantial ecological, economic, aesthetic, and physiological benefits. While green building designs can be applied throughout the Lake Wingra Watershed, the Monroe Street redevelopment area can serve as a leading example because of the area’s high building density and close proximity to Lake Wingra.

Goals ● Introduce green building designs as BMP’s

for the Monroe Street redevelopment area by promoting federal grants and financial incentives from the city of Madison

● Educate home-owners and businesses on the benefits of utilizing green building design through community outreach and education

● Improve water quality in Lake Wingra by reducing storm-water runoff through continued implementation of green building designs.

Best Management Practices ● Green Roofs

Green roofs to control storm water for new and existing buildings

● Living WallsLiving walls provide many of the same benefits as green roofs and should be considered for new infrastructure.

● Green ScreensGreen screens to reduce the intensity of storm water runoff and improve insulation.

● Living FencesLiving fences offer ecological benefits to

an area while serving similar functions of a manufactured fence. On Monroe Street living fences should be encouraged in residential areas.

Green RoofUW-Madison Education Building

Living WallSemiahmoo Public Library, Vancouver, Canada

Green ScreenNational Wildlife Federation Headquarters, Reston, VA

Living FencesLittleton, MA


50

Green Roofs by the Numbers ● Decrease noise levels inside buildings by up

to 40 decibels ● On average reduces air-conditioning costs

by 25-50% in one-story buildings ● In warm weather green roofs can decrease

indoor temperatures 6-8 degrees ● Average costs over a 40 year span is 25-

30% less than conventional rooftop surfaces, with the investment breaking even after 20 years

● A view of green roofs increases property values of nearby buildings by an average of 11%

● Air pollutants removed by Green Roofs include Ozone, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, and particulate matter <10 microns in diameter

● Roof life expectancy is increased by 3-4 times that of a typical roof

StudiesWashington D.C.A study was conducted in 2005 by the Casey Trees Endowment Fund and Limno-Tech, Inc. in Washington D.C. to assess the contribution of green roofs to storm water and air quality improvement. Results showed that:

● Targeted buildings for Green Roof development made up only 6% of the city, yet would prevent between 297 and 1,500 million gallons of water from entering the sewage system

● Targeted buildings would provide the same air quality benefits as approximately 19,500 trees

US EPAThe US EPA conducted a study in 2005 investigating the ecological and economic effects of green roofs. The project used small-scale buildings under various controlled environments in a greenhouse. The report found that:

● Storm water runoff reduced by over 50% (nearly 95% in summer months)

● There are long-term economical benefits to green roofs, and cost of implementation is dropping as green roof materials become more readily available

Why Monroe Street?High DensityGreen building designs are highly effective for controlling storm water in high density areas dominated by impervious land cover, such as the commercial areas on Monroe Street.

Ecologically-Sensitive AreaBecause of its close proximity to Lake Wingra, managing storm water in the Monroe Street redevelopment area will have a direct impact on the health of the environment in and around Lake Wingra

Guiding Example

Monroe Street is a well-established area with high traffic and pedestrian use. Implementing green design into the redevelopment area will raise awareness about green infrastructure and issues relating to the Lake Wingra Watershed

Effects of Green Roofs on the Monroe Street Redevelopment Area

Applying the Washington D.C. Green Roof model to the Monroe Street redevelopment area produces rough estimates showing the potential benefits that green roofs would provide to buildings along Monroe Street. The total square footage of the impervious roof surfaces on non-residential buildings on Monroe Street is 391,355 ft sq. Based on the Washington D.C. model, 100% green roof coverage is equivalent to 80% of an actual roof surface area to account for standard roof

Management ToolsGreen Roofs have significant impacts on both storm water management and air pollution removal. kevinsonger.blogspot.com.


51

structures. The following charts show potential savings of green roofs along Monroe Street given different roof coverage scenarios

Green Roof Benefits on Monroe Street:

Chart 1: Storm Water

% G

reen

Roo

f C

over

age

Tota

l Gre

en R

oof

Are

a (ft

2 )

Tota

l Ava

ilabl

e R

oof

Sto

rage

(gal

.)

Ann

ual S

tora

ge

Pro

vide

d by

Gre

en

Roo

fs (g

al.)

20 62,617 96,051 1,240,30940 125,234 187,926 2,480618

60 187,850 283,976 3,720926

80 250,467 375,851 4,961,235100 313,084 471,902 6,201,544

Chart 2: Air Pollution Removal

% G

reen

Roo

f Cov

erag

e

Tota

l Ann

ual P

ollu

tant

Rem

oval

(m

etric

tons

)

Equivalention of Street Trees

O3 PM10 SO2 NO2 CO

20 .06 72.2 96.1 72.6 78.1 80.6

40 .12 144.1 192.1 159.9 156.2 160.8

60 .18 216.3 287.8 239.7 234.2 241.4

80 .24 288.2 382.8 319.4 312.4 321.6100 .30 360.4 479.8 399.7 390.5 402.2

Benefits of ActionEcology:Suggested changes to buildings on Monroe Street will have a direct impact on the air and water quality of the Lake Wingra Watershed

Economy:Long-term economic benefits are associated with Green Roofs. These include extended roof life, greater energy efficiency, decreased reliability on municipal storm water drainage systems, and increased property values.

Encouragement:Owners of green roofs will benefit through aesthetic improvements to the area and a sense of reverence from the Monroe Street community.


52

Urbanization increases the variety and amount of pollutants transported to receiving waters. These include: Sediment from development and new construction; oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from automobiles; nutrients and pesticides from turf management and gardening; viruses and bacteria from failing septic systems; road salts; and heavy metals. Sediments and solids constitute the largest volume of pollutant loads to receiving waters in urban areas. However, the sediments typically contain attached pollutants that use sediment as a transport vector to surface water.

GoalThe goal of implementing management practices is to significantly reduce pollutants including sediment, vehicle derived contaminants, household refuse, salt, and yard waste entering Lake Wingra from the Monroe Street area.

Snow and Salt UseSnowmelt causes the flow of water, sometimes very rapidly, that can collect several types of pollutants and bring them through the stormwater system into Lake Wingra. The most obvious strategy for snow management is to remove it to an area where it can slowly

melt and infiltrate to groundwater. The soil that snowmelt passes through acts as a filter to remove sediment and contaminants thereby protecting groundwater. Removing snow minimizes the risk of high runoff flow rates and volumes that can carry and transport pollutants to surface water.

There exists the conflicting need of pedestrians and motorists to feel safe while protecting both the natural and man-made environments. One means of treating snow-covered roadways, sidewalks and driveways is to apply salt (sodium chloride). Salt results in a lowering of the freezing point and results in conversion of snow and ice to water. The chloride in salt is water-soluble and does not degrade in the environment, allowing it to persist in water bodies such as Lake Wingra. At high enough

levels, chloride from salt can affect aquatic biology; usually greater than 400 ppm is considered of concern. Salt can also create salt pits on sidewalks and roads, causing them to need replacing sooner. Salt also contributes to the corrosion of cars and rails, and the killing of vegetation.

Implementation ● In some cases, sand/salt mixtures can be

used. Sand cannot act to melt snow, but acts as an abrasive to provide traction. However, the sand needs to be cleaned up, is not all that effective, and is potentially damaging to vehicles (cracked windshields, dings, chipped paint). The most effective situation for use of sand is when temperatures are too cold for snow/ice to be melted by salt. At very low temperatures, depression of the freezing point by salt is insufficient to cause melting.

● To reduce runoff from snowmelt, snow is often hauled to a central location. The snow can contain salt, sediment and various other pollutants. If salt is hauled and stacked, it is best to locate it where melt water will flow to a storm water detention area so that melt water can infiltrate rather than flow directly to surface water. For example, this is done on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus where they haul snow to the marsh area near Parking lot 60.

● Sweeping the street when there is no snow to prevent debris and pollutants from collecting in the first place.

Reduction of Pollution Runoff

ApplyingbrinesolutionThe use of brine solution can significantly reduce the use of salt on roadsSource: http://www.nj.com/

Reduction Of Pollution Runoff

53

● Use of brine solution with salt application to cut salt use in half. The brine helps the salt stick to the road and reduces the amount that bounces off the road during application or with subsequent vehicle traffic. This salt reduction technique is used on main roads by the City of Madison.

Lawn and Leaf LitterNutrients, primarily nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), stimulate algal blooms in surface water. This can come from leached leaves and grass clippings as well as sediment that is carried to surface water by runoff water.

Grass Clippings ● A single acre of lawn will yield about 3 tons/

acre of grass clippings annually ● Average nitrogen content is about 4% or 240

lbs/year

● Average phosphorus content is about 1% or 60 lbs/year

By measuring total grass area mowed, amounts of N and P produced can be estimated. If properly managed, nutrients from clippings will not be washed into the sewer and Lake Wingra. Methods to prevent this source of nutrients from exposure to runoff water can significantly reduce nutrient amounts getting to lakes. Potential prevention methods include composting of clippings and sweeping from impervious surfaces such as sidewalks or driveways onto the permeable lawn area.

Tree Leaves ● Tree leaves contain from about 50 to 80% of

nutrients extracted by the tree from the soil ● Typical yield of leaves is about 25 pounds

per tree ● Tree leaves contain about 20 pounds of N

per ton of leaves ● Tree leaves contain about 2 pounds of P per

ton of leavesUsing these values and approximate tree numbers, an estimate of the amount of nutrients in runoff potentially derived from uncollected leaves can be made. As with grass clippings, potential prevention methods include collection and composting to prevent leaching by runoff water.

Lawn Fertilizer Madison doesn’t allow phosphorus fertilizer. But it is estimated that 50% of nitrogen fertilizer

added to lawns is leached to groundwater. It is worse if added in fall when it is estimated that about 75% is leached into groundwater. To minimize surface water impacts, care should be exercised to minimize fertilizer that gets applied to impervious surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways that can wash off with subsequent rainfall. To minimize impacts, sweeping of such areas should be performed following fertilizer application.

Implementation ● Keep grass clippings and tree leaves on the

lawn to prevent chemical leaching to runoff during rain events to the street.

● Take leaves and grass clippings to a collection area for composting or home compost bin

● Vermiculture: Compost by using worms

LeafcompostingLeaf composting prevents chemical runoff and creates usable soil.http://www.modernvictorygarden.com/apps/blog/categories/show/679-compost

GrassclippingsGrass clippings contain phosphorus and nitrogen than can stimulate algal blooms in Lake Wingra.Source: http://www.altmedianm.com/grass-clippings-for-lawn-care.html


54

agents to dispose of organic waste.

Waste ManagementThe management of waste in the Madison area is provided by Waste Management™. Trash is collected on a weekly basis, with recycling collected on a biweekly basis. Standardized containers for collection are a city service and are provided to homeowners to promote efficiency of pickup.

Implementation ● Place containers in their proper place

curbside. ● Separate (and wash) recyclable containers,

separating them from waste. ● Utilize special waste drop off sites,

separating out batteries, oils and other hazardous material

● Separate out food for compost

Vehicle PollutantsVehicle pollutants, most especially oil and gasoline, are detrimental to the health of the aquatic environment when allowed to runoff into water bodies.

Implementation ● Promote less vehicle usage, especially for

short trips ● Wash car at a commercial car wash ● Wash car on permeable surface (lawn) at

home to allow infiltration of wash water ● Do not wash cars with phosphorus

containing detergents ● Car maintenance to prevent leaking oil and

gasoline onto impervious surfaces

Construction SitesConstruction sites are culprits in the production of runoff of sediment in particular. Plant cover is typically removed from the soil surface and equipment traffic compacts the underlying soil. As a result, there is great potential for production of runoff and sediment.

Implementation ● Diverting flow – Design of diversion requires

assessment of potential hazards in the event of failure and that of which will not receiving channels.

● Overland flow – filter fabric fences, straw bale fences, mulching, seeding, and sodding.

● Trapping sediment – It can vary by size, but some strategies are filter fabric barriers, straw bale barriers, temporary diversions, sediment traps, and sediment basins.

● Creating a grassed or rock waterway, or bioswale, to catch runoff.

General ImplementationPhytoremediation

● There exists the ability to use plants to “vacuum” heavy metals from the soil, which has been infiltrated with polluted runoff water, through their roots. Some plant

WasteFollow recommendations for proper placement of waste containers curbside.http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/waste-management-pledges-better-recycling-practices.html

ConstructionsiteTrapping sediment runoff from construction sites can be carried out through the use of bioswales or filter barriers.http://saveourstream.blogspot.com/2010/06/summary-of-this-posting-below-i-present.html

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Reduction Of Pollution Runoff

55

species, known as metal hyperaccumulators, have the ability to extract elements from the soil and concentrate them in the easily harvested plant stems, shoots, and leaves. These plant tissues can be collected, reduced in volume, and stored for later use.

BioswalesBioswales are storm water runoff conveyance systems that provide an alternative to storm sewers. They can absorb low flows or carry runoff from heavy rains to storm sewer inlets or directly to surface waters. Bioswales improve water quality by infiltrating the first flush of storm water runoff and filtering the large storm flows they convey. The majority of annual precipitation comes from frequent, small rain events. Much of the value of bioswales comes from infiltrating and filtering nearly all of this water. Utilizing existing natural drainage swales is preferable. Enhancing them with thicker and heavier grasses, such as that of hyperaccumulators, can allow them to better filter out contaminants.

Monroe StreetMonroe Street covers roughly 8,800 feet. The width for most of the street is approximately 46 feet. This means there is approximately 404,800 square feet, or about 7 football fields, of roadway from which snow needs to be treated or removed and to which salt may be applied during the winter months. Furthermore, leaves, sediment and vehicle pollutants collect on these impervious areas.

Salt Grass300 lbs per mile application

25 applications (1 year)

Save 20% using sand and brine

300 lbs x 1.6 miles x 25

= 12,000 lbs salt use

= 9,600 lbs salt use with brine and sand implementation

Assuming Monroe street lawn cover consists of length (8,800) by 1000 feet wide of lawn area

8,800 x 1,000 = 8,800,000 sq. ft.

8,800,000/43,560 (acre) = ~202 acres of lawn cover, or 606 tons of class clippings

= 48,480 lbs of Nitrogen

= 12,120 lbs of Phosphorus

Collecting and composting can reduce by 75%

After reduction:

= 12,120 lbs of Nitrogen

= 3,030 lbs of PhosphorusTrees BioswalesMadison has 100,000 trees on 700 miles of streets. By this assumption, Monroe street would have ~230 trees directly along the street. Assuming 25 lbs of leaves per tree equates to 5,750 lbs of leaves.

As for N and P:

= 57.5 lbs Nitrogen

= 5.75 lbs Phosphorus

Depending on the scale of a construction site it can produce a varied amount of sediment runoff. Assuming runoff from one site during construction season is 10,000 lbs, and a bioswale can collect as 90% of this sediment. 9,000 lbs of sediment can be prevented from entering Lake Wingra.


56

Introduction:According to Evergreen Canada, people have a broad range of motivations for getting involved in greening initiatives. Motivations include: community health, safety, beauty and empowerment, enhancing property values,

gaining job experience, passion for the environment, and filling unfulfilled needs.

Active, engaged citizens are “those who share a commitment to actively engage in building stronger, healthier, and safer communities” (Tisch). The College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University defines an active and engaged citizen as someone who “has a sense of civic duty, feeling of social connection to their community, confidence in their abilities to effect change, and engages in civic behaviors.”

Existing Conditions:Edgewood College:Edgewood is committed to environmental stewardship making it a role model for sustainability and innovative partnerships within the watershed

Wingra Watershed Project: The project, coordinated by Edgewood College and Friends of Lake Wingra, utilizes local leaders to inspire students to enhance their community creating a strong sense of place.

Using the watershed as a focus, students connect with the local community, gaining real-world experience with professionals. The project’s collaborative approach promotes watershed management and understanding.

Community Stewardship and Involvement:

Engaged Citizens: Volunteers participate in restoration efforts. Evergreen Canada.

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Reduction Of Pollution Runoff

57

Goals:Goals must encourage unity while defining partnership members’ roles.

Primary Goals: ● Encourage citizens to establish activities

forming community partnerships. ● Build social sustainability via community

ownership of watershed stewardship ● Use volunteers to affect change and

improve watershed conditions within the neighborhood

● Develop innovative ways to incentivize the use of green infrastructure on private property.

Secondary Goals: ● Improve water quality in the watershed ● Provide a platform for education and

research while addressing important community challenges

● Develop stronger connections between education resources, community watershed leaders, city officials, professionals, and volunteer organizations

Best Management Practices and Precedents:Incentives:Financial and permitting incentives will help stimulate innovation in and adoption of green infrastructure practices on private property. Incentives include:

● Grants for installation of green infrastructure. ● Waiving permitting fees and providing

property tax credits for green infrastructure projects.

● Charging a stormwater fee based on impervious surface area while providing incentive fee discounts for qualifying green infrastructure.

● Offering fast-track permits and bonuses to green infrastructure projects.

Guidance and Affirmative Assistance for Green Infrastructure:The partnership must proactively promote

green infrastructure through guidance and affirmative action within the watershed. Guidance includes demonstration projects, planning workshops and technical manuals. Other activities include overcoming zoning barriers, downspout disconnections, rain barrels/gardens, and green roofs. While individual actions manage a relatively small volume of stormwater, they collectively have a significant impact. The most common technical barrier to widespread green infrastructure use is uneven knowledge and inexperience. Residents must be provided with tools and materials to complete green infrastructure projects.

Citizen Involvement: Through group volunteer work or individual private efforts like private property green infrastructure, people want to get involved.Evergreen Canada


58

Demonstration Projects: Demonstration projects establish green infrastructure in public spaces such as schools to garner public support and test different technical approaches. Model Neighborhood Programs, for example, focus green infrastructure projects in communities.

Portland Small Grants Program:www.portlandonline.com/bes/index

● Provides up to $10,000 for groups seeking funding for education, monitoring, and restoration projects.

● Desirable projects demonstrate stewardship, long-term community involvement and empower the community to improve the watershed.

● Grants build capacity and supply a catalyst for community involvement and partnership.

Portland University connection:University students and faculty work with concerned parties to intertwine education with community involvement around watershed priorities. Benefits include: community-based learning for students and access to University resources via accessory programs for community members. Together, the university and community can achieve more to build social capital and enhance social sustainability.

Children’s projects are service-learning based providing hands-on educational activities. Establishing an early foundation for learning develops children’s respect for the environment. Education allows the entire community to be involved including youth, adults, and professionals alike.

● Community “Neighborwoods”: Tree stewardship program for the urban forest.

● Forever Green: Tree planting program with the city providing free trees for groups to plant on city land. **Use trees specifically

for stormwater mediation** ● Adopt-A-Road: Volunteers maintain road

right-of-ways. **Manage catch basins, bioswales and curb bump-outs*

Rain garden Cross-section: Rain gardens are prime examples of green infrastructure and ideal demonstration projects. Hitchcock Design Group.

Youth Engage: Kids love volunteering and service-learning work. Evergreen, Canada

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Community Stewardship And Involvement:

59

Kansas City – 10,000 Rain Gardens:www.rainkc.com/

● Goal: installation of 10,000 rain gardens, vegetated swales, and rain barrels in the metro-area.

● Creates awareness of stormwater, highlighting how individuals, businesses, and municipal entities can help.

● Training is provided to retailers landscapers, and city employees for $50 per participant.

Milwaukee - MMSD:mmsd.com/Sustainability.aspx

● Public education and outreach encourages businesses and homeowners to manage stormwater on site with green infrastructure.

● MMSD funds community workshops, pilot programs and provides cost-share partnership funding for green infrastructure.

● H2OCapture.com educates the public on green infrastructure, with a goal of capturing 500 million gallons of rain.

Design Guidelines and Implementation:Partners must work together to further their institutional roles while increasing community capacity.

Volunteer communities & programs:According to Evergreen, proactive and progressive citizen groups are driven by a new ‘breed’ of volunteers. This essential small group of well-educated, informed ‘super-volunteers,’ is prepared to actively participate in stewardship initiatives.

Volunteers must encourage municipalities to collaborate with nonprofit groups and develop policies providing a framework for community partnerships. Old-style “inside-out” programming is giving way to a more collaborative method where citizens and volunteer groups are as likely as city planners to drive the agenda. Municipal staff must recognize the benefits of planning with the community.

Community-Led Development Process:The community works closely with the developer through project design and development with all phases of the process involving the community. The municipality may work with citizens and volunteer groups to achieve consensus early in program development.

Where environmental groups have more stewardship program ownership, the line between the roles and responsibilities of the

Convenient Green Infrastructure: Rainbarrels quickly and easily control runoff. The Boston Schoolyard Initiative.

Citizen Science: Citzen-science programs provide great hands-on service leraning opportunities for curious individuals of all ages. Personal sketch.


60

volunteers and municipalities may be unclear at times leading to misunderstandings.

Partnership Establishment:Partnership establishment must define the program, the roles of each organization, and determine how to work together as a team.

The resulting developed unity will become part of other sectors of community involvement. The scope of work should be defined both theoretically and broadly, to provide creative opportunities. The process of relationship building should promote watershed stewardship and understanding of larger issues of human environmental impact.

“Top 10” Rain garden Plants:• Big Bluestem

• New England Aster

• Wild Blue Indigo

• Pennsylvania Sedge

• Purple Coneflower

• Prairie Blazing Star

• Cardinal Flower

• Cinnamon Fern

• Switch Grass

• Cup Plant

Community-Led Development: This diagram represents the typical process community-led development goes through. Hitchcock Design Group.

Collaboration: Teamwork is a major aspect of any partnership. Hitchcock Design Group.

Monroe Street Reconstruction - Community Stewardship And Involvement:

61

Evaluation:Primary Goals:

● Annually increase the percentage of watershed residents involved in active environmental stewardship.

● Assist in the installation of green infrastructure on at least 10 new watershed properties annually.

● Establish visible green infrastructure projects on all publicly owned land within the watershed over the next 10 years.

● Annually create at least one new innovative program to incentive green infrastructure use.

Secondary Goals: ● Decrease the amount surface runoff within

the watershed by 5% annually, averaged over three years.

● Engage at least 70% of the adult population in watershed education activities and outreach annually

● Annually develop at least one new collaborative watershed education program between the greater community and local education resources.

Rain garden Beauty: (Clockwise) Prairie Blazing Star, Purple coneflower, New England Aster & Wild Blue Indigo. Missouri Botanic Garden.


62

References

Audubon International. Accessed December 20, 2011. “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.” http://acspgolf.auduboninternational.org/.City of Champaign. Accessed December 20, 2011. “Public Works Services for Residents: Trees.” http://ci.champaign.il.us/departments/public-wwork/residents/trees/.City of Madison. 2011a. Accessed December 10, 2011. Madison General Ordinance Chapter 37, Public Stormwater System and Erosion Control. Sec. 37.05(4)(f)Rate Structure. http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/stormwater/documents/Chapter37_032311.pdf City of Madison. 2011b. Accessed December 10, 2011. The Madison Sustainability Plan: Fostering Environmental, Economic and Social Resilience. http://www.cityofmadison.com/sustainability/sustainPlan.cfmCity of Madison. 2011c. Accessed December 10, 2011. Terrace Rain Garden Program.http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/stormwater/raingardens/terraceraingardens.cfmCity of Madison. 2010. Accessed December 10, 2011. Madison General Ordinance Chapter 23, Offenses Against Public Policy. Section 23.24 Breaking or Injuring Trees, Shrubs. http://www.cityofmadison.com/dcr/documents/MGO23.01.pdfCity of Madison. Accessed December 7, 2011. ”Rain Gardens.” http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/stormwater/raingardens/. City of Madison Stormwater Engineering. Accessed December 8, 2011. “1,000 Rain Gardens.” http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/stostormwa/raingardens/1000raingardens.cfm.City of Madison Water Utility. 2008. Accessed December 10, 2011. Water Conservation and Sustainability Plan. http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/documents/ConservationPlan_71708.pdfCity of Middleton. 2009. Accessed December 5, 2011. Power Point Presentation “Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail TE Grant Improvements 2009”. http://www.ci.middleton.wi.us/city/Departments/Lands/PBC-DOT-Trail_Project/PBC-DOT-Trail_Project.htm. City of Santa Monica. Accessed December 20, 2011. “Sustainable Landscape Grant.” http://www.smgov.net/Departments/OSE/Categories/Landscape/Sustainable_Landscape_Grant.aspx.City of Woodinville. Accessed December 20, 2011. “Tree Care & Preservation.” http://www.ci.woodinville.wa.us/Live/TreePresTreePres.asp.Diekelmann, John and Cathie Bruner. 1991. Accessed December 10, 2011. An Introduction to Naturalized Landscapes: A Guide to Madison’s Natural Lawn Ordinance. http://www.cityofmadison.com/BI/NaturalLawn.pdf

Industrial Economic Copulated. 2007. Accessed December 5, 2011. Green Parking Lot Case Study: Heifer International. http://www.epa.gov/region6/6sf/pdffiles/heiferparkingstudy.pdf. Janet Batzli. n.d. Accessed December 12, 2011. “Lakeshore Natural Preserve Biocore Prairie.” http://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visit/biocore.htm Knox County Tennessee. Accessed December 20, 2011. “Stormwater”. http://www.knoxcounty.org/stormwater/.Lakesuperiorstreams. 2009. Accessed December 5, 2011. LakeSuperiorStreams: Community Partnerships For Understanding Water Quality and Stormwater Impacts at the Head of the Great Lakes . http://lakesuperiorstreams.org McPherson, E. et al. 2006. Midwest Community Tree Guide: benefits, costs, and strategic planting. USDA Forest Service. P. 99Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities. Accessed December 5, 2011. Rain Gardens A How to Guide. http://www.millcreekwatershed.org/assets/files/howto.pdf. Montgomery County. Accessed December 20, 2011. “Department of Environmental Protection: Rainscapes Program” http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dectmpl.asp?url=/content/dep/water/rainscapes.asp.Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission. 2004. Accessed December 8, 2011. SOURCEBOOK ON NATURAL LANDSCAPING FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS. http://www.jrbp.missouristate.edu/rippleeffect/pdf/SourcebookonNaturalLandscapingforLocalOfficials.pdfPuget Sound Action Team. Accessed December 7, 2011. Reining in the rain A case study of the city of Bellingham’s use of rain gardens to manage stormwater. http://www.psparchives.com/publications/our_work/stormwater/stormwater_resource/bioretention/Rain_Garden_book.pdf.Seattle Public Utilities. Accessed December 20, 2011. “Green Stormwater Infrastructure” http://www.seattle.gov/util/About_SPU/Drainage_&_Sewer_System/GreenStormwaterInfrastructure/index.htm.Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority. Accessed December 20, 2011. “Stormwater Fees.” http://www.semswa.org/fees/stormwaterfees.html.Tronto City Planning. 2007. Accessed December 5, 2011. Design Guidelines for Greening Surface Parking Lots. http://www.toronto.ca/planning/urbdesign/greening_parking_lots.htmWisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2008. Wisconsin Urban and Community Forests.Vol.16.p16Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources a. Accessed December 5, 2011. Rain Gardens A How to manual for homeowners. http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/pdf/rg/rgmanual.pdf.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources b. Accessed December 10, 2011. Wisconsin DNR News Release. http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Print.asp?id=569

lake wingra watershed: implementing the vision · 2013-08-02 · lake wingra watershed:...

Documents