Oral Abstract Details

Author(s):
Junyi Li

Affiliation:
Graduate Student, Master of Landscape Architecture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Presentation Type:
Oral

Topic Area:
Restoring/rehabilitating terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems ltered by urbanization

Abstract Text:
The purpose of the project is to retain, collect, store and reuse stormwater in Dauphin Street area, Mobile, Alabama. This project seeks to control the quality and quantity of stormwater in the proposed area, in order to reduce surface runoff and urban heat island effect, and reutilize water. Since Dauphin Street was built in 18th century, and still has impervious surface and old stormwater system. The impervious surface does not allow water to infiltrate into the ground. Most runoff goes directly into the drainage system, and exit into the Mobile Bay. This condition could cause flooding while the system is overwhelmed by the additional flows. Stormwater management is the management of stormwater runoff, often using water retention facility, to provide controlled release into receiving streams (watertechnology.net). Stormwater runoff causes pollution, erosion and flooding problems. These problems occur because we altered the land and changed the way that water moves through the landscape. Also, because this system lacks cleaning function, it cannot eliminate pollution in the water, and thereby pollutes rivers, lakes, and the ocean. For this project, I used rain cisterns, bioswales, and porous pavement to reduce and infiltrate runoff on the site. 1) The pervious concrete replaces existing parking impervious pavement. 2) Bioswales are intended to slow, collect, clean rainfall in parking lot, also to provide shade for users. 3) A cistern was used to collect rainwater on the roof, and reuse it. After these installments, it is likely heavy runoff and water pollution would be alleviated for the chosen site. The author proposes the following seven-tiered approach: 1) The ability of these facilities to slow, collect, and clean stormwater; 2) Longevity of these facilities; 3) Aesthetic value; 4) Utility value; 5) Educational value; 6) Cost-efficient; 7) To promote establishment of regulation about stormwater management. In areas like Mobile, with heavy rainfall and massive evaporation, a solo stormwater management may not comprehensive. A combination of rain cistern, bioswales, and permeable pavement could reduce surface runoff more effectively than a single method. This paper will theoretically point out both successes and failures of this infrastructure. The proposed stormwater management method and permeable design provide a model for future planning.