Bioretention Systems
Slavin Center Bioretention System
This was the first Bioretention basin system on campus designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff from a 3.5 acre subwatershed, including the Slavin Center lobby roof, walkways and landscape areas-on the south side of Slavin Center, and half of Hendricken Field.
KEY DESIGN FEATURES
Treatment Type: Filter
Drainage Area: 86,249ft2 (1.98 ac.)
Drainage Area Imperviousness: 24%
Water Quality Volume (WQv): 1706ft3 (12,761 gal.)
Treatment Volume (1″): 1,706 ft3 (12,761 gal.)
Ruane Center Bio-swale
The Ruane Center bio-swale manages stormwater while creating an outdoor classroom and living biology laboratory for student teaching. Rainwater that falls on the Ruane Center roof goes into roof downspouts, through underground piping and discharges into the new bio-swale located behind the Science complex. This bio-swale addressed the Narragansett Bay Commissions regulatory requirements to manage stormwater runoff associated with new construction projects like the Ruane Center. In addition to addressing the regulatory aspects of stormwater management, the College took the opportunity to create a living laboratory for student learning. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety worked with Biology professors, Maia Baily and Patrick Ewanchuk to select native plant species for classroom and laboratory teaching. The new bio-swale mitigates stormwater runoff while expanding student hands-on learning. The bio-swale also has a nature path, bike rack and outdoor classroom space for the enjoyment of the whole College community.
Chapin Bio-swale
Campus stormwater management efforts rise to the surface again
