Conewago Ecolandscaping for Water Quality

7/31/2019 Conewago Ecolandscaping for Water Quality

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eco landscaping for water q_fall 2011A Penn State associated, student project, in conjunction with the Co

Initiative, designed to identify green infrastructure solutions to manag

and to work with interested land owners in the Conewago Creek wate

develop such solutions for their properties.


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Vision Statement of the Conewago Creek Initiative:

The Conewago Watershed Community has envisioned a future that establishes the restored Conewago and its tributariesas a centerpiece of pride and a treasured asset in a rural landscape. This vision includes a strong agricultural community andproductive farmland, community recreation areas and vibrant, well planned communities. Pristine landscapes will be protected

while providing sustainable uses of natural resources, clean water and streams, and educational opportunities for generations tocome.


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0 2 4 miles

PA state outline

scale

1:75,000

Conewago Creek watershed

with 50 ft. contours

NORTH

PA state roads

Interstate highways

322

80

!

!

230

743

241

117

76

Elizabethtown

230

743

241

117

76

Elizabethtown

Hershey

4Conewago Creek Watershedheadwater draining directly into the Susquehanna River Watershed


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rain garden10% slope maximum

inltration + biorention + education + habitat creation + aesthetic benets

benets

-manage stormwater-lter pollutants-provide food and shelter forwildlife-little maintenance-looks beautiful-educational tool

-plants need time to establish(up to 2-3 years).-takes adequate maintenancein rst couple of years.

Costs $3-$5/sq. foot (excludinglabor)

This is not especially costly.With native plants foundlocally, it can be even cheaper.You may even qualify for adiscount on utility bills.

-low maintenance once plantsare established.-some weeding and wateringwill be needed in the rst twoyears.-perhaps some thinning in lateryears when plants mature.

Can range fromhigh level of aesIt will not look bawith less oodinon site. Nativeother natural featto creating a plea

negatives cost estimate maintenance aesthetic

6

Rain gardens can play a major role intackling our societies stormwater issues.They are designed to collect runoff froma variety of sources: roads, driveways,roofs, rain gutters, and more. Alongthe way, the water picks up sediments,debris, and pollutants, all of which canbe harming to wildlife on the other endof the storm pipe. Studies show asmuch as 70 percent of the pollution instreams, rivers, and lakes has beencarried there by stormwater (asla.org).To help mitigate this issue, as well ascollecting large amounts storm water,rain gardens also perform as excellentwater puriers. Soils and plant roots soak

up water like sponges, releasing it slowlyinto the ground as all of the sedimentsand pollutants are ltered along the way.Microorganisms take care of the l eftovermaterials, converting most of them toharmless wastes which can often beused by the plants. The idea is to allownature to take care of its own resource,rather than sending it to a storm drain,causing even more problems elsewhere.

Sources:Create a Rain Garden or Swale: ASLARain Garden: WI Dept. of Natural ResourcesHow to Manage Stormwater City of PortlandWhat is a Rain Garden: Rain Garden Network

Vegetation (preferably nativeplants better suited for theconditions)

Ponding AreaMulch Layer (optional)

Growing Medium (local soilsand sand)

Geotextile Filter (optional)

Gravel Filter (optional)

`)

-Locating a rain garden at the cornerof a road and a driveway collects waterfrom both sources.-This also allows the space to doubleas a entrance planting, and not justanother traditional design.-Placing gardens around trees lends toa cleaner edge.-Incorporating seemlessly into a yardalso means less lawn to take care.

-Plant a variety of species that

will excel at different timesthroughout the year. Raingardens must be placed wherewater drains. Locations that areoften wet or even ooded aregood considerations. If done withcare and creative thought, a raingarden can double as an attractivespace with an overlooking chairor bench.

see vegetation liston page

25

Sketches:Clayden, Andy and Nigel Dunnett, Rain Gardens,(Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, Inc., 2007)
http://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Meetings_and_Events/National_Landscape_Architecture_Month/Resources/CD_Bioswale.pdfhttp://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/GWQ037.pdfhttp://www.portlandonline.com/bes/index.cfm?a=188636&c=46962http://www.raingardennetwork.com/http://www.raingardennetwork.com/http://www.portlandonline.com/bes/index.cfm?a=188636&c=46962http://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/GWQ037.pdfhttp://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Meetings_and_Events/National_Landscape_Architecture_Month/Resources/CD_Bioswale.pdf


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bioswaleexisting grass swales, impervious surfaces, downspouts

inltration + bioretention + conveyance + education + walking trail + habitat creation

Bioswales utilize vegetation within gently-sloping channels to mimic ecologicalriparian channels and convey stormwater.Through the use of native and deep rootedgrasses, forbs, and occasionally smalltrees, bioswales mitigate runoff volumesand rates. Consequently, bioswalesreduce the necessity for conventionaldetention basins, conveyance systems,and stormwater infrastructure. Bioswalesare an especially effective stormwatermanagement technique for absorbingpollutants, removing silt, and directingrainwater. Essentially, bioswales lterstormwater and slow its rate before beingreleased into the larger watershed.

Before implementing a bioswale, severalsite variables must be considered:-The soil type (ideally uncompacted) mustenable inltration (preferably greater than1/2 per half hour);-Slopes should range between 2-6%.-The surface area of the swale shouldequal approximately 1% of the total areafrom which it is receiving water.

Sources:Bioswales: USDABioswales/Vegetated Swales: Univ. of FloridaDesign Manual: Biological Filtration Canal

(Bioswale): Univ. of California Santa Barbara

-An overow system ensures that thebioswale effectively controls extremestormwater events without signicantdamage and ooding-Vegetation should be native, dense,and water tolerant with a strongability for nutrient uptake.-In poorly-draining soils, subgradedrains may be necessary.

-Placed downhill from vehicles,bioswales collect stormwater to coolthe immediate microclimate, provideshade, lter pollutants, and createnaturalistic environments. In thisway, bioswales also create a visual

barrier, hiding parked vehicles.

-Utilize existing natural swale patterns-The effectiveness of a bioswalecan be enhanced by a check dam(perpendicular to the ow of water),which serves as a physical blockadethat slows stormwater rate while alsotrapping pollutants and suspendedsolids. (See page 9-10 for moreinformation on check dams).

benets

Bioswales increase on-sitegroundwater recharge andmimic natural processes. Indoing so, they also improvewater quality, control erosion/sediment, provide habitat, andenhance biodiversity.

Unfortunately, bioswales arenot effective on slopes thatexceed 6%. Additionally,bioswales are physicallystrenuous and demanding toimplement.

A 2004 U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers study estimatesbioswales at $0.50 per squarefoot. This cost estimate is highlyrelative; however, comparedto conventional undergroundpiping, bioswales areconsiderably less expensive.

To avoid a damaged,ineffective, and/or failingbioswale, owners mustregularly monitor and maintainerosion, debris accumulation,excessive sedimentation,seasonal plant trimming, andsoil inltration capacity.

Dense vegetationa riparian corrthat bioswales aaesthetically plconventional conveyance syst


8

design potential design considerations


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ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/IA/news/BioswalesFS.pdfhttp://buildgreen.ufl.edu/Fact_sheet_Bioswales_Vegetated_Swales.pdfhttp://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~chiapas2/Water%20Management_files/Bioswales-1.pdfhttp://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~chiapas2/Water%20Management_files/Bioswales-1.pdfhttp://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~chiapas2/Water%20Management_files/Bioswales-1.pdfhttp://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~chiapas2/Water%20Management_files/Bioswales-1.pdfhttp://buildgreen.ufl.edu/Fact_sheet_Bioswales_Vegetated_Swales.pdfftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/IA/news/BioswalesFS.pdf


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check dammost effective within a slope range of 5% - 25%

promotes erosion reduction/bioretention/inltration/conveyance/education/planting/reuse

benets negatives cost estimate maintenance aesthetic

10

-reduce rate of runoff-lter pollutants/sediment-reduce ooding-small footprint-cost effective-little maintenance-educational tool

-Design with natural features to make this tespatially pleasing as well as functional.

-Utilize existing natural swale patterns.

-The effectiveness of a bioswale can be enhacheck dams (perpendicular to the ow of wateserves as a physical blockade that slows storate while also trapping pollutants and suspende

-Most check dams work by collecting water as it runs througha swale or on a path of least resistance. This allows thefeature to regulate the ow of water by promoting much of it toinltrate and releasing the rest slowly. Other check dams actmore as simple lters.

-Features like this perform similar tasks without allowing waterto pool.

-may collect leaves, owerpetals, etc.-can only be used in a drainingarea of 10 acres or less-cannot be used in streams

The only cost is labor.

This is not especially costly.You can use recycled/foundmaterials (and plants, ifdesired).

-low maintenance once plantsare established(if any).-clean out clogs by leaves andother debris if it occurs.

Can range fromhigh level of aesIt will NOT look bwith less erosion site. Natural-lookplants will creatspace.

Check dams are an effective solution tomany stormwater issues. One of thoseissues is erosion caused by high ratesof runoff. Check dams work by catchingstormwater on its path downhill andholding it temporarily, slowing down therate. During this holding time, sedimentsthat have been churned up along thefast-paced journey now have a chanceto settle, helping to mitigate the issueof sedimentation in our streams. Otherlarge debris will be sifted out of the waterby any combination of structures and/orplants during this time as well. Further,depending on the intended purpose,check dams may also be constructed to

promote inltration, reducing the quantityof water continuing past the site. Checkdams allow the opportunity to personalizea design that ts the intentions perfectly.They can be built to look very attractiveas well as perform any number of duties.No matter what they look like, they willalways reduce the rate of runoff and ltersediment. This would make for a well-rounded stormwater technique that iseasy to build and is extremely benecial.

Sources:Check Dams: MI Dept. of Transportation

G ra ss F il te r St ri p S to ne F il te r St ri p S tr ea m

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/nps-check-dam_332125_7.pdfhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/nps-check-dam_332125_7.pdf


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recontouring slopessteep slopes + eroded slopes + roadways + non-vegetated slopes

stabilization + erosion control + stormwater dispersion

Recontouring slopes or grading of spe -cic areas can help control and managestormwater. Recontouring slopes canbe dened as adding or removing land/pavement to lessen the slope/grade ofhillsides, stream banks or roadways withthe intention of dispersing, slowing, or re-directing water ow. Recontouring alsoentails xing or crowning roadwayswhich pool and collect water.

Recontouring slopes are a viable optionto consider when focusing on these listedproblems:

_erosion of stream banks/hillsides_poor crowning on roadways

_non-vegetated hillsides_ponding or pooling of water_sheet ow and channeling ofwater

Ignoring these issues can create sedi-ment buildup for streams and rivers, cre-ate unwanted ponding of water in lowpoints on properties and allow stormwa-ter to sheet ow eroding soils and dam-aging land.

Recontouring slopes can be a costly in-vestment initially, but can have positivereturns for home owners and companiesthat have erosion or pooling problems.

Additionally, townships and boroughs areresponsible for maintaining roadwayswhich are not sloped to help preventstormwater sheet ow.

benets

-redirects water towardsdesired locations-disperses stormwater toprevent ponding-slows water ow-helps prevent erosion inareas of high water ow

-cost-need for cut/ll

-depending on the size of therecontouring area, the cut orll costs as well as equipmentcould be pricey-the cost to have a contractor

$$$-$$$$

-after reseeding or replantingmaintenance costs will be verylow-it will save costs of mainte-nance in the long run if erosionissues are addressed

-vegetation couldrecontoured areatures and colors-recontouring of increase curb app


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-Recontouring slopes help prevent erosionalong hillsides and stream banks, the diagramsbelow represent how a erodible slope will con-tinuously see problems if not addressed.The to right, a recontoured slope depicts howstormwater will reduce the waters impact andhelp alleviate such issues.

-In addition to hillsides and one must also consider built wstreets and sidewalks. Recontoroadways can also help alleviissues such as pooling or inteRedirecting water with a crowdirect water towards drains anponding.

crowning the road directswater towards drains or offsite.

-Erosion problems will cre-ate sediment or creat-ing ponding issues alongstreams and creeks.

-Recontouring the slopeswill allow for normalizedsheet ow, adding veg-etation to these newly con-toured slopes should alsobe considered.


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A berm is a slightly raised land forma-tion, which can be used to slow down ordisperse stormwater. The berm can beplanted with grasses or other plants anddirects water towards a designated areaor rain garden. Vegetated berms can re-duce the impact and speed of runoff owand can diminish erosion of propertiesand stream banks. Additionally, a bermcan redirect water to avoid pooling andcollection of stormwater.

Vegetation planted on the berm willstrengthen the land mound and can alsocontribute to other stormwater tech-niques such as inltration. Vegetation will

also add textures and can be utilized as avisual screen and noise reducer.

Berms are a cost effective way to redi-rect and slow down stormwater runoff,but should be used in addition to othertechniques. This system will not removewater, just displace and redirect. Thevegetated berm is easily constructed andrequires little maintenance.

Sources:Water and Sediment Control Basins: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.How to Reduce Stormwater Runoff at Your Home:WikiHow.

vegetated bermfast moving runoff ow + channelized stormwater ow

protects high impact sheet ow areas + diverts + redirects + channels + slows down stormwater


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-runoff ows are now buffered,reducing erosivenessdownstream-sediment settles out of runoffow, decreasing pollution-slows down sheet ow, less-ens waters impact-redirects water ow

-does not inltrate/retain waterjust displaces it-costs of cut/ll/vegetation-erosion (if high impact)-berms are vulnerable to ro-dent damage

-the cost of a vegetated bermdepends on the size and num-ber of plants-viable and cost effective solu-tion if the impact area is small

$-$$$

-after installation, little mainte-nance is needed for continualupkeep of the vegetated berm-if a planting bed is installedseasonal maintenance will berequired

-adding vegetatiodiverting barrier wtextures, colors, to a property-the subtle moundcan also highlighnew views and of a residence

-Vegetated berms can help ddispersing and reducing pooing. Larger vegetated berms reduce the impact of runoff oit to a designated area.

-Vegetated berms can providelarger plants or can set up nelighting various portions of Berms introduce very little neeasily maintained after installa


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http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/89-167.htmhttp://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/89-167.htmhttp://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Stormwater-Runoff-at-Your-Homehttp://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Stormwater-Runoff-at-Your-Homehttp://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Stormwater-Runoff-at-Your-Homehttp://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Stormwater-Runoff-at-Your-Homehttp://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/89-167.htmhttp://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/89-167.htm


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rain barrels + roof gutter systemabundant roof area + irrigation needs + grey water use

harvesting + reuse + education + conveyance

benets

Harvested stormwaterconserves non-potable water,resulting in signicant savingsregarding well/municipal waterusage.

Rain barrels do not handlesevere storms well. If notconstructed properly, storedwater mayattract mosquitoes(although this can be mitigatedby a screen/lter that alsoprevents organic matter andshingle residue)

Constructing a rain barrel is aDIY project with an especiallylow startup cost. Post-construction, users experiencenancial savings from theirreduced use of treatedmunicipal/well water

The screen/lter must becleaned regularly. The barrelmust be emptied before wintermonths. During severe storms,the homeowner must monitorwater level to avoid overow.Lastly, gutters must be cleanedat least twice annually

While rain barrespecially visualthey may berelatively easily b


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Stormwater harvesting is comprised ofthe collection (usually via rooftops) andstorage (usually within catchment tanks)of rain water. One harvesting method israin barrels, which are typically 55-gallondrums that are connected directly toa gutter/downspout system and usedfor small-scale non-drinking uses. Thecollection and storage of rainwater hastwo primary benets: conserves potablewater and thus reduces cost. Thismeans that users need not waste wateron activities (i.e., car washing) that donot require treated water. Harvestedrainwater is especially advantageousregarding irrigation, as captured rainwater

consists of no chlorides, zero hardness,and very few salts. Rain barrels even slowdown the conveyance of water when itleaves the downspout--this ensures thatstormwater does not pick up as manypollutants before entering waterways andthe downstream watershed.

Sources:How to Manage Stormwater: Rain Barrels,Portland, Oregon Environmental ServicesRain Barrel GuideRainwater Harvesting, City of Portland OregonBureau of Planning and Sustainability

-Rain barrels should be installed under adownspout nearest to where the harvested waterwill use the water within the property (i.e., garden)-The overow should drain towards existingdischarge swales--make certain that the overowdoes not drain to existing structures and buildings.-Rain barrels are typically implemented on theground level and immediately adjacent to buildings

design considerations

estimating annual

water supply via

rain barrels...

X

sq. feet collection area

rainfall (in./yr.)

12 (in./ft.)

gallons

per

year!

cubic feet

of water

per year= =...

cubic feet ofwater per year

7.43 (gallonsper cubic foot)

X

...for example

...25,3

gallons p= =

X

1000

41

12

3417

7.43X

http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=182095http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=182095http://www.rainbarrelguide.com/http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?&a=114750&c=42113http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?&a=114750&c=42113http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?&a=114750&c=42113http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?&a=114750&c=42113http://www.rainbarrelguide.com/http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=182095http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=182095


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Reintroducing vegetation and nativeplants to a landscape can help remediateand control stormwater runoff. Addingdense vegetation can help remove sheetow, reduce erosion and help inltration.Planting not only adds beauty and valueto your property, but also helps by re-ducing the amount and speed of runoff.Ground covers are one of the best ero-sion controls and include any plant m ate-rial that covers the ground surface so thesoil cannot be seen from above and raindoes not strike directly upon it.

Naturalizing areas of turf elds and lawnswith native vegetation can add new ani-

mal habitat, provide new colors and tex-tures and has the potential to cut downon maintenance costs for home owners.

The process of adding vegetation in-cludes reintroducing native grasses,shrubs and trees which allow the area torevert back to a more naturalized state.This regrowth process will then slowdown stormwater (with new root systemsand denser vegetation clusters), and re-move and cleanse sheet ow (inltratingand evapotranspiration).

Sources:

Reducing Erosion and Runoff: Virginia Tech.

dense vegetation as runoff controlturf lawns + impervious surfaces + stream banks + erosion prone areas

protects areas of erosion + turf areas + open lawns and elds + non-vegetated slopes


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-allows for inltration andevapotranspiration-requires little maintenance-vegetation adds more surfacearea (leafs, bark, roots) thusslows down and makes areasless erodible

-cost of new vegetation-time for regrowth to occur

-cost estimate depends on theamount and type of regrowthvegetation a resident is seek-ing.-costs will be high, but mainte-nance of turf will no longer benecessary, saving long term

-low maintenance costs in thelong term, initial planting andupkeep will be required

-adding new veadd new habitattextures to a prop-this technique any turf grass e

-Adding new vegetation will take tonce naturalized, the successional groassist stormwater problem zones.

-Leaf coverage, deep root systems anvegetation will help prevent stormwateby slowing the water down and disper

-The diagram below visualizes how deetation reduces stormwater in severThe percentages show how much stois removed via evapotranspiration, runoff and shallow inltration. The also compares the numbers of largetated to a more urban setting.


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http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-722/426-722.htmlhttp://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-722/426-722.html


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reduction of impervious surfacesall impervious slopes increase the rate of runoff

promotes inltration/retention/detention/conveyance/biorention/education/walking trail/planting/harvesting+reuse

The amount of impervious surfaces inour communities is the biggest problemcreator related to stormwater. Thisincludes roads, parking lots, buildinginfrastructure, driveways, sidewalks,patios, and more. Water cannot permeatethrough these surfaces. So, when it rains,all the stormwater that hits one of thoseimpervious surfaces runs off somewhereelse. When large quantities of water arenot permitted to soak into the ground,they begin to collect and ow at higherrates of speed. This causes unnaturallylarge amounts of water to enter ourstreams, resulting in erosion that destroysecosystems and displaces wildlife.

Also, the water reaching the streams iscontaminated with debris, sediments, andpollutants like car oil and engine uids.This contributes to even further damageof our streams- damage that cannot bexed immediately.

By reducing the amount of impervioussurfaces, we can promote the inltrationof water back into the ground, ratherthan relying so heavily on storm drains.This will effectively recharge groundwatersupplies as well as minimize the impactson our streams.

Sources:Reduce Impervious Surfaces: San Mateo CountyPlayful and Permeable Paving Patterns: LATimes

benets

-reduce quantity and rate ofrunoff-reduce ooding-reduce pollution andsedimentation of waterways-reduce erosion-recharge groundwater

-against what many are usedto seeing

The only cost is labor, unlesscompleted yourself.

-low maintenance-thevegetation between paversmay need to be trimmed/pruned-non-vegetative cracksbetween pavement mayneed to be cleaned to ensuredrainage

Most people woadds high aesthedone properly, itany worse than condition.


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-Much of our communities are now impervious, leaving stormwaterlittle room to inltrate back into the ground.

-Building roofs, roads, and driveways make up a large portion ofthe overall percentage of impervious surfaces.

-By implementing pervious paving projects where feasible, such asa driveway, stormwater runoff quantities could drop by nearly 30%from the impervious paved conditions.

-Water hitting the new pervious surface will no longer contribute torunoff, soaking into the ground on site. This will help to mitigate theproblems of erosion, ooding, and pollution to name a few.

Sand Base

Pavers (gaps lled with gravel or sand)

Overspill through kerb into planted area

Open Graded Base Material(course aggregate)

Existing Sub Base

http://www.recycleworks.org/greenbuilding/sus_impervioussurfaces.htmlhttp://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2009/12/playful-and-permeable-paving-patterns.htmlhttp://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2009/12/playful-and-permeable-paving-patterns.htmlhttp://www.recycleworks.org/greenbuilding/sus_impervioussurfaces.html


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green roofextensive roof coverage

education + planting

benets

Green roofs providesustainable stormwatermanagement, amenity spacesfor human use, increasedenergy efciency, andecologically-sensitive design.

Depending on roof type,building structure, and plants,green roofs are initiallyexpensive. Initial costs aremitigated by signicant returnson investment (~10% heating/cooling savings) and increasedproperty values.

Green roofs cost approximately$10-20 per square foot;comparatively, conventionalroofs cost approximately $5-10 per square foot.

Extensive roofs requiremaintenance perhaps once ayear; intensive roofs requirefairly regular maintenance forpruning, irrigation, weeding,and applying fertilizer.

Replacing shingleand/or asphalt, are an especiaupgrade regarquality. Additionagreen roofs profor human use retreats.


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Green roofs consist of soil, compost, andvegetation that at least partially cover abuildings roof. Two green roof types areavailable. Intensive green roofs createa rooftop oasis for human use. Trees,shrubs, and vegetation with deeper rootdepth requirements are present; soil is atleast 6 deep. They require a relativelyhigh degree of engineering and structuralsupport; weighing between 80-150pounds per square foot, slopes are notto exceed 3%. Contrastingly, extensivegreen roofs consist of mosses, sedums,grasses, and meadow owers atop 2-3of soil. Extensive roofs are designed tobe self-sustaining, free of humans, and

relatively easy to implement (minimaladditional structural support, if any, isrequired). Extensive green roofs can beconstructed on slopes no greater than33% and weigh approximately 15/50pounds per square foot. Because oftheir lower initial cost and relative easeof installation, extensive green roofsare more common in residential/privatesettings. Green roofs last at least 2-3xlonger than conventional roofs, increaseproperty values, and provide abundantecological benets.Sources:ASLAGreen Roof, American Society of LandscapeArchitectsRoof meadowWhat is a Green Roof? How Stuff Works

design notes

growing medium

drainage layer

root barrierwaterproof layer

roof

lter mat

-Green roofs replace impervious roofs with plants that absorb rainwater and reduce runoff rway, vegetation and soil serves as a sponge that minimizes water entering stormwater infrAdditionally, green roofs can retain 7 5% of a one-inch rainfall.-Green roofs provide outstanding ecological benets because they replace traditional buildwith landscape systems that mimic natural habitats. Additionally, they create oxygen, remopollutants, and encourage evapotranspiration.-Because of thick organic matter atop structural support, green roofs can reduce heating anenergy costs by at least 10-15%.-Especially in dense urban environments, green roofs reduce temperatures by as much as


29

http://www.asla.org/greenroof/http://www.asla.org/greenroof/http://www.roofmeadow.com/http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/green-rooftop.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/green-rooftop.htmhttp://www.roofmeadow.com/http://www.asla.org/greenroof/http://www.asla.org/greenroof/


15/26

24vegetation considerationsintroduction to vegetation uses/why native and conservation planting?

Integrated as a part of numerous tech-niques, the addition and usage of nativevegetation is a key component towardssolving and remediating stormwater con-ict zones. Vegetation can be used to ad -dress areas with problems such as ero-sion, poor soils, steep slopes, or poordrainage and has the potential to dis-perse, cleanse, and slow down stormwa-ter. In addition to aiding, vegetation canalso teach, reduce various home ownerscosts, and create native wildlife habitat.

Several plant lists have been created foreach specic technique which activatevegetation. These lists highlight specif-

ic Chesapeake Bay Watershed nativeplants. The techniques which utilize veg-etation are as follows:

rain garden

bioswale

vegetated berm

green roof

dense vegetation as runoff control

benets

-erosion control-remediation-channel/bioswale stabilizer-evapotranspiration-stormwater collection-habitat renewal-lawn maintenance

-costs-maintenance-labor (seasonally)

-depending on the size of theplanting area and the amountof vegetation to be installedcosts could range from:

$ to $$$$

-depending on the size of theplanting area and the amountof vegetation to be installedmaintenance could be a fac-tor. Planting vegetation will re-duce other maintenance costssuch as mowing the lawn.

-adding natural atation will provideand colors to a ditionally, plants new animals andthetic seasonal a


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Why Native + Conservation Planting?

Using native vegetation (plants whichnaturally occur in the region in which theyevolved) are benecial for stormwatercontrol as well as several other factorssuch as wildlife and maintenance issues.The plant lists provided only i nclude na-tive plants. Native plants have strongerroot systems, are less susceptible to dis-eases and provide natural habitat for lo-cal animals.

Vegetation List Break Down

Each plant list will be categorized into

several plant variations:

-Ferns

-Grasses and Grasslike Plants-Herbaceous Plants-Shrubs-Trees-Vines

Each plant will have useful

information:

-Characteristics-Conditions-Habitat

techniquetype:

planttype: characteristics: conditions: habita

ferns

grassesandgrasslikeplantsherbaceousplantsshrubs

trees

vines

Citation

6

8

14

18

22


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dense vegetation as runoff control/ vegetation list28

techniquetype:densevegetationasrunoffcontrol

planttype: characteristics: conditions: habitat ferns H e ig h t /F r u it Su n +Sh a de / Mo i st u r e/ Soi l Types/SoilpH

Onocleasensibilis(sensitivefern) 1'3.5'/juneto oct. fullsuntofullshade/moisttowet/ C,L,S fresh tidalandnontidal marshes,meadows,swamps,woods

Osmundacinnamomea(cinnamonfern) 2'5'/ apr .t om ay f ullsuntofullshade/moisttowet/ C , L/ 4 . 57 woods,marshes,bogs,streamsides

Thelypterispalustris(marshfern) 2'3'/junetooct. fullsuntopartial sun+shade/moist towet/ C,L,S sw amps,bogs,fields,thickets,freshmarshes, woodedstreambank

grassesandgrasslikeplants

Andropogongeradii(big bluestem) 2'6.5'/juneto sept. fullsuntopartial sun+shade/drytowet/ C , L,S/ 6 7.5 dryorwetopenwoods,prairies,swales,shores,dryopenareas

Carexglaucodea(bluewoodsedge) .5'2'/maytojuly ( b, r) p ar ti alsun+shadetofullshade/dryto moist moisttodrywoodsandfields

Leersiaoryzoides(ricecutgrass) 5'/ junetooct. fullsuntopartial sun+shade/moist towet/C,L,S/ 5.18 .8 f re sh t id alandnontidal marshes,meadows,ditches,muddyshores

Panicumvirgatum(switchgrass) 3'6'/julytooct. fullsuntopartial sun+shade/drytowet/C,L,S/ 4.58 f re sh tid alandnontidal marshes,wet meadows,openwoods,prairies

Tripsacumdactyloides(gama grass) 6'10'/junetooct. fullsuntopartial sun+shade/moist towet/ C , L/ 5 . 67 .5 s wa le s,fields,forestedges,shores

herbaceousplants

Asclepiasincarnata(swamp milkweed) 4'6'/maytojune ( p, r) f ul lsuntopartial sun+shade/moist towet/ C , L / 58 fresh tidalandnontidal marshes,meadows,shrubswamps,woods,ditches

Doellingeriaumbellatavar.umbellata (flattopwhiteaster) 1'7.5'/aug.tooct.(w) fullsuntopartial sun+shade/moist towet/ L,S openareas,woods

Packeraaurea(Senecioaureus)(goldenragwort) .5'2.5'/ a pr . t o au g. ( y ) f ul lsuntofullshade/moisttowet/ L moistfields,woods,floodplains,roadsides

Scutellariaintegrifolia(helmetflower) 1'2.5'/maytojuly (b,p,w ) f ul lsuntopartial sun+shade/dryto wet swamps, bogs,moistwoods,fields

Verbenahastata(blue vervain) 1.5'5'/junetooct.( b, p) f ul lsuntopartial sun+shade/moist towet/ C,L meadows,swamps,floodplains,ditches,roadsides

shrubs

Cephalanthusoccidentalis(buttonbush) 6'12'/julyt o au g. ( w) f ul lsuntofullshade/moisttowet/C,L,S/ 6.18.5 fresh tidalandnontidal marshes,shrubswamps,forestedwetlands,wateredges

Ilexverticillata(winterberry) 6'12'/junetojuly (w) fullsuntofullshade/moisttowet/C,L,S/ 4.56.5 fresh tidalswamps,shrubswamps,forestedwetlands

Rhododendronviscosum(swampazalea) 6.5'1 0 '/ m a yt o a ug. ( w, p) f u llsuntopartial sun+shade/moist towet/ C , L,S/ 4 6 wetfloodplain,woods,streambanks,swampedges, hillsidebogs,ditches

Rosapalustris(swamprose) 8'/ juneto aug . (p) f ul lsuntofullshade/moisttowet/ C , L / 47 fresh tidalandnontidal marshes,forestedwetlands, shrubswamp,streams

Spiraeatomentosa(steeplebush) 3'6'/julys ep t. ( p, v) f ul lsun/moisttowet/C,L,S/ 5.16 meadows, fields,bogs,swamps,lakeedges,marshes, swales

trees

Acerrubrum(redmaple) 40'1 00 ' / m ar . t o ap r. f ul lsuntopartial sun+shade/moist towet/C,L,S/ 5.47 .1 s wa mp s,uplands,rockyhillsides,dunes

Cerciscanadensis(easternredbud) 20'35'/apr.tomay( p ,v ) p a rt i alsun+shadetofullshade/drytomoist / L, S/ 4 . 57 . 5 s t re a mb a nk s

Ilexopaca (Americanholly) 15'50'/maytojune ( w) f ullsuntofullshade/moist/ C , L/ 47.5 woods

Liriodendrontulipifera(tuliptree) 70'100'/june(g,y) fullsuntopartial sun+shade/moist /L, S/ 4 . 56.5 woods,mountaincoves,lower slopes

Magnoliavirginiana (sweetbaymagnolia) 12'30'/maytojuly ( w) f ullsuntofullshade/moisttowet/ C , L,S/ 5 6 .5 f or es te d we tl an ds ,streamandpondedges,sandy woods

vines

Campsisradicans(trumpet vine) 20'35'/julyt o s ep t. ( o ) f ul lsuntopartial sun+shade/drytomoist/C,L,S/6.1 7 .5 m oi stwoods,fencerows,roadside,thickets,floodplain,streambanks,fields

Celastrusscand ens(American bittersweet) 6'20'/may tojune (g ) fullsuntofullshade/drytomoist /C,L,S/ 6.17 .5 r oa ds id es ,forestedges,fence rows,pastures,hedges

Passifloraincarnata (passionflower) junet o se pt . (p ,w ) f ul lsun/drytomoist / C,L,S fields,rockyslopes, thin woods,roadsides,fencerows,thickets

Parthenocissusquinquefolia(Virginiac reeper) 25'35'/junet o a ug. ( g, w) f u llsuntofullshade/drytowet/ C,L,S fencerows,forest edges,open woods,ravines,bluffs,cliffs

NativePlantsfor WildlifeHabitatandConservationLandscaping:ChesapeakeBay Watershed.U.S.Fish&WildlifeService.

PlantsforWetMeadowsandMoistForests


18/26

304225 Roush Road Elizabethtown, PA


19/26

32soil consideration 24225 Roush Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Rous hRd

Cr

PeB2

PeB2

359420

359420

359440

359440

359460

359460

359480

359480

359500

359500

359520

359520

359540

359540

359560

359560

4451620

4451620

4451640

4451640

4451660

4451660

4451680

4451680

4451700

4451700

4451720

4451720

4451740

4451740

4451760

4451760

4451780

4451780

4451800

4451800

4451820

4451820

0 80 160 24040Feet

0 20 40 6010Meters

40 12'18''

7639'0''

40 12'11''

7639'0''

40 12'11''

40 12'18''

7639'7''

7639'7''

MapScale: 1:1,050if printed onAsize(8.5"x 11") sheet.

Pond ReservoirAreas SummarybyMap Unit Dauphin County, Pennsylvania(PA043)

Map unit

symbol

M ap u ni t na me R at in g C om po ne nt n am e

(percent)

Rating reasons

(numericvalues)

Acresin

AOI

PercentofAOI

Cr Croton silt loam Not limited Croton (90%) 2.1 70.1%

P eB 2 P en n sh al y s il t l oa m, 3 t o

8percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Very limited Penn (90%) Seepage (1.00) 0.9 29.9%

Depthtobedrock

(0.74)

Slope(0.68)

Totals for Area of Interest 3.0 100.0%

Pond ReservoirAreas SummarybyRating Value

Rating Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

Not limited 2.1 70.1%

Very limited 0.9 29.9%


pond reservoir areas

Pond Reservoir Areas:

Pond reservoir areas hold water behind a dam or embankment. Soils best suited to this use seepage potential in the upper 60 inches. The seepage potential is determined by the satudraulic conductivity (Ksat) of the soil and the depth to fractured bedrock or other permeable Excessive slope can affect the storage capacity of the reservoir area.

Web Soil Survey: Completed Oct. 2011.

Legend:

-not limited- green-somewhat limited- yellow-very limited- red

bioswraingarden

reduceimpervious


20/26

34existing conditions4225 Roush Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022

37.5 75

2 contoursscale: 1 : 7

Ro

HerHarrisburg

Water runs off the adjacent hill side of theneighbors farm. After crop clearings, sediminfused water also sheet ows off the propover the road and into the front yard of the

Ponding in several locations along the norteastern part of the site occurs when large aof water enter the site from the adjacent ro

During larger storms, the on site creekoverows allowing water to run down hill

towards the residents home, pool and pon

Several water made channels are createlarger storms creating maintenance problethroughout the active portions of the yard.

Ponding occurs relatively close to the builtstructures of the residence. These areas aactivity zones, which should be addressed

After intense storms, the active ponds splway releases excess water creating additiomaintenance damages and allowing for adsheet ow to reach the creek.

The proposed stormwater plan must also athe over ow of the creek itself.


21/26

36337 Witmer Road Hershey, PA


22/26

38soil consideration 2

PeB2

RdB2

Cr

At

PeB2

BrB2

363480

363480

363520

363520

363560

363560

363600

363600

363640

363640

363680

363680

363720

363720

4453960

4453960

4454000

4454000

4454040

4454040

4454080

4454080

445

4120

445

4120

4454160

4454160

4454200

4454200

4454240

4454240

4454280

4454280

4454320

4454320

0 100 200 30050Feet

0 30 60 9015Meters

40 13'42''

7636'5''

40 13'29''

7636'5''

40 13'28''

40 13'41''

7636'17''

7636'18''

MapScale: 1:1,920if printed onAsize(8.5"x 11") sheet.

Ponding FrequencyClass SummarybyM ap Unit Dauphin County, Pennsylvania(PA043)

Map unit symbol Map unit name Rating Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

At Atkins silt loam None 0.4 5.5%

B rB 2 B re ck no ck c ha nn er y si lt l oa m, 3 t o

8percent slopes, moderately

eroded

None 0.3 4.4%

Cr Croton silt loam Occasional 0.5 6.9%

P eB 2 P en ns ha ly s il t lo am , 3 to 8 pe rc en t

slopes, moderately eroded

None 3.5 53.1%

R dB2 R ea din gt on si lt l oa m, 3 t o 8

percent slopes, moderately

eroded

None 2.0 30.1%


ponding frequency class

337 Witmer Road Hershey, PA 17033

Ponding Frequency Class:

Ponding is standing water in a closed depression. The water is removed only by deep pertranspiration, or evaporation or by a combination of these processes. Ponding frequency clabased on the number of times that ponding occurs over a given period. Frequency is exprenone, rare, occasional, and frequent.


Legend:

-none- red-occasional- blue

bioswraingarden

reduceimpervious


23/26

75 150

existing conditions337 Witmer Road, Hershey, PA 1703340

2contoursscale: 1 : 1500

HerHarrisburg

Water drains downhill from the northern enchicken house to the southern end. Stormwsettles before slowing draining towards thenearby tributary.

This low lying depression holds water, ena

inltrate before draining into the nearby trib

The small tributary drains southward, off thproperty. Any sediments and pollutants curon-site are transported throughout the watthe Susquehanna River, and ultimately intoChesapeake Bay.

Vast quantities of stormwater drain off the chicken house and quickly drain into the lonatural swale, which is currently free of vegConsequently, stormwater freely runs dowvegetation is present to reduce erosion, eninltration, and slow runoff rates.

This low-lying area ponds during moderateand is especially vulnerable to ooding dursevere rainfalls.

Runoff from residential building roofs causforested depression to collect standing rai

Collecting water from the pond, a small tribdrains southwest/south in between the chihouse and the residential buildings. This stributary is easily overwhelmed when collerainwater from adjacent buildings and f rom

42


24/26

422405 Mill Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022

44


25/26

44soil consideration 2

Conewago Creek

Mi l

lRd

Hertzle

rRd

NsD

361600

361600

361620

361620

361640

361640

361660

361660

361680

361680

361700

361700

361720

361720

361740

361740

4448780

4448780

4448800

4448800

4448820

4448820

4448840

4448840

4448860

4448860

4448880

4448880

4448900

4448900

4448920

4448920

4448940

4448940

4448960

4448960

4448980

4448980

0 70 140 21035Feet

0 10 20 305Meters

40 10'47''

7637'26''

40 10'40''

7637'25''

40 10'40''

40 10'47''

7637'32''

7637'32''

MapScale: 1:996ifprinted onAsize (8.5"x11") sheet.

Ponding FrequencyClass SummarybyM ap Unit Dauphin County, Pennsylvania(PA043)

Map unit symbol Map unit name Rating Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

N sD Ne sh am in yv er y st on y s ilt l oa m, 8 to

25percent slopes

None 2.5 100.0%


ponding frequency class

2405 Mill Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Ponding Frequency Class:

Ponding is standing water in a closed depression. The water is removed only by deep per

transpiration, or evaporation or by a combination of these processes. Ponding frequency clabased on the number of times that ponding occurs over a given period. Frequency is exprenone, rare, occasional, and frequent.


Legend:

-none- red-occasional- blue

bioswraingarden

reduceimpervious

46


26/26

46existing conditions2405 Mill Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022

37.5 75

2contoursscale: 1 : 600

Mil

HerHarrisburg

Water runs off the hill toward the adjacent road, buildings.

Runoff may concentrate in the driveway from vacontinuing downhill with collected pollutants andfrom vehicle trafc.

The historic Mill Race channels water downhill.

Water uses the road as the path of least resistacollecting pollutants along the way.

Ponding most denitely will occur from various sLocated between a road and a structure, it has relative low point aside from the creek.

Ponding may also occur here, with the historic Mleading water from uphill toward this location.

Conewago Creek is the draining vein of the watsites stormwater eventually travels to this pointpicked up along the route and the issues it can problems at hand.

Documents

Conewago Ecolandscaping for Water Quality