Water in the West: Conserving water on a campus research farm
Location
ECC 201/203 & 205/207
Event Website
http://water.usu.edu/
Start Date
4-9-2013 6:45 PM
End Date
4-9-2013 6:55 PM
Description
The south farm experiment station was audited by the state Division of Water Quality. During the audit, it was discovered that during storm events, manure runoff was entering a nearby ditch which is a water of the State. This contaminated ditch drained into a creek, which then entered a river. The discharge rate of the runoff into the ditch at the time of audit was estimated to be 5 gallons per minute for several hours. This project addresses this issue with manure runoff using green infrastructure such as bioswales and constructed wetlands to clean and infiltrate stormwater runoff. The innovative design removes stormwater from corrals quickly, improving living conditions for animals. While maintaining all site functions (agriculture, residential and educational) it also uses strategic plantings to enhance aesthetics of the site, buffer unsightly views and increase visibility to the access drive. Recreational amenities are improved by connecting to a trail network. This project identifies ten ecosystem services that are enhanced on site through implementation of the design including: erosion control and sedimentation, water supply, waste treatment, water regulation and pollination. Because of its holistic approach, this project will improve all aspects of the site.
Water in the West: Conserving water on a campus research farm
ECC 201/203 & 205/207
The south farm experiment station was audited by the state Division of Water Quality. During the audit, it was discovered that during storm events, manure runoff was entering a nearby ditch which is a water of the State. This contaminated ditch drained into a creek, which then entered a river. The discharge rate of the runoff into the ditch at the time of audit was estimated to be 5 gallons per minute for several hours. This project addresses this issue with manure runoff using green infrastructure such as bioswales and constructed wetlands to clean and infiltrate stormwater runoff. The innovative design removes stormwater from corrals quickly, improving living conditions for animals. While maintaining all site functions (agriculture, residential and educational) it also uses strategic plantings to enhance aesthetics of the site, buffer unsightly views and increase visibility to the access drive. Recreational amenities are improved by connecting to a trail network. This project identifies ten ecosystem services that are enhanced on site through implementation of the design including: erosion control and sedimentation, water supply, waste treatment, water regulation and pollination. Because of its holistic approach, this project will improve all aspects of the site.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/runoff/2013/AllPosters/3