Second regional stormwater detention basin to be built at U-M
ANN ARBOR, Mich.Stormwater control on the
University of Michigan's North Campus will be enhanced this
fall when a new stormwater detention pond and piping system will
be constructed following today's project approval by the Board
of Regents.
The new detention area will be designed as a naturalized
wetland system that will be fed from the new piping system encircling
the north campus core area. It will retain rainwater in a manner
that promotes evaporation and infiltration to minimize the discharge
to the stormwater system and ultimately the Huron River.
"The detention system, which will stretch
from Bonisteel to Fuller roads, will collect the water from rain
events," said Susan Gott, University Planner. "While
retained in the pond, some of the water will evaporate, some will
seep into the ground, some will remain in the wetland area, and
after a few days, a smaller amount will flow through the existing
piping system and into the Huron River.
"This system will address some of the flooding
issues we've faced in the lower portions of north campus,
provide a wonderful area for wildlife habitat and naturalized plantings,
while also reducing the run-off flowing into the city's stormwater
system."
The detention area will be the second regional
holding facility built at U-M to address stormwater management.
A million-gallon detention basin was built in the Palmer Drive Development,
below the new parking structure, to collect and detain stormwater
from areas of the central campus. Regional controls minimize the
need to install stormwater detention systems at each facility, creating
efficiencies in operation.
Staff from U-M's Occupational Safety and
Environmental Health Department (OSEH) have been instrumental in
coordinating the University's stormwater management efforts.
"We've been collaborating with staff at the city of
Ann Arbor and with our consultants to engineer solutions to our
flooding challenges," said Terry Alexander, OSEH Director.
"This new project on north campus will provide an outdoor
amenity for students and staff to enjoy, while enhancing our environmental
stewardship responsibilities."
The project is estimated to cost $2.8 million,
which will be funded from capital investment proceeds. Construction
is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed in late fall.
Contact: Diane Brown
Phone: (734) 936-2323
E-mail: dianebr@umich.edu