Green Infrastructure
Prior to the development of the University at Albany, the property was a golf course and the landscape consisted mainly of green surfaces, reducing the amount of rainfall runoff and controlling the rate of rainfall runoff flow to nearby streams and rivers. With the construction of buildings, streets and, parking lots, most of the rainfall is no longer absorbed and filtered by the land. It flows to catch basins and storm sewer systems then eventually to streams and rivers. A majority of runoff from the University is detained by Parker Pond. Left unchecked, it could cause downstream flooding. Stormwater runoff is a major cause of water pollution in urban areas. Flowing over the impervious surface, it carries with it trash, bacteria, heavy metals and other pollutants.
The employment of green infrastructure practices for stormwater management mimics the green land surface prior to development. They provide methods by which rainfall can again be absorbed by natural features thereby reducing pollution and flooding. Use of porous material for surfaces, rain gardens and green roofs allow the rainwater to discharge to the ground or absorbed by vegetation.
The University, through its Stormwater Management Policy, has directed that development of projects on campus include green infrastructure practices as much as practical, even to exceed the DEC Permit requirements. Through this initiative, the University has made great strides in the inclusion of green infrastructure practices. As examples of this Policy, the Campus Center Expansion has greatly reduce the runoff amount and the ETEC facility has little or no stormwater runoff from the site. Below are examples of green infrastructure used at the University. You will notice in the pictures of porous asphalt and concrete that sprinklers were on and there are no puddles on the surface. The following practices can be seen at the Campus Center.
Green Roofs
A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building, partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. There are several species of plants to account for seasonal changes and wet and dry weather conditions. Similar to rain gardens, green roofs reduce storm water runoff and improve water quality. Excess rainwater from heavy rainfalls events not absorbed by plants and soils, is collected by an underdrain pipe system and discharged to the storm system.
Rain Garden
Rain Gardens collect stormwater rainfall runoff from impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs. Once the runoff enters the rain garden, it is stored and slowly seeps into the ground. Rain gardens reduce the amount of rainwater that enters the storm sewer systems and provides treatment to remove contaminated material that can cause sediment and chemical pollution in waterways.
Porous Asphalt Pavement
Porous asphalt is a specific mix that has voids, which allow stormwater to enter and then stored in a stone reservoir below. The water then gradually seeps into the ground providing treatment. Rainwater does not puddle or splash and the surface is safer to walk on, especially during winter, as ice typically does not form.
Porous Concrete
Porous concrete panels allow rainfall to enter through voids and into a stone reservoir below where it is stored. Eventually, the water seeps into the sandy soils below, providing treatment. Rainwater will almost immediately flow into the panels, and does not splash up or puddle. This provides for a safer walking surface and requires less salt in the winter.
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