WPAFB Reduces Stormwater Flow Through Low-Impact Development Strategies
Sourced from Wright-Patterson AFB
Stormwater management on a large installation requires a multifaceted approach.
That includes avoiding dumping any substance down a storm drain that is not stormwater, preventing sediment runoff and reducing stormwater flow through low-impact development strategies. WPAFB has adopted some of those strategies, and there are a few new or upgraded LID areas on base.
The Environmental Protection Agency considers LID to be a management approach and set of practices that can reduce runoff and pollutant loading by managing them as close to the source as possible. LID includes overall site design and individual, small-scale stormwater-management efforts that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration, evapotranspiration, and the harvesting and use of rainwater.
Although both holistic and isolated LID practices can remove pollutants and reduce damaging stormwater flows, the thorough approach maximizes these benefits. Two LID approaches at Wright-Patterson AFB are green roofs and swales.
A green or living roof is a building rooftop partially or completely covered with growing medium and vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. Benefits of green roofs include reduced stormwater runoff and building-energy use, air-quality improvements, and support for wildlife food and habitat.
A green roof installed at Building 20802 on WPAFB appears to be on ground level but is a section of roofing over the structure’s basement. This area was recently upgraded with new succulent beds and landscape details.
From the Living Architecture Monitor
