Furman University
OP-27: Rainwater Management

On all new projects, Fruman attempts to use practices that reduce stormwater runoff rates in accordance with state and county regulations. When possible Furman also uses practices that allow for infiltration, which is difficult with the upstate clays, to reduce runoff volume. We use pavements and stormwater devices that trap sediment, chemicals and nutrients that are harmful.

We have the “Furman University Stormwater and Tree Protection Plan” In the past decade, Furman has used a number of different LID practices and products on a multitude of projects – both new and renovation. These include: structural grass pavement and gravel pavement, porous concrete pavement, pervious brick pavement (with underdrain filtration), native plants, solar energy, rainwater harvesting and storage for irrigation, salvaging of construction materials and stock piling for future use, low VOC paints and adhesives, bio-retention ponds and surfaces, detention ponds, grass filtration strips, buffers on both sides of Little Creek, and manufactured structures such as catch basin inserts, cyclone separators and offset bay separators. And, of course, the new Synthetic Turf Football Field that catches and slows the runoff rate, cleans the stormwater of sediment, and does not require the use of nutrients that damage the environment.

Using rainwater filtering systems to treat water prior to release (e.g. into public storm drain systems, drainage easements and water bodies). At the Shi Center, we harvest rainwater coming off of the high-pitched roof into gutters, which flow into downspouts and then proceed through underground pipes headed for the 12,000 gallon capacity cisterns. In addition, any excess water flowing from the gutters flows down 2 water chains on each side of the porch, which flow into successive bog (rain) gardens before finally reaching our lake. The water collected from the cisterns is used primarily to water the Susan Shi garden. The water from the rain chains flows into 3 small bog (rain) gardens (6 total) located below the porch. From there, they are directed underground into the large bog before reaching our lake (after filtering impurities). Various water loving plants are sustained in our bog gardens which create an environment for numerous bugs, insects and wildlife (plants such as iris', grasses, hibiscus, dwarf horse tail, cat tails, rush, etc.) In essence, a bog (rain garden) mimics a marsh, which is nature's way of filtering dirty water into clean water for the environment, while at the same time providing food and habitat for all of earth's inhabitants.

Currently using catch basin inserts in small areas that catch debris, sediment and oil and grease before it enters the drain systems. Currently using cyclone separators and bay separators that catch debris and sediment in large areas. Currently using pervious pavement (concrete and brick) that catch sediment and oils in small local areas. Currently using grass filter strips that slow down rainwater and allow sediment and impurities to drop out of the flow, and trap them there.

Retention and/or detention ponds Retention ponds are included as Swan Lake, bio-retention ponds are located at the Child Development Center and the Financial Building on Duncan Chapel Road. Not formally detention ponds, more ponding areas to reduce rate of runoff are the areas at Younts Center, Football Parking, Baseball Field, Softball Field.