University of Michigan
OP-23: Rainwater Management

Site Sustainability is a broad topic that addresses specific local and regional environmental issues related to buildings, landscape, hardscape, and exterior building and site issues. Sustainable site practices at U-M include eliminating mowing in perimeter areas, utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, removing invasive species from campus wood lots, employing alternative snow removal techniques, and administering a stormwater management and pollution prevention program. In an effort to enhance existing sustainable site practices, design guidelines have been revised and developed to coordinate with existing regulations and to recommend site specific strategies and Best Management Practices (BMPs). The design guidelines include recommendations regarding limiting paving, utilizing porous paving materials, an enhanced storm water management program, and information to assist in the selection of sustainable site materials. Also, additional guidelines for landscaping will be established which will focus on drought tolerant vegetation, native and non-invasive species, and enhanced IPM techniques. Examples of low impact development include: Ingalls Mall Underground Infiltration Basin: http://ehs.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2017/08/Post_const_brochure_INGALLS.pdf Munger Graduate Residence Hall Infiltration Measures: http://ehs.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2017/08/Post_const_brochure_Munger.pdf The C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital: A vegetative roof to reduce storm water run-off, reduce heat island effect, and create a natural habitat. Storm water infrastructure (collection) and management to minimize run-off and avoid impact to neighboring Nichols Arboretum. Landscape Plan uses native plants and plant varieties acclimated to the Ann Arbor climate zone. http://www.umaec.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MottSustain.pdf

The Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMPP) is prepared as a requirement of the University’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Discharge Permit. This permit is issued to the University of Michigan (UM) by the Michigan Department Environmental Quality (MDEQ). Our SWMPP describes measures, procedures and practices that UM will utilize to minimize the discharge of pollutants from campus into the stormwater drainage systems and adjacent receiving waters. U-M employees several Best Management Practices (BMP) designed to reduce storm water impact on the Huron River. Examples of BMPs include bioretention systems (i.e. raingardens), constructed wetlands, detention and retention basins, swales, green roofs, hydrodynamic separators and swirl concentrators, infiltration devices, level spreaders. And permeable and porous pavement.