Project Description:
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a practice used in urban areas that promotes sustainable and environmentally-friendly stormwater capture. Washington, D.C. has a unique Stormwater Retention Credit (SRC) market that allows private property owners to earn or buy credits for off-site stormwater management, creating financial incentives to adopt GSI practices. The goals of this project are to explore and enhance current GSI practices to retain more stormwater and reduce flood risk and to mitigate impacts of runoff from impervious urban development. In partnership with Green Mechanics Benefit LLC, the team conducted research to evaluate the effectiveness of Drainblocks, a modular basalt material, in improving stormwater retention and reducing flood risk where there is a lot of impervious area. By evaluating the use of this innovative material, we aim to support its inclusion as a stormwater best management practice by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). The team also designed 30% preliminary design plans for one of four potential sites selected by Green Mechanics, supporting their broader mission to improve stormwater management and urban sustainability in the District. This project has the potential to shape how the District and cities nationwide approach urban stormwater sustainability.
