Use of green roofs for ultra-urban stream restoration in the Georgia Piedmont (USA)

Author(s)
Carter, Timothy L.
Rasmussen, Todd C.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
Associated Organization(s)
Supplementary to:
Abstract
Stormwater management has tra- ditionally focused on the use of conveyances to quickly move stormwater runo from urban cen- ters into nearby rivers, streams, and lakes. The increased ow caused by impervious surface cover (ISC) leads to runo rates that are ampli ed by kinematic processes as they travel through the mu- nicipality's stormwater system. Elevated runo vol- umes and rates lead to high pollutant transfer and al- tered hydrology that adversely a ects urban stream ecosystems, water quality, and human health. Vegetated roof cover provides a means for re- ducing stormwater runo , while providing additional aesthetic and environmental bene ts. We tested vegetated roof plots at the Boyd Graduate Studies Building on the campus of the University of Geor- gia from October 2003 to the present for their e ec- tiveness in reducing stormwater ows. Performance results were found for a large range of storm events. Spatial analysis was performed in an urban water- shed (Tanyard Branch watershed in Athens, GA) to evaluate widespread green roof implementation. Re- sulting management scenarios are discussed.
Sponsor
Sponsored by: Georgia Environmental Protection Division U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute The University of Georgia, Water Resources Faculty
Date
2005-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings
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