Publication Date
Fall 2015
Committee Members
Michael Davidsohn, Mark Lindhult
Abstract
The impacts of development have degraded the Tan Brook to the point that water pollution and flooding issues are affecting residents and the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus as well as the adjacent Mill River Watershed. Water quality measurements indicate high levels of conductivity possibly due to winter salting. This proposed design solution includes a vegetated swale that integrates sand filters and bioretention basins. These applications within the design could reduce erosion issues and improve water quality while providing students, faculty, and staff a location for educational purposes, recreation, and respite. By embracing innovative and aesthetic solutions, the West Gate entrance could become a functional stormwater destination and identity marker that showcases the ecological stewardship founded in the roots of the land grant of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.