Research
Publication Date
2013
Abstract
The Tan Brook is a heavily channelized stream that runs through an urbanized watershed in Amherst, MA. It poses a stormwater management problem for the University of Massachusetts Amherst due to flooding of soccer fields and erosion of a drainage ditch. The purpose of this study was to estimate reductions in runoff volume to the Tan Brook based on the hypothetical implementation of permeable pavements in various combinations of parking lots, driveways, roadways, and sidewalks, which cover 26% of the watershed area. A spreadsheet model-based approach utilized the Watershed Treatment Model to estimate runoff volume. The percent imperviousness of various land uses was altered to model permeable pavements. Total replacement of parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and driveways were found to reduce runoff by 18%, 15%, 12%, and 3%, respectively. Recommendations were made to begin replacing parking lots on the UMass Amherst campus and Town of Amherst property.
Comments
Prepared as an Undergraduate Honors Thesis