By Noora Youssefi, Leadership Academy, Walter Johnson High School
Excess stormwater runoff is a growing issue in urban parts of Montgomery County. Density is increasing, houses are being built, and waterbodies are suffering from nutrient overload. One community is making a dent to reduce their stormwater runoff by using low impact development (LID) techniques. LID is a stormwater management approach with the primary purpose of mimicking the natural process that results in infiltration, the process of precipitation or water soaking into the soil, and protecting water quality.
Enhancing the Green on Greenery Lane
Glen Waye Gardens Condominiums (Glen Waye) is a multicultural multifamily property in Silver Spring, MD. Originally built in the 70’s, the condo complex resides on a 55-foot slope of primary clay and compacted soil. The community regularly experiences great stormwater runoff episodes, erosion, and ponding at the bottom of the property. Vicki Veregani, property manager, the Glen Waye Board of Directors, residents of Glen Waye, made a decision to create a more environmentally sustainable community through low impact development. The group began implementation projects to work with nature and manage stormwater as close to its source as possible. Glen Waye teamed up with Bethesda Green to engage community members via hands-on opportunities to participate in greening projects to showcase and promote a successful stormwater management project as an example for other multifamily communities in the region. Glen Waye undertook three major projects to reduce their stormwater runoff. The ultimate goal of these projects was to keep 80% of rainwater on the property and absorb into the ground. First, a reforestation project, about 200 young trees were added to the property. Second, six concrete pads and rainwater collection cisterns were installed. And finally, a conservation landscaping project, about 160 plants, and trees native were planted. The installations encourage resident education about the stormwater issues occurring on the property. Together, the residents, Glen Waye, and Bethesda Green made a positive impact on the local ecosystem by reducing the flow of stormwater into local rivers and waterways.
Implementation
To address the issues, the Glen Waye Gardens and Bethesda Green to:
- Install cisterns to reduce the runoff at Building 2310 (show in picture)
- Design and install a conservation landscaped area of the property to slow down runoff and allow for absorption.
- Restore productivity to an existing urban woodland of approximately half an acre.
Costs
Glen Waye and Bethesda Green received a $32,000 grant from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection through the Chesapeake Bay Trust, provided by the Montgomery County Water Quality Protection Fund. The grant covered the majority of expenses, but Glen Waye incurred additional costs that arose such as the purchase of 6 more cisterns, other labor, extra materials and landscaping costs. The additional expenditure requires upfront commitment but pay off in long-term economic such as the removal of significant stormwater runoff thus protecting the community buildings from damage and surrounding erosion. Storing water for later use reduces watering costs for the community and reduce landscape costs. Conservation landscaping and reforestation provide wildlife habitat and food for pollinators and birds.
Technical Assistance
After Glen Waye had planted the trees, the next steps for tree maintenance were uncertain. Enter Tree Montgomery, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) program which provides shade trees for homeowners in Montgomery County. Tree Montgomery provided goals and next steps for Glen Waye staff and volunteers. The result was healthy trees moving forward. Additionally, DEP’s RainScapes program met with Glen Waye staff and provided countless hours of guidance to reduce stormwater, selected plants, and planting areas, provided technical expertise and future project ideas. This project was not possible without the assistance of the knowledgeable staff at DEP. Thank you, DEP!
Moving Forward
In a recent interview with Ms. Veregani, she indicated the condo complex is looking to engage in additional low impact development methods. The group would like to apply for another Chesapeake Bay Grant to fund adding more cisterns. Other sustainability efforts on the property could include keyhole composting, small gardens and more recycling options. Furthermore, the Board of Directors will be adding one conservation activity each year until 2019. One option for conservation plantings is incorporating flowers like daffodils and allium for pleasant splashes of color.
Be sure to also check out this video of the Glen Waye Gardens stormwater management project!
