INTEGRITY MEDIA: A MODEL FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Kina
M. Horne, Department of Earth Sciences,
Recent
development in the Dog River Watershed has had significant effects on
the
amount of sediment and other pollutants entering the river through
stormwater
runoff. There are measures that can and should be
taken
in order to reduce this runoff. These measures are included in
stormwater
management. Unfortunately, many construction sites do not properly
incorporate
these practices in their planning. However, the Integrity Media
Corporation,
based in
Keyword: Stormwater
management,
Introduction
Sediment runoff, the nation’s largest single water pollutant, and other pollution caused by poor stormwater management are some of the most pressing issues concerning the Dog River Watershed. Stormwater runoff refers to the “water flowing over the land during and immediately following a rainstorm.” Stormwater management involves implementing measures to control the flow of water to prevent flooding, pollution, and erosion (Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee 2003).
Unfortunately, not all sites within the Dog River Watershed are planned with these measures in mind and many sites that do employ these techniques have problems with improper installation and lack of maintenance (ADEM 1995). This results in the loosening and transport of sediment into the water. This sediment, and the pollution that travels with it, impacts the aquatic habitat leading to changes in species populations and potential loss of sensitive species (USEPA 1999).
One
company that
has taken the proper measures to avoid this degradation is Integrity
Media. The
Integrity Media Corporation is a company that produces, publishes
and distributes Christian music, books and films (Integrity Music
2005). It is
located at
The Integrity Media Corporation is not the only company to effectively employ these measures. Even large corporations are taking steps to decrease the amount of stormwater runoff on their sites. For example, Wal-Mart has created a new stormwater compliance program which includes EPA certified training for general contractors, frequent site inspections, and financial incentives (International Erosion Control Association 2005).
Research
questions
What measures has the Integrity Media Corporation included in its site design to effectively manage stormwater runoff? How have each of these measures helped to decrease the negative effects stormwater runoff? Also, why did the company choose to include these measures in their design?
Methods
This project was composed of three parts. First, I went out on the site to see the general layout and look at some of the measures the company took to address the issue of stormwater runoff. Second, I conducted archival and Internet research in order to compile information regarding the specific measures implemented at the site. I searched for such terms as: stormwater management, urban design, and Best Management Practices. Finally, I interviewed Don Mayes, the Vice President of Business Affairs at Integrity Media, who was head of facilities and development at the time of construction and who supervised the entire project. He gave me a tour of the site and told me about the design and construction process.
Results
Integrity Media made the decision to incorporate many of the existing trees into their design (Figure 2). This use of selective tree removal on the site has helped prevent erosion in a couple of ways. First, mature trees have extensive root systems which help to hold the soil in place. Second, tree canopies provide shade to the soil below keeping it from drying rapidly, which makes it more susceptible to erosion.
Integrity Media included a large amount of landscaping in their design (Figure 3). The use of vegetation for landscaping reduces the erosion potential of an area in several different ways. Vegetation shields the soil surface from the direct impact of raindrops, reducing the amount of sediment loosened. It also disperses the flow of water, reducing its velocity thereby reducing erosion and allowing for
sediment deposition (Dodson 1999).
One
of the main
focal points on the Integrity Media site is the detention pond (Figure 4). Detention
ponds serve to slow the rate of flow of surface runoff (
There are three main reasons why the Integrity Media Corporation included these measures in their site design. The first reason has to do with aesthetics. They wanted to maintain the lush green that existed before the site was developed. They feel that it helps to create a campus feel. Second, as a Christian company, they felt a sense of responsibility to their environment and to their community to help preserve the quality of the watershed. Finally, they had to comply with some governmental regulations. For example, they were required to create a detention pond. However, the company went above and beyond the requirement by increasing the size of the pond and installing a fountain.
Conclusions
The Integrity Media site shows that it is possible to create a beautiful site while taking into account the factors that ultimately affect the water quality in the Dog River Watershed. Their use of selective tree removal, landscaping, and drainage pond helps to prevent further degradation of the watershed. The Integrity Media site should be presented as the standard for planning and construction for stormwater management in the Dog River Watershed. From my interview with Don Mayes, it seems that there is a great lack of education on the part of developers in regards to stormwater management practices. There needs to be more stormwater management education for planners and developers. This is perhaps something that the Dog River Clearwater Revival could address.
There are many questions left unanswered regarding stormwater management in the Dog River Watershed: Why do so many other sites choose not to implement these measures? What can be done to increase their use? Should there be some kind of incentive program for construction companies to persuade them to use these techniques? Unfortunately, these questions are outside the scope of this study, but perhaps someone else could pick it up from here.
References
Cited
Alabama Department of
Environmental
Management (1995, November). A survey of the
control,
sediment
control, and stormwater management on construction sites and urban areas.
Dodson, R. D. (1999). Storm water pollution control (2nd
ed.).
Integrity Music (2005).
Company History. Retrieved
International Erosion Control
Association
(2005). Impact of Wal-Mart’s stormwater compliance program
may spread
throughout the industry. Retrieved
Mayes, Don (2006). Personal
Interview.
Mays, L. (2004). Stormwater
management tools.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
(1999). Preliminary
data summary of
urban storm
water best
management practices.
