In 2015, Sacramento State's Office of Water Programs (OWP) and Division of Facilities Management teamed with the City of Sacramento to build new stormwater management devices on campus. Major funding was obtained through a Proposition 84 grant from the State Water Resources Control Board. The City of Sacramento administered the grant; OWP provided technical oversight; and Facilities Management provided construction management services. Design and construction were performed by outside contractors, some of whom are listed below.
These devices, called Low Impact Development (LID) Best Management Practices (BMPs), reduce stormwater impacts to the American and Sacramento Rivers. Stormwater runoff from urban development is a leading contributor to water quality degradation. Following the LID design philosophy, the project team designed these BMPs to fit seamlessly into the built environment and maximize opportunities for infiltrating runoff and reducing discharges to the rivers. All of the LID BMPs in this project were designed according to the 2014 Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership's Stormwater Quality Design Manual.
One of this project's goals was to provide an opportunity for the public and stormwater professionals to see examples of how existing parking lots and streets can be retrofitted to include LID BMPs. Although retrofitting an existing urban space with new drainage systems presents many challenges, it also offers opportunities for improving the landscape. This tour lets you see these elements in a real-world setting.
Visit the project website for further details, including design plans and specifications, lessons learned, and design and construction challenges: https://www.owp.csus.edu/csus-lid/.
State Water Resources Control Board
Office of Water Programs at Sacramento State
Sacramento State
Facilities Management
City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities
County of Sacramento
Cunningham Engineering
Urban Rain Design
Dry Creek Conservancy
Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part through an agreement with the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Special thanks to the Sacramento State Department of Computer Science students who developed the mobile tour program for their senior project. Your time, insight, and patience are greatly appreciated!