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Oakland University Selects HRC to Complete Storm Water Study February 19, 2004
HRC has been retained by Oakland University (OU) to complete a study of the University's storm water management and conveyance systems. HRC is to identify problem areas, propose and prioritize solutions, provide guidance for future development and provide preliminary design for high priority areas. HRC will also review the OU operations that may adversely impact storm water quality and quantity and propose managerial changes to mitigate impacts, improve water quality and reduce operational costs. OU is subject to the Federal Phase II Storm Water regulations and is a member of the Clinton Main Subwatershed Group that is developing a Watershed Management Plan for the area. HRC, in developing structural and managerial solutions for the University, will incorporate public education and pollution prevention opportunities to assist OU in complying with Phase II regulations and the goals of the plan. The Oakland University campus is situated in the Cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, one of the fastest developing areas in Michigan. The campus consists of 46 major buildings on a 1,441 acre parcel of wooded hills, meadows and wetlands that includes two golf courses, two biological preserves and the cultural centers of Meadow Brook Hall, Art Gallery, Theatre and Music Festival. Galloway Creek, a designated trout stream and a tributary to the Clinton River runs through the campus as do a number of unnamed tributaries and drains. Due in part to the increased development on campus and in upstream tributary areas, OU has experienced flooding, stream bank erosion, sedimentation of irrigation ponds and other problems associated with storm water over the last several years. The problems have impacted several areas including Galloway Creek and associated drains, campus parking areas, athletic fields and the golf courses. The University has completed a preliminary study of the storm water problems and has developed a Master Plan for future development. HRC's goal for the study is to provide the University with practical and cost-effective alternatives to resolve the problems; alternatives that fit into the University's Master Plan for expansion while creating education and enjoyment opportunities for students, faculty, golfers and visitors to campus. These alternatives will include innovative soft engineering techniques, such as bank stabilization with native plants, wetland and prairie creation, and the use of buffer strips, rain gardens and wet detention areas for the control and treatment of storm water. Because many of the University's storm water issues are the result of upstream development, another objective will be to explore regional mechanisms for solutions with the Oakland County Drain Commissioner's Office, the upstream communities and the Clinton Main Subwatershed Group. For more information, please contact Walter H. Alix, P.E., P.S. at (248) 454-6300 or walix@hrc-engr.com.
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