STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND USING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURES ON SUNY NEW PALTZ CAMPUS

Hurricane Irene in 2011 caused severe damage to upstate New York from flash flooding and torrential precipitation. This study focuses on the potential for flooding on the SUNY New Paltz campus, using Hurricane Irene as a model, and the use of green infrastructures to prevent the problem. Green infrastructure refers to a variety of ideas that use natural structures (plants, rocks, trees, etc.) instead of pipes to manage storm water runoff. For the purpose of our project, we selected two locations on campus (hotspots) that have proven to be vulnerable during intense rainfall. We conducted several tests including calculating probable maximum precipitation, soil chemistry tests and estimating runoff. We also used a Geographic Information System to show three dimensionally the different physical features and elevations of our hotspots. With this information, we recommend using green infrastructure, because of its many advantages such as its affordability, its natural appearance and its effectiveness, to avert future flooding.