Water Runoff and its Effects at Holy Cross By: Matt Ginn, Jake Youso, Luke Barrett

What is runoff? Occurs when a surface is permeated to its full capacity so the precipitation that falls does not “soak” and runs onto the land When rain hits an impermeable surface such as concrete, or asphalt, water flows downhill due to gravity When rushing downhill, collects soil and other sediments Carries them into bodies of water (i.e. oceans, rivers)

Factors Affecting Runoff Meteorological: Type of precipitation Intensity of precipitation Distribution of precipitation over drainage basin Physical/Geographical: Land use Vegetation; soil type Drainage area

Effects at Holy Cross Located on the top of a hill The water runoff goes downhill into the Blackstone River, which is at the bottom of the hill Areas with impermeable surfaces (roads, parking lots), or without drains can be problematic to quality of the water in Blackstone River Many roads run throughout campus

Holy Cross Water would already drain downhill due to gravity, but the number of roads just increase the amount that drains into the river Water picks up soil and sediments to carry into the Blackstone River, affecting the quality of the water Science department waste would be very damaging, but luckily the waste is safely disposed

Holy Cross Due to the amount of roads and sidewalks that go through campus, must put down salt or sand in the winter When the snow melts and water runoff becomes more frequent, it picks up these sediments It is beneficial to use less salt and more sand so it is less damaging to the water

Athletic Fields Can contribute to runoff and pollution into the Blackstone River Need to use pesticides, fertilizers to keep the field tip-top Also the traffic and parking lot for fans contribute to air pollution Have drainage techniques so excess water does not damage the field

Human Influence on Runoff Not just as simple as pollution through littering Urbanization plays a big role Natural landscapes that are more permeable are replaced by roads, parking lots, etc. (impermeable) Act as catalyst to accelerate the rate of runoff to ditches and bodies of water because it cannot be absorbed More water moves at a quicker rate

Human Influence (cont’d) As a result, greater occurrence of flooding and greater polluted bodies of water Also with urbanization is the pollution put into the air through cars, buildings This pollution is not runoff, but is nonetheless damaging to the environment

Parking Lots on Campus There will always be leaks from the cars that drive through campus No real way to prevent this from happening When the runoff goes through these parking lots it picks up oil and other chemicals and carries them into the Blackstone River

Runoff Index Buildings-little to no water absorption Streets-very impermeable Buildings V.S. Streets Walking Surfaces-Somewhat better than streets, some cracks or gaps allow for water to seep through Gravel-Good, allows water to permeate Grass-The best, actively absorbs water and prevents runoff Trees-These also have an impact by taking up water and keeping soil solid with their roots

Sections at Holy Cross Section 1: Below Kimball courtyard Section 2: Above Kimball courtyard Section 3: Dorms on Easy St. Section 4: Hart Center

Sections of Holy Cross

Measurements of Campus Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Total Buildings 21150 m2 54594m2 16005.372m2 10,000m2 101749.372m2 Streets 17563.8668 m2 17, 297.37 2170m2 5,600m2 42631.2368m2 Walking Surfaces 559.45m2 4560.06 m2 865m2 5984.51m2 Gravel 1270.16 m2 1270.16m2 Grass 528.65 m2 25,350m2 25878.65m2 39273.3168m2 78250.24m2 18175.372m2 41815m2 177513.929m2 Trees 290 50

Percentage of Campus of Different Sections

Data on Different Sections   Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Buildings 53.85% 69.76% 88.06% 23.91% Street 44.72% 22.1% 11.93% 13.39% Other 1.42% 8.12% 0.00% 62.69% % of Campus 22.12% 44.08% 10.22% 23.55%

Percentages of Different Sections Area 2 Area 1 Area 3

Preventative Techniques Tree Planting Stabilizes soil Blocks Wind Soaks up water and toxins

Retaining Walls Divide slopes into smaller sections Stop the flow of groundwater Can make for a scenic look

Drains Distributes water to other areas Not very visible Improve aeration and nitrogen contents of soil Helps take toxins out from the ground

Proper Grounds Management Proper disposal of hazardous chemicals IPM program- safe chemicals to treat plants and kill insects Deicing- using small amounts of salt around campus

Future at Holy Cross New Hart Center/ Campus Center Increased building and street area along with construction will add to the runoff here at Holy Cross New challenges

Conclusion What is runoff? Effects of runoff Runoff at HC How to prevent runoff

The End The End The End