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

2. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. Sections of Holy Cross

17. Measurements of Campus
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Total
Buildings
21150 m2
54594m2 m2
10,000m2 m2
Streets m2
17,
2170m2
5,600m2 m2
Walking Surfaces
559.45m2 m2
865m2 m2
Gravel m2 m2
Grass m2
25,350m2 m2 m2 m2 m2
41815m2 m2
Trees
290 50

18. Percentage of Campus of Different Sections

19. 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%

20. Percentages of Different Sections
Area 2
Area 1
Area 3

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

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

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

27. 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

28. 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

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

30. The End The End The End