To conclude our analysis of water as a system, we focused on water particularly in residential areas. We focused on a sub-division in the Southwest corner of the Westcreek watershed; an area that receives headwater to the tributary. We chose this area because we recognized that the best way to control stormwater is to control the source of pollutation: at the headwater areas.

We took the treatment train approach, which is "a series of treatment measures that collectively address all stormwater pollutants."  Our mapping analysis contained hydric soil locations, topo, roads, and boundary lines (see slides below).

Our design was to create an effective stormwater control system that filtered and infiltrated water. We also created an ideal subdivision that incorporated stormwater by adjusting to hydric soils and by using porous surfaces that help absorb and filter stormwater. Swales, constructed wetlands, elevated pathways, sediment basins, and inlet/outlet areas were all used in this design.

•By utilizing existing open space within the residential fabric, analyzing existing surface conditions, and appropriating proper wetland locations and treatment train plan we were able to design new sustainable homes that were influence by and worked with the natural landscape

•In addition to new homes, a community plan of renovating residential impervious surfaces and reducing the use of pesticides is promoted throughout the surrounding existing homes

•While a single home is a near fraction of the size of other commercial/industrial uses, the density and quantity make residential fabric some of the most influential within a watershed.  By both renovating the existing, creating new, and living by example, a more diverse solution it created to the problem thus allowing for more significant effects on a more universal scale

This week we investigated the West Creek Watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains precipitation (rain and snowmelt) to a stream, river, or lake. Watersheds are influenced by soil type, topography, geology, vegetation, groundwater, and land use. 

The West Creek Watershed is undergoing many water quality issues mostly caused by NPS (Non-point source) pollution such as suburban run-off. Pesticides, fertilizers, cleaners, car washing, and waste all contribute to suburban run-off. The question we asked was: how can we effectively treat stormwater?

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has taken action in this area by awarding a $394,000 grant to the West Creek Preservation Committee to help restore the 10-acre confluence of West Creek, a tributary of the Cuyahoga River watershed in Cuyahoga County. The grant is one of seven federal Section 319 Clean Water Act grants awarded by Ohio EPA this year. The grant totals nearly $2.9 million.

Please view the following presentation for more information on West Creek and the EPA.