NTM was contracted to provide a Stormwater Management Feasibility Study as part of an overall feasibility study for a proposed West Campus parking structure roadway connection to West College Avenue. In addition to the parking structure and roadway connection, the stormwater management feasibility study evaluated full buildout of West Campus in accordance with the 2006 West Campus Masterplan.
The feasibility study investigated alternatives for meeting regulatory requirements for peak runoff, water quality, and runoff volume. Penn State stormwater policy and state and local stormwater regulations were reviewed and used as a basis for the analysis.
One project goal was to minimize the footprint required for new stormwater facilities. To meet this goal, modifications to the existing West Campus Basin were proposed. Three basin scenarios were considered; (1) peak runoff rate control only; (2) peak runoff rate control and water quality management; and (3) peak rate control, water quality, and volume management. Each of these scenarios were evaluated considering full West Campus buildout within the West Campus Drainage Area in accordance with the 2006 West Campus Masterplan.
Several alternatives for volume and water quality management were also evaluated. Volume management alternatives included storm runoff reuse and ultra-extended detention. For re-use, NTM explored the option of capturing and pumping runoff to the adjacent golf course pond for storage and use as irrigation water. Three alternatives for managing the golf course reuse water were considered. Cost estimates were prepared for all alternatives.