Pollution Reduction Project 2015
This project included stormwater management practices that helped reduce pollution at Saint Cloud State University.
Project After the Native Plantings
Year Completed:
2015
Major Watershed:
Mississippi River Saint Cloud
St. Cloud State University Q‐Lot is a parking lot made up of 8 acres of gravel and asphalt. These impervious surfaces did not allow for rainfall or snow melt to soak into the ground. The water ran off directly into the storm sewer system which flows straight into the Mississippi River. SCSU staff frequently witnessed sediment plumes, the color of chocolate milk, at the storm sewer outfalls. The storm water carried with it sediment, bacteria, automotive fluids and other pollutants. The goal was to reduce the pollutant load entering the Mississippi River from Q‐Lot by capturing and treating the first inch of rainfall in a treatment train of best management practices.
Components:
Pretreatment Stormwater Pond
Biofiltration Basin
Native Planting
Over 8,000 Native Plant Plugs
Control Valve on Basin Tile Outlet
Benefits:
Clean Water Leaving Site
Pollinator Habitat
Pollution Reduction Estimates:
TSS: 1.92 tons/yr.
Phosphorus: 12.25 lbs./yr.
Partners on this project included Saint Cloud State University, Stearns Conservation District, City of St. Cloud, and the Conservation Corp of MN and Iowa.
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