STORM WATER CHALLENGE INFO

Introduction

What is storm water runoff and why is it a problem?

Storm water runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt is unable to soak into the ground due to impervious surfaces, such as driveways, rooftops, parking lots and streets. Unmanaged storm water runoff can lead to erosion and flooding that may damage homes and landscaping, make travel dangerous and harm wildlife habitats. As it moves over the land, storm water runoff picks up pollution and flows to storm drains, most of which empty directly into streams that we rely on for drinking water and recreation.

How does storm water pollution impact local waterways and the environment?

Polluted storm water drains to drinking water sources, which can threaten public health and increase drinking water treatment costs.
Bacteria can wash into swimming and fishing areas, creating health hazards.
Sediment can cloud the water and smother habitats needed by fish and other aquatic life.
Household hazardous wastes, such as pesticides, paint and used motor oil, can kill wildlife.
Nutrients from excess fertilizer can wash into streams, leading to algae blooms and other problems in local bodies of water that make it difficult for fish and other aquatic life to survive.

Why did SD1 implement a regional storm water management program?

Under the Clean Water Act, the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) requires designated communities to provide services to manage storm water runoff. Prioritizing customer service, more than 30 Northern Kentucky cities and counties recognized that a regional approach to storm water management is more efficient and cost effective for our communities. These cities and counties sought SD1’s expertise and signed an agreement to partner with SD1 on storm water management.

What are Storm Water BMPs?

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are practices put in place to control storm water runoff and reduce water pollution.

Take a Closer Look, Try Virtual Runoff Simulation!

Click the link below to use a virtual runoff simulator to see how changes in rainfall amount, the surfaces on which the rain falls, and soil texture change where the water goes.

https://runoff.modelmywatershed.org/

SD1 STORM WATER CHALLENGE OUTLINE

Students will learn the importance of storm water management in their community.
Students will explore their school site (physically and/or virtually) to better understand storm water management on their school campus.
Students will identify areas for improving storm water management on their school campus.
Students will investigate BMPs as solutions to improve storm water management on their school campus.
Students will propose a Storm Water Design Project to improve storm water management on their school campus.

SW Challenge Step-by-step guide.pdf

Storm Water Design Project- Proposal Requirements

Storm Water Design Project proposals should include individual or grouped storm water BMPs that manage storm water runoff generated from the first 0.4 inches of rainfall as required by SD1 for redevelopment projects.

- Designs should be realistic and:

a) be built within a reasonable time frame

b) cost-effective

c) manage storm water for maximum impact

Storm Water Design Project proposals should include a project narrative and a visual presentation piece.

Requirement = 1 Project Narrative + 1 Visual Presentation Piece

Project Narrative:

Each team must prepare a project narrative. Project narratives will be evaluated based on the quality of the content - not the quantity of content.

The project narrative should include the following:

A description of the storm water design including site considerations.
Approximate size/dimensions of the storm water BMP(s).
Calculations for the amount of the storm water runoff from impervious area that is being managed by the proposed storm water BMP(s).
A cost estimate showing approximate construction costs of the storm water BMP(s). Cite your cost estimate sources.
A description of the benefits provided by the proposed storm water design.
A general maintenance plan.

Submit as an electronic pdf.

Visual Presentation Piece:

Each team must prepare a visual presentation piece. Visual presentation pieces will be evaluated based on both quality of content presented and creativity.

Goals of visual presentation-

Focus on visual elements and limit the amount of text. The visual presentation piece should enhance, not duplicate, the project narrative.
Provide a visual understanding of the project narrative.
Persuasive in illustrating the potential environmental, economic, and social benefits of the project.
Show what sets your project apart from the rest and why you believe it should be implemented.

The visual presentation piece should include one (or more) of the following:

Design Board
Slide Presentation
Video Pitch

Design Board

A one-page illustrated vision of the project and design proposal.

Includes a site plan or view of project area from above as if you were looking directly down onto the design or project site.

Include site images or sketches, conceptual drawings, and/or graphics representing the design and anticipated benefits.

Submit as an electronic PDF.

Slide Presentation

A "PowerPoint" style slide presentation of project and design proposal.

Include project site images, sketches, conceptual drawings, and/or graphics representing the design and anticipated benefits.

Submit as a slide presentation.

Video Pitch

A video pitch about the project and design proposal not to exceed 5 minutes.

Include live site tour, conceptual drawings, and/or graphics representing the design and anticipated benefits.

Creative style are at the discretion of the student team.

Submit as a mp4 file.

Design Board Image Credit: University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) - 2019 Campus "RainWorks" Challenge

For Storm Water Design Project presentation inspiration, click here to see EPA Campus RainWorks Challenge past winners!

Evaluation Criteria

Student Storm Water Design Project proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Content 30%

Does the project include a description of existing site conditions, proposed storm water management approaches, and overall project goals?
Does the design contain schematics/drawings/sketches of the storm water BMP(s)?
Does content in the project narrative and visual presentation complement one another and give the viewer a cohesive understanding of the design elements and desired performance?

Function 30%

Is the proposed BMPs appropriate for the site, does it fit the site?
Does the design effectively use storm water BMPs to capture and treat storm water runoff on site to improve local water quality?
Does the proposed project include storm water runoff calculations?

Feasibility 30%

Is the design constructable in a reasonable timeframe?
Does the proposal include a cost estimate for the proposed project? Is the design cost-effective?
Is project design maintenance achievable?

Creativity 10%

Is the visual presentation original and creative? Does it illustrate the environmental, economic, and social potential of the project in a unique way?

Components of SD1's Storm Water Challenge are adapted from the "EPA Campus RainWorks Challenge".

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-07/documents/final_2019_competition_brief_508.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/2019-campus-rainworks-challenge-results

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