Georgia Institute of Technology
OP-22: Rainwater Management

Georgia Tech’s commitment for Low Impact Development (LID) practices strives to achieve the optimal level of stormwater improvement with its main objective of reducing the storm-water footprint of the campus to that of 1900 levels. In the Landscape Master Plan it suggests we design to meet 1950 stormwater runoff levels, however it was determined when the Stormwater Master Plan was being developed the runoff flows were determined to be very similar to the 2003 levels so we lowered the runoff goals to be similar to 1900 levels, which constitutes a 50% reduction from 2003 levels. In order to achieve this goal, Georgia Tech is implementing cisterns, infiltration systems, rain gardens, bio-retention areas, green roofs, modification and enhancement of existing soils to absorb and hold water and a robust 55% tree canopy coverage across entire campus. In addition, porous paving is used in the walkways, parking areas and plazas; examples of LID practices for rainwater management include, Klaus Atrium Plaza, Gate 10 Bobby Dodd Stadium, Kendeda Building, Woodruff Parking lot, Tech Green Mezzanine, 7 Bridges Plaza and EcoCommons. Furthermore, rain gardens have been installed in Klaus building, Boggs Chemistry Building, MS&E, New Campus Center, EBB, North Avenue Parking Area and Eco-Common (under construction), and the Carbon Neutral Building. We have also implemented 1,406,000 gallons of cisterns to collect rainwater, condensate water, and stormwater runoff for reuse in smart irrigation and toilet flushing on campus. Where possible we try to mimic natural systems once found on site.

To accomplish the stormwater goal, there is a two-pronged strategy. The first part is the establishment of the Eco-Commons to receive and manage stormwater from the whole campus. The second part is the establishment of Ecological Performance Requirements for the campus to ensure that every part of the campus contributes appropriately to stormwater reduction. The Landscape Master Plan Map with Ecological Performance Zones identifies four zones: EcoCommons: Green Building Zone and Green Transfer Zone; Development Zone including Parking and Standard Corridors; and Greek Sector.

Ecological Performance Requirements: Every project on the Georgia Tech campus must meet the performance requirements, which are identified in Chart 4-2 (pg 14) of the Landscape Master Plan

Georgia Tech’s stormwater master plan is meant to be a practical guide for the campus to further itself towards environmental sustainability. Its management policy includes goals, minimum ordinance requirements, and benefit/cost analysis guided the development of the stormwater management plan; additionally, a computer based stormwater model was developed to estimate runoff conditions for the various land use scenarios (i.e. Baseline, Existing, Future)and to test the effectiveness of proposed stormwater management alternatives for future conditions. Currently its main objective proposes to capture and reuse, infiltrate or evaporate the first 1.2” of rainfall. In addition, to treating stormwater as a resource to sustain the campus and reduce the use of potable water for nonpotable uses.

https://facilities.gatech.edu/sites/default/files/2023-05/lmp_final_draft.pdf

https://facilities.gatech.edu/sites/default/files/2023-10/GT_SWMP-%20Basin%20A%20-%20Final_June2013.pdf